NIDBA driver, Steve Schweizer, Sr. (Single Carb), returns to the boat launch in his 1985 2nd generation Texas Tunnel as the sun sets over Grass Lake. Photo captured at The Mutiny Boat Club (Antioch) by local photographer, Robert Dean. Courtesy of Robert Dean
Blarney Island on Grass Lake is the only location where high-performance drag boat racing takes place every Thursday night all summer. The final race of the season was held on September 1, 2022.
For the drivers, volunteers, and Blarney Island staff who brought the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association's (NIDBA) "Thunder on the Chain" event to life for 14 consecutive weeks, the 2022 season marks another safe and successful summer. Over 30 drivers contributed to the race lineup this year, delivering a consistent, crowd-pleasing show for thousands of spectators.
Fans, friends, and members of the NIDBA crew are invited to join the 2022 Drivers for an end-of-summer celebration at the Port of Blarney Thursday evening, September 8.
NIDBA president, Chris Alby, encourages the community to "come on out and support the drivers!" Drag boats will be on display for photo ops, with merchandise available for purchase. Event details can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram by following @northernillinoisdragboat.
Join the NIDBA in congratulating the following individuals for securing top three in their respective classes:
A full roster and race results can be viewed at https://nidba.net/nidba-race-results.html