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The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia

2/14/2026

2009 Clarksville Hydroplane Challenge

Power Boat Racing �Between the Bridges�

Clarksville Economic Development Association (CEDA) P. O. Box 756, Clarksville, VA 23927 434-374-5033 http://www.clarksvillehydroplane.com

   Power boat racing excitement returns on October 3 & 4 to Clarksville, Virginia when race crews from around the country and Canada will take to the waters of Buggs Island Lake/John Kerr Reservoir. The 2009 Dominion Clarksville Hydroplane Challenge marks the sixth year for this power boat race.

   The race course is a mile oval located �between the bridges� at the east end of the Town of Clarksville. Admission is free and spectators may view the race from the Highway 58 Business Bridge and causeway. This road is closed to traffic for the event and provides a spectacular view of the entire race course.

   This year�s race will feature 10 inboard class boats including Grand National Hydroplane, Jersey Speed Skiffs and Super Stock to name a few. There will also be 5 classes of outboard racers. Outboard racing is where many of today�s inboard racers started and learned. Among these outboard classes will be the J-Stock boats or Junior Hydroplanes which allow children ages 9 to 15 to learn to race.

   The 2009 Clarksville Hydroplane Challenge is a family event where spectators are allowed to wander through the parking lot pit area and get close to the boats and talk to the race crews. There will be a boat/motorcycle show also with boat dealers from North Carolina and Virginia on site along with a motorcycle dealer and a display of classic cars.

   There will be food vendors on site. Spectators should bring their own chairs and sun protection. The race will be broadcast on an FM frequency within the racing area. Spectators will be able to listen to the race broadcast on headsets or radios. Watching the big cranes put the boats in and out of the water is as much fun as watching the race.

   If two full days of racing are not enough entertainment, Harvest Days Festival will be taking place in downtown Clarksville the same weekend. Arts and crafts, food vendors, and entertainment line the streets of town, where a variety of shops and restaurants offer more opportunities for the whole family to enjoy your visit to Clarksville. We hope to see you in Clarksville on October 3 &4 for racing excitement!!!

   For additional information please go to our website www.clarksvillehydroplane.com or contact the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at 434-374-2436.

Contributed By Carol A. Brown
Ed and Carol Brown own and operate Southside Marine & Auto in Clarksville, VA. Their website: www.southsidemarineandauto.com