Races on Lake Are Opposed

The Irvine Co. remains opposed to drag boat racing at Irvine Lake in the face of a request by promoters for permission from Orange County officials to resume racing there, a company spokesman said Saturday.

“Nothing has happened to change our position,” said Ron Hooven, commercial land lease manager of the Irvine Co. “We reviewed the matter and decided that, due to our overall experience with drag boats, all racing would be banned.” He said there have been no meetings with Irvine Boat and Tackle recently.

The county Planning Commission revoked permits for racing on the lake after an accident took the life of a 9-year-old spectator last April.

Cites Safety Measures

Douglas Elliott and Bill Andrews, owners of Irvine Boat and Tackle, will go before the commission on Aug. 19 to seek a new permit. Elliott said he hopes proposed new safety precautions which include a fence around the entire course, strengthened by a 3/4-inch steel cable, will sway the commissioners’ minds.

“I don’t think that anyone can say, ‘Yes, that will prevent accidents.’ I don’t have a crystal ball,” Elliott said. “But these are innovative safety features that you won’t find at any other racecourse. I think we’re probably the safest drag boat racing organization in the country.”

However, even if the Planning Commission reinstated the permit, Elliott would have to get permission from the Irvine Co., owners of the lake-front property which was leased to Irvine Boat and Tackle for races. The firm banned all drag boat racing on May 3.

Elliott said he would meet with the Irvine Co. if the Planning Commission gives its approval. He said he feels confident the extra precautions will make the difference.

Brandy Branchflower of Burbank was killed on April 21 when a powerboat’s steering failed and sent it careening out of control into a crowd of spectators at about 45 m.p.h. Additionally, two drivers were killed in 1983 and 1984, and five people have been injured in other accidents.

Elliott said the girl was in a group of spectators who were standing too close to an area about 400 yards beyond the finish line when the accident occurred. “They were far too close,” he said. “I have no idea how they got there.”