Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and the sixth largest lake in the world. Lake Michigan is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide, with 1,660 miles of shoreline consisting largely of sand and pebble beaches. Lake Michigan averages 279 feet deep and reaches 925 feet at its deepest part.

The Lucas Oil Team tests extensively in a lake near Daytona, so is well prepared for the differences in setting up a boat for fresh water as opposed to salt water. The race in Milwaukee, following the successful stadium-style racing format that APBA has adopted, will run entirely within the breakwater and provide action packed fun right in front of the fans. Over 77 race boats are anticipated to compete for this Great Lakes title race.

With fourteen points currently separating fourth position from seventh position (No. 7 Lucas Oil Scarab) in the National standings, the competition is razor sharp. A top three finish would most likely move the Lucas Oil team up three places. "A little luck wouldn't hurt this season", joked Nigel Hook, Captain of the Lucas Oil Team. "We've shown we have speed and we've finished every race so far, but the points standings don't reflect our capability". He went on to add, "Things are looking up and we've brought a couple new product sponsors into the sport since the last race".

The Lucas Oil Team will be looking a little stretched in Milwaukee with a new conversion to the 2003 GMC Sierra Tow Vehicle. The Alton Company has performed a show-quality custom conversion to add anther row of doors, making it a six door dually. This not only enhances the ride with a longer wheel base, but also enables the whole team to climb aboard. In addition, Bully Dog has sponsored the team by providing extra engine power to the indestructible GMC Duramax 6.6 diesel.

This was all arranged between the Savannah and Milwaukee races, thanks to Tony Wiese, the team navigator. "With GMC being the official tow vehicle of the APBA Offshore PRO Series, it's only fitting that the team "stretch" their dually a little more and really show the versatility of the big GMC truck," Tony explained. "The new 6-door is truly a one of a kind show stopper. Bully Dog has also helped the team pump up the power of the big DURAMAX diesel. With the new 4-inch diameter exhaust system and a power chip, the Bully Dog system can be run in regular mode at plus 70hp mode or plus 140hp."

While making this happen, Tony also took the opportunity to tour the GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant that makes the incredible 8100 Vortec engines that power most of the race boats in the APBA Offshore. More details on that will be in written by Mr. Wiese in the next edition of Race Boat International.

Again, thanks to Tony, the team will be staying as guests of the Country Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Waukesha. This elegant hotel is the official hotel of the Lucas Oil Offshore Race Team for the Milwaukee race. Situated on 40 acres of countryside 20 miles from downtown Milwaukee, the Country Inn Hotel and Conference Center has established a reputation for quality hospitality and is one of the most popular social and business venues in the area..

The main event will be at noon on Sunday, August 10th. The following race in the GMC Pro Grade National Series will be in Sarasota, FL the weekend of August 23 - 24.