Augusta, MI - Fort Custer State Rec. Area

[hydroracer25]

All,

Here are some very important updates for those planning on attending the SO/SO Mar/J-Classes (JH & JR NACs) June 21-22 at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta, MI.

For those who plan on camping with Motorhomes, Vans, Truck, Tents:
This is a state park and you have to reserve a campsite in advance (the park does NOT guarantee they will have sites to book upon arrival). The price is $21/night. All reservations must be made on-line as the park does have any "reserved" sites. As of 10:00pm (May 1st) there are only 35 sites left for June 20 and 21 (Fri. and Sat.) and you must book 2 nights.

Please go to:
http://www.midnrreservations.com/cam...tselection.cfm

and select Fort Custer Recreation Area from the drop down menu and then follow the instructions to make your reservations. The sites are based on vehicle type / motorhome length. The 35 sites available was based on a 35' motorhome. If you have a bigger on than that there may be less sites available. Please don't wait!

In addition to the camping reservations, I've blocked 15 rooms at the Econo Lodge - Kalamazoo West. This hotel in about 12 miles from the race site. The price is $53.99 / night plus tax. This block of rooms and price is only guaranteed through June 7th. The Econo Lodge phone # is: 269-388-3551. Please mention MHRA/Hydroplane races to get the rate and ensure your room. Please don't wait to the last minute as all the other hotels in Kalamazoo are almost completely booked due to sports tournaments in town that weekend.

Now, the good stuff. The village is very excited to have the event. There are a few businesses that are stepping up to make us feel welcome and support the races. Also there will be a permanent conscession stand on site with food throughout the day. We are also having a catered "picnic" style dinner under the pavilion with 3 meats, 1 hot side, 2 cold sides and lemonade/tea. Price will be $10 adults and $7 children 10 and under. Alcohol is not allowed in the park, however we will have a permit for the dinner so you can bring you own. Additionally, there are 2 bars within about 1/2 mile of the park entrance that are really looking forward to having us.

The race is shaping up nice and we really believe this will be MHRA's premier site for race course and pits. Hope you plan on attending!

[Tomtall]

More info on race and site

If you have not considered attending this race yet please do. This is one of the best sites in the country to conduct a powerboat race. The DNR has opened up this lake that has NEVER had this done on it before now. This state park is huge. The lake is protected and the locals are in big support of it. Spectators will be a plenty as the park has large #'s of campers. Well maintained and patroled grounds. I have attached some pic's and maps of this race site that will be happening one week after Constantine Mich. race. As Mark stated trailers may be left at Constatine for returning racers the following week for this race that is only 45 minutes to the north east.

[Tomtall]

Park Map and sites

State park site and spaces.

[17W]

Nice.....

Seems to be a great site.....I'm in!

[Blackhawkguy]

outstanding job!!!!!!!!!!

I whish to thank whoever made this race site possible, I looked into this site over 12 years ago, at that time I knew it was going to be a lot of paper work or getting in touch with the right person to make it happen. As you can see it is an outstanding lake and pit area. It is literaly blow out proof, the day I visited the lake the wind was blowing 35 knots and there was barely a ripple on the water, this is a nationals capable site, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo are only 10 minutes in either direction away. Outstanding job guys.

Kerry

[Skoontz]

Other than APBA schedule, what have you Indiana-Michigan clubs got confirmed for the months of July and August?

BTW, that site looks fantastic!

[Tomtall]

July/Aug. race dates?

Skoontz - Go to this link for that info. http://www.michiganhydroplane.com/schedule.htm

[hydroracer25]

Another piece of information

Since the Augusta, MI - Fort Custer Rec. Area race is one week following the traditional Constantine, MI - Great Lakes Challenge, we've received permission to keep trailers at the Constantine American Legion for the week between the races.

We really want people to attend Augusta as we feel this truly is one of the best race sites around and know with it back to back with Constantine, MI people may feel like they have to choose one or the other due to the rising cost of fuel and tolls. If all goes well this year we will work with the park to try to find a better date for everyone.

We hope that by keeping your trailer at the Legion and reducing fuel/toll cost (as well as improving travel time) it may help a little when considering your race schedule. If you have any questions please let me or Tom Low (tomtall) know. I will be out of the country this week so bare with me if it takes a little time to respond.

Mark

[hydroracer25]

Make those reservations

I've been in touch with the park and things are coming together very nicely. The insurance certificate was just received and the sanction should be up real soon (let's hope it right).

Since the sanction isn't online yet, please remind your friends who may not read HR that camping reservations are going fast, so go online and make them asap.

For the non campers the hotel info is at the beginning of the thread as well. Rooms are blocked until June 7th only.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mark

[jeff55v]

Campsites

I'm looking at the campground map. I wanted to know if anyone can tell me if there is a prefered area you guys are gonna be at. The left "kidney" or the right one? Any particular site numbers to locate next to? (I'd prefer to camp near racers who will have a large and fully stocked cooler. )

[pearson95m]

SAAAA-WEEEET!!! I'm pumped! Looks like a great place to run short course. But i wonder what the marathon will be like? Drag race? I may have to run my short course boat (old glory) for this one.

I really really REALLY wish i could make Constantine. As gootz stated in another post, its a great time.

As Kerry said; great job MHRA for getting this course. It looks like a great place. Plus only 10 min from K-zoo... niiiice!

thanks again mhra for all the hard work. Its nice to have a package of races in michigan and relitivly close with the economy the way it is. I wish i had more time to attend them all this year.

Junior

[Tomtall]

Camp Sites

Jeff -
The camp sites at the state campground are first come first serve. The racers do not have a block reserved per say. The large map of the left and right kindney (in the first posting) is actually upside down from the true park layout. This was a error on the state park web site. That being said, I would say if possible try and reserve on the right side facing east towards the lake (see new attached map). That is a shorter distance getting back to the pits. I still would say a good 1 mile drive from campsite to pits. We will be having a catered dinner on Sat. evening under a tent in the pits so plenty of time to tell war stories,eat and drink.
As far as the marathon course, It will be very similar to Grass Lakes marathon course in size and shape. The lake is larger than it appears in the first pic's I posted.
MHRA looks forward to you coming.