In April 30 Issue
By Kim Graham
Times Journal Reporter

At last week's Russell County Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Ron Polli, President of Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS), announced that officials have signed a two year contract with the association to hold Lake Cumberland Grand Prix again in 2010.

"We are looking forward to coming back for many years to come," Polli said. "It's a spectacular place, the people love it and I'm sure our racers are going to love it."

A two year agreement between OSS and Lake Cumberland Association, sets the 2010 venue for Lake Cumberland Grand Prix in the Somerset area. The 2010 race course is designated to begin in the Waitsboro area near Beaver Creek and Burnside Lake Cumberland Association President, J.D. Hamilton said.

"I think rotating the race location will help the promotion of the event because you get people around the lake engaged," said Hamilton. "Drivers like having a different course to run and it changes the venue to keep it interesting for spectators as well."

He said in 2010, Race Village, the race team showcase and base of operations, will be located at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

"The whole idea of the race is to promote Lake Cumberland in general," said Hamilton. "I think it's just a great example of what we can do when we all work together."

Director of Russell County Tourism John Carter said the race will require a lake-wide effort in part because no single county in this area has the accommodations to handle an event of this size.

Race officials estimate about 30,000 visitors to attend the event.

It will take all five counties around the lake to house all the folks coming in and Carter said.

 "We will support the race wherever it is on the lake," said Carter. "As long as it's on Lake Cumberland, Russell County Tourism will be behind it."

This year's race has been met with tremendous support across county lines throughout the Lake Cumberland community.

Event director, Hilda Legg said the 2009 race has received overwhelming response from local governments, tourism organizations and volunteers.

Russell County and Pulaski County Fiscal Courts have donated $5,000 each toward the event while the Wayne County Fiscal Court has contributed $2,500.

"We've met with so many people who are so anxious to help out," said Polli. "It really gives us a warm feeling of being very welcome into the area."