Drag Racing in Boats Returns to Cedar Rapids This Summer

Get ready for the return of the roar on the river.

The Cedar Boat Club announced today that after a couple of years off, the Fire on the River Boat Drags will be back in Ellis Harbor in Cedar Rapids later this summer.

According to an event posted by the Cedar Boat Club, the Fire on the River Boat Drags will be a bracket-style series of races that will follow the rules of the Upper Midwest Powerboat Association. Races will be held on an 800-foot course. The finish line will be directly in front of the stands where the Five Seasons Ski Team hosts its events every Thursday night through August, as well as on other select dates. You can see the ski team's list of 2022 events here, which includes shows on both Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4.

The Fire on the River Boat Drags will be held at Ellis Harbor beginning at noon on Saturday, August 27. The Cedar Boat Club says that in the past they've had as many as 30 boats compete with speeds reaching more than 100 miles per hour. Here's one race from eight years ago:

This video from the following year, 2015, lets you sit behind the driver as he roars down the harbor.

Information for drivers, as well as rules, will be forthcoming. You can watch this page for more details as they become available.

We'll also keep our fingers crossed for the return of the Cedar Boat Club's July 3rd fireworks at Ellis Park in 2023. Just to be clear, they are not happening this year.