LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB Fox 41)---It is a big weekend full of hydroplane racing at the Madison Regatta.
"It's an exciting sport. Over the past ten years or so it's gotten more competitive," says Tim Armstrong, a Madison resident attending the event.
Fans travel from all over to see the races at the Madison Regatta...
"The crowd, meet new people, the speed of the boats. The action. There was some really good action last year," says Stephen McPeak, from Lebanon, Indiana.
Two different crashes last year had people talking.
A hydroplane struck a rescue boat, injuring several people.
Officials say this year, they had more safety meetings to prepare for the races.
"Heavy objects flying at 200 miles an hour around the race course and there's a lot of safety people on the water so we're taking every precaution we can to ensure everybody's safety...both on the water and on shore," says Herb Parker, President of the Madison Regatta.
The Milton-Madison bridge also had an impact on the races this year.
The course was moved about 600 feet.
"Because of our new bridge construction, we had to shift the course a little farther than we intended to," says Herb Parker.
While the races were still the main attraction, it was the heat that really grabbed fans attention this year.
"It's actually a smaller crowd than it was last year which I'm sure is because of the heat. I figured it would be like that this year," says Stephen McPeak.
Finding shade and water was a priority for fans.
"As long as you stay hydrated and drink a lot of water, I think you'll be okay," says Tim Armstrong.
"Iced towel on my neck and a lot of water. And there's a mist thing over there. You go and get in there every now and then," says Sherri Cole, a Madison resident attending the event.
Organizers expected 65,000 to 70,000 people at the Madison Regatta this weekend. The races continue on Sunday.
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