Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series

Richard Zowie

The Highlander

Bryan Sanders of Houston calls it as “quite a rush” and “hard to describe,” while Daryl Ehrlick of Round Rock says it is “terror and pleasure at the same time.”

Sanders and Ehrlick are drivers in the 2017 LakeFest Drag Boat Races, today through Sunday, Aug. 11-13,

the 26th year of the races. Both will be driving Top Fuel Hydroplane boats. Ehrlick’s is called “Problem Child.”

By Christi Bertelson

Highland Lakes Newspapers

Scott Lumbert is showing signs of progress after injuries sustained during the boat races at LakeFest on Sunday, Aug. 14, according to his wife Lynn.

“Scott is showing progress; it is baby steps and we still have a long road, but we are celebrating each success,” said Lynn via social media.

“Today they did a tracheotomy, hoping to wean him off the ventilator gradually over time. Scott, being the strong man he is, is breathing on his own right off the start.

“I wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers. You all are amazing, Please continue with all the prayers. Because of your prayers and support, I know Scott and I are not facing this journey alone. Thank you.”

By Lew K. Cohn

and Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Water will be spraying hard and fast when drag boats zip across Lake Marble Falls this weekend during the 25th annual LakeFest, but it will be hard for pilots not to be reminded the tragic accident that claimed the life of veteran racer Mike Fry last year.

A tribute was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, to remember Fry and honor his fellow drivers. The festival kicks off in earnest today, Friday, Aug. 12, with qualifying rounds starting at 9 a.m. and continuing into the afternoon.

Competitors and fans alike especially will miss that one entry not in this year's field. Fry, pilot of the Meanstreak II, a Top Alcohol Hydro (TAH) boat, died around 10:30 a.m on Aug. 9, 2015, after his boat disintegrated at the end of a run.