Roaring Back out of the Past...
The last time the rumble of powerboats echoed from Windsor, Colorado and more specifically
the beautiful and tranquil setting of Water Valley was in 2007. To put that in perspective, 2007
was the year that Apple launched the first iPhone! The Roar of the Rockies, which started in
2000, had become a favorite stop on the previous Formula One powerboat tours. Fans looked
forward to that unmistakable sound coming from the valley just east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Race teams enjoyed the backdrop of the mountains and the adjacent Pelican Lakes Golf Course which makes the views picture perfect. Each summer, the “Roar” brought curiosity to families that had never seen a powerboat race in the middle of Colorado. It was hard to believe a fleet of race boats could reach over 100 miles an hour and with the LeMans style start, it could be anybody’s race.

 

It became a great community event but drew fans from all over the state. Die-hard, gearheads were the first to get their tickets and t-shirts and from time to time those t-shirts can still be seen being sported around the area.
Windsor’s altitude had always been a challenge for the F1 boats who’s, drivers are used to
running these machines at sea level. The tinkering will begin weeks before the “Roar” as
drivers try to put their “best prop forward” or make engine modifications to handle the altitude
speed deficit. This mastering of the equation only made taking the checkered flag at the
“Roar” even more elusive.
 

In 2007, the 7th year of the Roar of the Rockies, (the race was not held in 2006 due to golf
course construction and development) it was suggested that race promoters re-name the race
after Tim Seebold since he reigned as winner five times. Tim jokingly said, “I’m going to have to move to Windsor, CO. We always run a great race here.” He may not own any property in
Windsor, but he owns the Roar of the Rockies! Since Tim has hung up his race helmet, there is
room for a new dynasty to rule the “Roar.”
 

The Roar of the Rockies is Reloaded for Summer 2019 and fans will be chomping at the bit to
get a glimpse of these boats that had been so elusive over the past 12 years! One thing past
race goers will notice is the increase in development in the area. Water Valley is booming with
growth and Windsor and surrounding communities offer much more in terms of restaurant
options and shopping. Another convenience to the “Roar” is that tickets/parking passes will be
available for purchase online at RoarOfTheRockies.com. The event will feature several classes
of race boats including the sleek, glamorous, and extremely maneuverable Formula 1’s, the
bumping and banging Tri Hull class, and what some call the “mini F1”, Formula Lights. Food
vendors, exhibitors, and entertainment will also be on site to make the fan going experience
more complete. The Roar of the Rockies has been Reloaded in many ways, but the familiar
amazement of the event will remain the same.

 

Past winners of the Roar of the Rockies:
2000 Tim Seebold
2001 Tim Seebold
2002 Tim Seebold
2003 Todd Bowden
2004 Tim Seebold
2005 Jason Campbell
2006 No race was held due to construction
2007 Tim Seebold
 

Additional Info.
Roar of the Rockies sponsors thus far include:
Island Lake Marine & Sports
Grill House at Pelican Lakes
NOCO Islands Event Venue
Pelican Lakes Golf Course & Event Venue
The Sandbar Restaurant
Water Valley
 

The 98th Annual Windsor Harvest Festival will be held Labor Day weekend also with the
Harvest Fest Parade in downtown Windsor on Monday, Sept 2nd.
Windsorharvestfest.com
 

Early Bird General Admission Tickets: roaroftherockies.com
For Sponsorship or Corporate Tent Information contact amiejo@islandlakemarine.com