High water on the Ohio River caused cancellation of qualifying on Friday and kept anxious race teams from putting their boats in the water until 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. After dropping another 4.5 feet overnight, the river dropped nearly another foot after 8 a.m creating the need to move several cranes and creating a five-hour delay on race day.

Once everything was set the Thunderboats and the Unlimited Lights went to work fitting in five qualifying sessions and a final in one heavy afternoon of racing.

Alabama’s Charlie Wiggins drove High Pressure to victory in the Unlimited Light competition. Randy Haas of Ohio finished second to Miss Leroi with Bo Schide Third in Alamo.

Thunder Festival officials, who gave the even a new look this year were able to raise $ 150,000 from the community and sold well over their goal of 30,000 $ 5 buttons a full day before the event.

The success of this years event secured the hydroplane races for at least one more year according to Thunder Festival President Mike Ball.

“With the community and corporate support, this event will go on for years to come,” said Ball.