While the annual St. Clair River Classic event outside Detroit isn’t one of the Offshore Powerboat Association’s rougher races, it is—thanks to the small city of St. Clair and its residents—one of its most popular among competitors and fans. Yesterday’s contest attracted 30 boats across 10 classes and big crowds to watch the action.

On the inside, Hangin’ N Bangin’ claimed first in the always competitive Class 7 ranks. Photos courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Proving once again to be OPA’s most popular category, Class 7 saw seven entries in the calm water event. The Hangin’ N Bangin’ team of John Hughes, P.J. Kennedy and Justin Rose prevailed over the competition in their 21-foot, outboard engine-powered Redline V-bottom, with The Punisher and Wicked Racing finishing second and third.

In Class 6, the Liquid Addiction trio of Tim Vanderberg, Andy Brizendine and Jeff Kip Mueller in their 24-foot Carrera hull outdueled the ever-competitive Smith Brothers/CRC team, which claimed second place. The Sale N Buy team finished third.

With seven and five boats in their respective fields, those were the largest classes in the St. Clair contest. The next largest categories were Class 5, which saw the Specialized Racing Team best three other teams to take the checkered flag, and the four-boat Super Vee Lite class in which Done Deal claimed first place.

For more action from the 2018 OPA St. Clair River Classic, check out the slideshow above.

The Super Stock Class saw three entries. The Shadow Pirate team of Nick Scafidi and Scott Porta took first place, with FJ Propeller and Foam All taking claiming second and third.

In the event’s two-team turnouts, Ammo Camo beat American Outlaw in Class 4, Wazzup bested Strictly Business in Class 3. Running uncontest to victory in their categories were the Bat Boat team in Class 2, Boatfloater.com in Super Vee Xtreme and AMH Construction in SuperCat.

For complete results and current season points standings as they become available, visit the OPA website.

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