Dayton
It all starts in the pits: We launch our boats from the "hot pits" in the water, pulling starter ropes by hand. Most Modified engines do not use electric starters.
Above, crew members wait for the starter's flag to launch Davey Jones and Shawn Weber in Formula E Modified Runabout. Davey runs a stock-appearing engine with cowling and a starting rope on a recoil that he pulls from the cockpit. Shawn's engine uses a starting plate on top of the block -- note the man in the middle holding a rope already coiled around the plate.
Ignition: Steve Dunn has just "roped" Terry Witham, 5-H, Indianapolis, Indiana, and the 30-cubic-inch Mercury engine on Witham's C Modified Runabout begins its climb to 9,000 rpm and 70 mph.
On course: Moments later, Witham leads a pack of C Mod Runabouts out of the second turn.
Teamwork: The Mason Racing Team of Battle Creek, Michigan is ready to launch its D Mod Hydro drivers, David Mason, 38-M, and Shaun O'Leary, 13-M.
In the battle: D Mod Hydro drivers duel through the second turn, led by Eric VanOver, 26-S, Fairfield, Ohio and Terry Witham, 5-H, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Light 'em up! 25 Mod Hydro competitors Pat Reagin, Walt Slominski, Tom Morrical and Tim Morrical share space and crew as the race begins.
Leaving the pits: Shawn Brill and Dave Brightman launch the C Modified Hydro of Greg Herkenhine, 40-S, Kettering, Ohio.
Charging the starting line: C Mod Hydros at full throttle, pushing 70-plus mph. How did they get started? Someone pulled the rope.