Outboard Nationals making a splash in Wakefield

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield — The American Power Boat Association is off to the races with Tuesday’s start of the national competition on Sunday Lake.

It was a good day for one long-time racer who has been part of the sport for 71 years.

Andy Hansen, age 80, took second place in the 200 Modified Runabout division, losing only to Kelsey Bennett of St. Augustine, Florida, who came in first. Timing of the race was not recorded as Hansen said the only point was to see who reached the finish line first.

“It felt really good,” said Hansen, looking fit, happy and relaxed after his accomplishment.

He started racing when he was nine years old. “My father was a racer so he got me started,” he said, adding that his two sons now are third generation racers.

Both of them were with him: Bruce Hansen of Hawaii, who also was racing, and Michael Hansen of New York, who was present to assist as needed.

All three men have been national champions — Andy most recently in 2017. Andy also has been in the racing Hall of Fame four times and often results as a high-point winner.

He was expecting to compete again in the Hydroplane division yesterday, using one of the boats he’s built himself.

“There are several hundred of us here and from all over the United States,” said Hansen while standing in Eddy Park, which was overflowing with trailers and boats. The men speculated that Canadian racers also were present, as well as one person from Ecuador.

Bruce Hansen, who jokingly referred to his dad as the “grand marshal” of the event, said, “He’s out there proving that age is just a number.”

He said the family is familiar with the region.

“We love Wakefield,” said Bruce Hansen. “We were both here 43 years ago when they ran the first time (here in 1980). We like the race course, the park, and the local community is so supporting and inviting.”

Pre-Race Chairman Brian Rhodes of Winneconne, Wisconsin, grinned broadly as he reported that the first day of races had gone “really, really well,” given “beautiful weather” and a “welcoming” atmosphere.

The APBA Stock, Modified and Junior Outboard Nationals will continue through Saturday. Public use of the lake is forbidden during that time.

Admission to the races is free and concessions will be available. Friday and Saturday will include a small craft show. Races may run to 6 p.m. each day, but also may close earlier depending on the weather and other factors.

Asked his advice to beginning racers, Andy Hansen kept it simple: “Spend a lot of time testing. That’s what it’s all about.”