Partnership Revives Popular Outboard Racing Series

PHOTO: Former APBA National Champion and South Shore Outboard member Bobby Howe from Richmond, Maine will be competing in the Granite State Title Series. The series returns to New Hampshire for the first time since 2015.

WOLFEBORO — In partnership with the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), the South Shore Outboard Association (SSOA) will host the Granite State Title Series, a revival of a popular outboard racing series that last took place in 2015.
“This will be a fun time for people of all ages,” said SSOA Events Coordinator Steve Noury, who said the series will present ten different classes of racing.
“Classes are determined by engine horsepower and boat size,” he said.
The series starts in Milton, NH at the Town’s Recreation Department Summer Kick – Off Celebration on June 5 – 6.

Other series events include the Kingston Sprint Cup Invitational on September 25 – 26. Hosted by the Kingston Children’s Center, the event will include eight drivers selected from around the country as a racing tribute to legends of the sport from the golden era of the 1960s and 70s.
“Spectators will be able to watch motorboats powered by the iconic Mercury 20H racing engine that was introduced in 1959,” said Noury. “These boats can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. It’s a lot of fun for families and people of all ages to watch.”
At each event, drivers will compete on an approximate 3/4-mile rectangular race course. Racing will be held in a two heat format with each heat consisting of three laps around the course.
Drivers will be scored on their finishing position in each heat, while the driver who scores the most total points for the two heats will be declared the winner.
“In the event of a tie in points,” added Noury, “the tie-breaker will be determined by the driver with the fastest elapsed time around the race course for both heats.”
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and all drivers will receive National points for their finishes. With these points earned, drivers are ranked nationally by the American Power Boat Association with a National Hi Point Champion declared at the end of the racing season.

As for their participation in the Granite State Title Series, NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings said they are thrilled to help promote the sport.
“It’s a natural fit for us, because we are committed to promoting all aspects of boating, including the lifestyle and Lakes culture,” she said.
At the series events, NHBM will feature a vintage boat display.
“We will have staff and volunteers there who can answer questions about what we do, including our Millie B boat rides on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer,” explained Cummings. “We hope our collaboration with SSOA can get people excited about what we do, too.”
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways.
In addition to co-promoting one another through their respective programs, NHBM will offer free admission to SSOA members in 2021. To learn more about NHBM, visit nhbm.org.
Founded in 1951 on the South Shore of Massachusetts and now headquartered in Kingston, NH, SSOA is the largest racing club in New England. To learn more, visit southshoreoutboard.com.