Sun Sets on 2022 Drag Boat Racing Season at Blarney Island
Blarney Island on Grass Lake is the only location where high-performance drag boat racing takes place every Thursday night all summer. The final race of the season was held on September 1, 2022.
For the drivers, volunteers, and Blarney Island staff who brought the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association's (NIDBA) "Thunder on the Chain" event to life for 14 consecutive weeks, the 2022 season marks another safe and successful summer. Over 30 drivers contributed to the race lineup this year, delivering a consistent, crowd-pleasing show for thousands of spectators.
Fans, friends, and members of the NIDBA crew are invited to join the 2022 Drivers for an end-of-summer celebration at the Port of Blarney Thursday evening, September 8.
NIDBA president, Chris Alby, encourages the community to "come on out and support the drivers!" Drag boats will be on display for photo ops, with merchandise available for purchase. Event details can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram by following @northernillinoisdragboat.
Join the NIDBA in congratulating the following individuals for securing top three in their respective classes:
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
1. Mike Valenti
2. Kim Szlak
3. Jason Tuhy
Pro Sport
1. Jack Stanaszek
2. Kristian Kozan
3. Larry Gempp, Jr.
Lake Racer Outboard
1. Kristian Kozan
2. Dillon Poole
3. Gail Naughton
Outlaw
1. George Girten
2. Dillon Poole
3. Kristian Kozan
Pro Gas
1. Chris Alby
2. Larry Gempp, Sr.
3. Kristian Kozan
Lake Racer Inboard
1. Steve Schweizer, Jr.
2. Colleen Callahan
3. Adam Silverstein
Single Carb
1. Ron Silverstein
2. Brandon Callahan
3. Steve Schweizer, Sr.
Multi Carb
1. John Groth
2. Ron Silverstein
3. Steve Schweizer, Sr.
Open
1. Jeff Mattson
2. Ron Silverstein
3. John Groth
Unlimited
1. Rick Cortino
2. Tom Culhane
3. Darryl Olandese
A full roster and race results can be viewed at https://nidba.net/nidba-race-results.html