Action and adventure at Jet Boat World Series in the mid-valley

 Oregon Jet Sprint Boat race

Photo courtesy of Oregon Jet Sprint

Adrenalin junkies, head to the mid-valley this weekend for the biggest race of the year. The World Series of Jet Sprint Boat Racing comes to Oregon this year at the Global Jet Sprint Facility just outside Lebanon, from Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1.

Racing teams from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and all over the U.S. are flying in to compete for top honors in this high-speed sport that’s not for the faint of heart.

Just how challenging is it? Picture a body of water just 12 feet wide and and filled with hairpin turns. Add lightweight boats powered by 1,000-horsepower engines rocketing through at 80 miles per hour, and you’ve got a Nascar-style sport that’s pure excitement.

This year’s races are held at the brand new Global Jet Sprint Facility (36280 Airport Road, Lebanon OR), a change from previous years, when races were held in Tangent, Oregon. Organizers say the new location makes for easier viewing for the spectators–an important factor this year, as 2,000+ visitors are expected to come watch the World Series.

Camping is available on-site for visitors who want to attend all three days of races. Children are welcome to attend with their parents. Tickets, camping information and details are available on the website of the Oregon Jet Sprint Association, www.oregonjetsprint.com.