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Two Great Events, One Fun Weekend for Motorsport and Powerboat Race Fans in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Elizabeth City 300 National Truck & Tractor Pull: June 1-2
International Cup Regatta: June 2-3
For the June 1-2 event, gates open at 5 p.m., and the pulls start at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets, available at area Duck Thru stores, are $12. Tickets at the gate are $15 and free for kids under 6. Visit mcttp.com for information.
(Elizabeth City, N.C., May 22, 2012) – Motorsport and powerboat race fans will have the best of both worlds when Elizabeth City, N.C. hosts the Elizabeth City 300 National Truck & Tractor Pull, June 1-2, and the International Cup Regatta, June 2-3.
"We've got two great sports events over the course of one weekend in Elizabeth City," said Charlotte Underwood, director of the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECACVB). "For motorsport and powerboat race fans, it just doesn't get any better than this!"
Drawing more than 3,500 weekend spectators to Morgan's Corner Pulling Park, north of Elizabeth City on Highway 158, the annual Elizabeth City 300 National Truck & Tractor Pull features powerful vehicles and dirt-grinding action. Modified trucks and tractors are weighed and assigned a class before the competition begins. Then, the grandstand rumbles as drivers reach tire speeds of over 150 mph pulling a weight transfer machine, or sled, along a 300-foot track. For each class, the vehicle that pulls the weight the furthest is the winner.
Sponsored by Duck Thru Food stores, the Elizabeth City 300 is wildly popular according to organizer Phil Johnson, who said both drivers and fans are dedicated to the sport.
"Many participants spend their weekends traveling to compete in these events," said Johnson. "In Elizabeth City, our sponsors make our event possible, but the competitors and fans make it all worthwhile."
Ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations and local schools. Last year, the Albemarle Food Bank, Salvation Army, Benjamin House and public school systems in Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Elizabeth City/Pasquotank, Gates and Perquimans counties were the collective recipients of a little over $11,000 in donations, said Johnson.
International Cup Regatta
Admission for spectators is free.
The competition will take place June 2-3 from 10 am. to 5 p.m. Spectators can observe the action from Elizabeth City's Waterfront Park and along the Camden causeway
First held in 1954, the International Cup Regatta draws nationally-ranked powerboat competitors from throughout the United States, who race across the Pasquotank River at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Taking place on an oval course, the powerboats, also called hydroplanes, time their five-minute warm-up period to reach the starting line at full speed when the race starts. Then racers go four laps, counter clockwise, around the course for a total of five miles. Each driver races in two qualifying heats, with the best time declared the winner for that day.
To help families understand and enjoy the sport, an "Inboard Hydroplane Racing Spectator's Guide," can be downloaded at http://inboardhydroplanes.com. The guide advises what to bring (umbrellas, lawn chairs, things to do between races) and a helpful "how-to-watch-the-race" primer.
The competition will take place June 2-3 from 10 am. to 5 p.m. Spectators can observe the action from Elizabeth City's Waterfront Park and along the Camden causeway. A live announcer will relay information about the races, and there will be concessions and music. For information, go to carolinacupregatta.com. Admission for spectators is free.