Race Format

The Pepsi Racing Power Cup Challenge presented by River City Racin’ is a two-day hydroplane racing event on South Dakota’s Missouri River in Chamberlain-Oacoma. The race is divided into separate qualifying heats per individual boat classes, where the goal is to make the final heat and vie for points and purse money.

The Missouri River track is a 1 1/4 mile “liquid oval” with naturally sloping riverbanks. The course is situated in a bowl that creates a perfect acoustic stadium, enhancing the roar of the watercraft. The area’s open, unobstructed views create the perfect environment for excitement at every turn.

About Hydroplane Racing

The powerful boats at River City Racin’ are hydroplanes, which are propelled by 'hydroplaning' on the water’s surface.

During the race, boat pilots push their racing boats to the extreme by controlling the amount of air funneling under the boat to get it to “lift” out of the water, reducing friction and increasing speed. This process forces the boat to “fly” above the water on a cushion of air – a controlled hydroplane. If boats don’t get enough air, it can create drag, which slows the boat; if they get too much, the air can pick up the boat like a kite, causing it to flip in the air.

River City Racin’ introduced the concept of “heat bursts,” providing more on-the-water action and less down-time between heats.

For more information, view the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association’s (ULHRA) official hydroplane racing rules.