While registration hasn’t opened for Elite Poker Runs LLC’s Grand Island Poker Run, Sept. 9-10, in Buffalo, N.Y., organizer Tony Scioli is “seriously exploring” the possibility of adding a top-speed shootout to the inaugural event. To that end, he’s reached out to Devin Wozencraft of Wozencraft Insurance, as well as shootout organizers and safety people.

“The Buffalo Launch Club, the venue for the Grand Island Poker run, used to host an antique boat show where they showcased vintage performance boats,” said Scioli. “One year, they invited members of WNYOPA to bring their boats and do a drive-by with the antique boats. People couldn’t stop talking about how awesome it was. I kept envisioning what a great place it would be to watch an event.”

Scioli was inspired to consider adding a shootout by an event that blended contemporary and classic performance boats at the Buffalo Launch Club—the host venue for the upcoming Grand Island Poker Run—a couple of years ago. Photo courtesy/copyright Old Boats Buffalo Facebook Page.

Scioli estimated that approximately 10 percent of the 60 boats he expects to register for the Grand Island Poker Run would participate in the shootout, but he emphasized that he’s still in the “very early” planning stages. If the shootout is added, it will happen on Friday, the day before the poker run.

“We’d do it Friday when there’s less traffic on the water,” he said. “Whether or not it happens will boil down to insurance and the Coast Guard. I’ve already talked to a few safety people, but I have a lot more work to do on the safety asset end as well.

“I hope it can happen, but if it doesn’t happen this year because we don’t have enough time to get it together it’s going to happen at one of my events next year,” he added. “I’m determined to do one.”

Also organized by Elite Poker Runs LLC, the Erie Poker Run June 10-11 currently has 30 boats registered. Scioli said is he is expecting a number of last-minute registrations for the event, which is in its second year. Registration for the Grand Island Poker Run will open later this month.

Related stories
Erie Poker Run Subsidizing Travel-Lifts for Launch and Retrieval
An Erie Hunch
Elite Poker Runs Finalizes 2016 Schedule