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An Annual Migration West Across I-80
Every July an annual migration occurs along the busy corridor of US Interstate 80. This migration begins just east of South Bend, Indiana and ends just west of LaSalle / Peru, Illinois. While this three and half hour journey is perhaps not as important or beautiful, as say the annual migration of Canadian Geese or Sockeye Salmon, it is nonetheless a recurring annual event that attracts hundreds.
The journey typically begins late afternoon on a Sunday during the third or sometimes fourth Sunday of July. One or maybe two vehicles pulling boat racing trailers depart the parking lot of American Legion 223 in Constantine, Michigan to start the journey south along peaceful state highway 31 until it merges into the bustling and some time tumultuous Interstate 80 west. Gradually, the tempo increases, as more and more trailers make the journey up-the-hill from the Lake and begin their trips west. Some will stop for gas or a bit to eat. Others will drive straight through the night. Along the way, teams will recap the weekends racing and formulate the “to do” list that must be completed in order to race the following weekend. A few may call long distance to Italy to order much needed parts, in hopes that these can clear customs and arrive at Paul Bosnich’s house, just in time to save the day. The teams travel singly, in pairs or in caravans. The following day, a surprisingly large legion of fans will also follow in their motor homes and rented cars.
Sometimes it feels that the race to DePue is more important than the races just completed. And why not? At the other end are the coveted, best pit spots!! A short delay could mean the difference between a prime piece of real estate near the water and long trip across the field and down to the water. Of course, there are some that forsake the grand race in Constantine in order to secure the most prime pits spots. We forgive these misguided soles, as most have driven a long, long ways from the far western United States. In their bored delirium, they do not realize that in just another three hours they could smell burning methanol, hear the screaming Alkies and witness the best show on water.
DePue, Illinois has hosted more PRO Nationals and perhaps simply more boat racing nationals than any other town in the US. It is simply the capitol of Alky racing. To win in DePue is the ultimate goal of every competitor in late July. Even as the first trailers begin to arrive Sunday evening in DePue, the local fans are greeting the race teams and inquiring as to the results of the weekend’s racing in Constantine. It is always an energy boost to turn the curve and to see the Welcome to DePue sign that features a racing boat.
There is a sense that you arrived home for the summer, as you pass the closed zinc mine, go over the railroad tracks, turn right at Casey’s and turn into the pits on the left. In just a short time, the Sunday night (Monday morning) peacefulness will be interrupted by the screams of VRP’s, Rossi’s, Konigs, Yamato’s, Konny’s, Loopers and the thump, thump of the antiques racing across Lake DePue.
DePue is one the smallest towns that I have been to in my life, but it has a big heart. The people are warm and welcoming. And they simply love the boat racing and the people who travel from all over the country to see then each year. And this year, they were again rewarded with a hometown victory, as Paulie Bosnich overcame significant adversity to hold-on in the final heat, as he secured a very popular win 125cc runabout over a field of boats stacked with talented drivers and equipment. And feel certain that with this win, the attraction between the town and the Alkies is even further strengthened.
See you next July.
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