Wake the Dog drag boat racing returns to Pascagoula River despite parts shortage and high fuel prices

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Drag boat racers made waves at Moss Point Riverfront Park as the 12th annual Wake the Dog racing competition returned to the Pascagoula River on Saturday.

Dozens of outboard drag boats took to the Pascagoula River for a series of 660-foot double-elimination races. But this year, fewer racers than ever took to the water.

Shane Stovall, a boat racer for 28 years, attributed the poor turnout to both the low availability of race motor parts, and to nationwide financial strain.

“When gas is four and five dollars a gallon, it makes things hard on people that live week to week. But I think if you start getting some more parts available and start getting those gas prices down, you’ll see more people participating,” Stovall said.

The Wake the Dog boat races continue at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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