THE sound of thunder will bring the water-starved Lake Albert to life on the weekend with the inaugural Thunder on the Lake Circuit Race.
The competition, likely to draw 30 boats from as far as Sydney and Melbourne, will mark the first time circuit racing has taken place on the lake in nearly two decades.
Low water levels have seen various boating events be cancelled over the years, but recent rains and a partnership with Hume Boat Club will see Wagga Boat Club host the event to kick start boating season in the city. The event starts with “Tinnies and Testing” on Saturday, before boats capable of topping 160km/h race around the 1.5km course on Sunday.
Racing veteran Denis O’Brien will return to competition after making his debut on Lake Albert in the early ‘60s. Mr O’Brien was one of the driving forces behind the competition, frustrated boats were sitting idle in the club. Boat Club commodore Mick Henderson said the event had been long-awaited and it “shows we’re moving forward”.
