MADISON, Ind.--The Ohio River with the help of Mother Nature's rains throughout Northern Kentucky this past week stopped the Madison Regatta Indiana Governor's Cup final day of qualifying in its track Saturday. 

At approximately 4:35 p.m. EDT, the Madison Regatta and ABRA officials agreed that the debris in the river was diminishing from earlier reconnaissance trips but it was still not good enough to get the boats in the water for the second day of qualifying and testing for Sunday’s race. MORE

By Joe McCord 

The daily drivers meeting was held this morning for the running of tomorrows Indiana Governors Cup here in Madison, Indiana. Several items were discussed, one being the tight racing lanes here on this narrow two mile course. Several drivers were concerned about rookie David Bryant being in lane 3 or 4. Bryant has been given the ok by ABRA officials to fight for which lane he wants to come to. Several drivers expressed that the lanes here are really tight and he needs to be made very aware that he must hold his lane.

Officials discussed the issue of debris. "The debris jam is up stream" stated Ralph Baker, cheif refferee for this weekends race. "Yeah, it's up river alright" quipped Dave Villwock. "Everything is being done to make sure that all debris will be out of the water. We are in contact with the Corp of Engineers at Markland Dam, and they have assured us that what we have out there now is all there is," stated Sam Cole ABRA Cheif. 

On the subject of qualifying,, Dr Ken Muscatel asked as well as Greg Hopp and Fred Leland,"What are we going to do about qualifying? I mean we have not qualified and it was not our fault the crane broke?" Refering to the crane that became disabled while handling the U6 Oh Boy! Oberto yesterday. "Bob Hughes, whose plan they use here in Madison will work that out and let you know." Said Baker. "Are we going to go back to the old plan?" asked Villwock. "NO WAY!" stated Hughes. 

There will be four boats on the front line and two trailers for the running of the race this weekend. "You will have to pick your lane by the exit of turn two and hold that lane until the exit of turn one." Baker stated. "Sam Cole will be in the air in turn one to make sure that this is followed." 

The dash for cash is still scheduled to be held this afternoon. The top four boats from last years national high points will be in that dash. 

Steve David and Bob Hughes joked that they brought extra bouys for this weekend. David said, " I hope you like the green and red colors we have them painted."

Baker stated that it is hot today. "If you get thirsty, then your past be hydrated. Please, please stay hydrated. We are going to have the hottest day of the year here. Dr Ken you have anything to add?" "What the heck do I know, I am a psycologist" joked Muscatel.