So, you are heading to the holy land in which they call Indian River for the first time and are really not sure what you are getting yourself into. There’s two cases here: one of your good friends talked you into heading up for the weekend to watch the races because there is nothing like 40 C runabouts starting at the same time headed for the first right hander or someone convinced you to race it in a borrowed rig (Note: this is how the marathon addiction begins). If one of these pertains to you, keep reading. I’ll try to cover all the bases here: things you will need, things you can see, and things you must do.
First off, congratulations. You are about to embark on a journey that is like no other. Indian River is a special place, no matter the time of year the town is beautiful. So let's cover the things you will need if you are racing the world's toughest outboard race for the first time. If you are borrowing a boat, you can probably skip this section because the owner of the rig should have everything ready unless you are borrowing from us, then you might want a second opinion on some of the things we set you up with (kidding….). If you haven’t done so, inspect your boat. Look for any soft spots, loose stringers, or holes. By the time you're in the middle of Mullet Lake Saturday, that's a bad place to see all of your stringers bouncing around under you. It’s also a good idea to check the bottom of your boat, make sure it is straight and solid, we generally see a few bottoms blow out each year; don’t worry, it’s common. Next, check your fins to make sure they are tight, straight to the bottom of your boat and legal. Trust me, you do not want to find yourself hitting a dock at speed, 3 minutes into the race because of a fin malfunction.
Once you have checked your hull over and given it a passing grade, check your steering cables and if it is questionable, just replace it. Same thing goes for your throttle cable; there is nothing worse than making it all the way back to the mouth of Indian river having a throttle cable snap. If something is going to break, it is going to break during this race. These steps are called preventive maintenance. Once you give your hardware a passing grade, move on to your drain system. First make sure you have one, either the duck bills, or a ball drain (eIther the Balls out by Korbus or Lee Tietz). You will need a drain in your boat, it helps get through the lakes. After last year, some drivers might be running a 12volt bilge pump and I don’t blame them. You are also going to want padding; knee pads will be your best friend. Alternatively, you could also go out and find some thick padding, such as wrestling mat to cover the inside of your boat. On a calm day, you want it and on a rough day you’ll wish you had more. Check where your kill switch is located in the boat; remember this isn’t like a regular weekend race, you will be moving around in this thing quite often and you do not want to mistakenly pull your kill switch. In the case you do, be sure to have a few extra starting ropes stashed in the boat. They may come in handy when you're stranded in the middle of Mullet Lake.
Once you are happy with your boat, move on to your engine. Go around and make sure every bolt and nut is tight, if you want to get fancy, seal the important ones. After you finish the race Saturday, check your seals, and tighten anything that may have come loose, it could save you a few hours waiting to be picked up in Alanson. It also probably wouldn’t hurt to put a new set of spark plugs in, maybe even for Sunday's race too. Once everything looks okay on your engine, check your fuel system to make sure you're pumping fuel and also confirm with someone in your class that you have enough fuel to last the entire race (read: a lot of drivers have run out of fuel at this race). Be sure your numbers are legal and the class designation is in the correct spot; if you have a question be sure to ask one of the veteran marathon drivers like a Pearson, they are usually my go to people. One thing I always do is throw away that 5 race old shear pin and use a new one every day, keep this in mind when putting your prop on Saturday morning. One last thing you should add, is a go pro. You are definitely going to want to capture what you are about to do and in some cases it helps prove to your friends what actually happened in the middle of Burt Lake, especially when no one believes that a pontoon boat pulled up next to you and swamped you!
Most of, if not all prep work should be taken care of by the time you get to Indian River, so let’s go through the must dos while in town. It is encouraged to rent a boat and take a tour of the course, especially if it is your first time. This sort of gives you the lay of the land and is a wake up call for what you are getting yourself into. A few years back we nearly sank a pontoon on Burt Lake, and it wasn’t much better in an A Runabout. There are a few marinas if you want to do the Saturday course, you can rent from Howe or Landings. Where they are, saves you some time to get to Mullet lake. If you want to see Sunday's course, head up to Ryde Marine, you will probably run into a group of racers there. Either way, tell them you are in town for the races and they usually treat us well. I highly recommend taking two days and doing both the courses, and try to get an experienced driver to tag along, offer a loaded cooler and they will not turn you down.
Once you get the course tour out of the way, you’ll probably be hungry and maybe a little thirsty. If you are out on Mullet Lake, stop at Breakers. We usually have to pick up a few boats from here each year, where you’ll find a few drivers sitting at the bar in their kevlar waiting for someone with a wallet to cover their tab. If you are looking for a bite to eat on the Indian River, the Inn Between has long been a frequent stop for boat racers, and has great food and outside dining. A Throttled staple is the Pinehurst. Usually you can find various members of our group or Team Red in there at all hours of the day. Known for their pizza, the Piney is like walking into a time machine and needs to be on everyone's list of places to visit. Word on the street is a Toga Party is on the schedule of events hosted by Team Red and Saturday night there will be a driver's party hosted by Ron Beaudoin! If you are looking for some grub in town the Brass Rail is known for some great food; I can say I look forward to their wings every year and the pool table and a ping pong table usually keep us occupied for a few hours. In the past few years, 310 Station has made their way onto the stops of the Throttled crew; a great atmosphere, friendly staff and some awesome karaoke on Friday. It is always a hit, plus the 24J has secured a sponsorship for the weekend from 310 Station thanks to Toni! Be sure to tell them the guys from Throttled sent you. If you make your way up to Alanson, be sure to stop in at Bob’s Place for a beverage or a bite to eat, big supporters of the races. If you are looking for a nice place to take the family for dinner there are two places you need to check out, Vivo's which has some of the best food; I highly recommend the chicken parm or the pizza. Plan on waiting a bit as this is one of the busier places in town. If you are looking for a nice steak, head over to Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse. You cannot go wrong with either restaurant. At any point during the week, you will find boat racers in either.
Depending on when you arrive, there's plenty to see if you have some down time. You can take a day and head up to Mackinac Island; I’ve never been but I hear it’s awesome. You could take a trip over the bridge and visit the UP quickly and get some fudge or pasties, or you can lay low and enjoy what Indian River has to offer. The Indian River Golf Club isn't far from town and is a nice way to spend some down time. You can also rent tubes and float down the Sturgeon River. If all else fails, you can spend any free time you have up there testing for the big race.
One of the coolest things about Top O is Kamp Kurz. Which has been a staple and safe place for boat racers for a long time. Sadly this will be the last year racers can camp and test out of Kamp but we are grateful that Mark has let us use this property. If you need directions, follow any racing trailer from town and it is most likely going to Kamp Kurz. Nestled down a dirt road, leading to a small field inhabited by RV and open boat trailers. Drivers from all over will be there come Thursday, dialing in their rigs and shaking things down for the big race. Usually at night a bonfire is started and a boat or two finds its way onto the fire. One of the best things is being part of the group who travels from Kamp Kurz early Saturday morning to the pits, usually led by a few veterans. The group departs Kamp Kurz and as a group drives together from J’s to D’s and arrive at Devoe Beach. Truly an awesome sight to see.
Friday is usually the day where everyone spends the morning at Kamp Kurz, either relaxing or making last minute changes. Later in the day, the pit move in along with registration from 5pm to 7pm. Be sure to get that all sorted out on Friday if you can, so Saturday runs smoothly. After you are all set in the pits, enjoy the night. Head into town and check out the Indian River nightlife, you’ll see us at 310 Station singing karaoke or at the Piney. When Saturday morning rolls around, drivers meeting is usually around 10am and the flag for ASR drops at noon. Read Dustin Pearson’s write up for details of this; if you have raced Top O before it will get your blood pumping and if it is your first time it will give you a slight panic attack. After all the classes leave the beach, some crew members hop on their bikes and high tail it to the Piney or the Inn in hopes of watching their driver make their way through.
As a driver this is where it all begins, once that flag drops, your brain shuts off. Only one thing is running through your head, get to that buoy and get into the river. Making into the river first is everyone's dream, the water is “calm” but being the first driver to make their way through Indian River is pretty awesome. If you happen to find yourself mid pack and headed into the river all I can say is hold that wheel straight and keep on the throttle. As you make your way through the river, take in the sights. People are lining the shore cheering us on, there is no other race in the country like this and now you are part of the group who can say they have raced the world’s toughest outboard race! As you make your way into Mullet Lake, this is where things will get exciting, if you are running a larger class like 25, C or D. There is a good chance you will start to see drivers who had tough luck, either mechanical malfunction or found their way into Mullet Lake sooner than anticipated. It's a common courtesy to check if the driver is okay by giving a thumbs up and usually you get one back. If you happen to find yourself a victim of the Mighty Mullet: stay with your boat, someone will come and get you. It might not be as fast as you’d like, but someone will come to your rescue. You never can plan where you are going to break down but since I’ve started running this race I was always told “if you know you're not going to make it. Pull up to the biggest party and enjoy!” The first day is generally where most great Top O stories come from. The first year I attempted this race, I drove a borrowed CSR and found myself skipping across Mullet Lake not long into the race, but the boat stayed upright. After a short swim back to my boat, as drivers from the next classes whizzed by, I threw myself back into the boat, caught my breath and dug around for one of those extra pull ropes. The motor started again and I was on my way. Trust me, you will have a similar story at some point over the weekend and that's what Saturday night is for. Stand around and listen, you’ll hear some crazy things that were experienced throughout the day.
After you make it through Mullet, you will find your way into the Cheboygan River. Look at it on the map, and understand where the Stump Field is. Yes, you read that right the Stump Field. Stay out of there! On your way back, remember the way you came is the way you want to go back. On your way back there is another river that many drivers have mistakenly taken. This will be discussed at the drivers meeting, Do Not Take The Black River and watch for two watch traffic. As you make your way back to the finish line, if going across Mullet Lake wasn’t enough once, you get to do it all over again. Make sure you hit every checkpoint, again these will be covered at the drivers meeting. As you head back into Indian River, this is the home stretch. When you make your way into town, more people have since lined the shores and are cheering even louder. As you round the last turn, the finish line is in sight and hundreds of people line the jetty; Embrace it, you just finished the first day, make the left hand turn into the pits, and idle to the shore. Trust me, your legs are not going to work when you first try to get out of the boat. Hop in line with the rest of drivers waiting to go through inspection. Wheel your boat back to your pits, lay on the ground and think about what you just endured. Inspect your boat, check for holes, cracks or things missing. You’ll be surprised at the things that might have broken during this journey.
If you are with a group, this is where some fun begins: Operation Rescue. Usually one driver from the group will not make it back, go to the judges stand and see if they called in their location. Grab a trailer with empty bunks and go searching. One year, Dylan Runne came walking back into the pits a while after the races ended and left his boat moored at his rescuers house and hitch hiked back to the pits. Upon arriving back to pick up his boat, we found there was a little more boat damage than initially reported and the boat sank. After picking up the 3J, which we loaded into the van. We picked up Andrew Tate and Ben Connelly and made our way back to the pits and worked on engines and boats until it was dark. No one gets left on the beach unless it’s beyond repair. Saturday night the pits are usually cleared out besides a few groups hammering away on patching boats or the usual party down by Lauer’s Trailer. An early night for most, spent taking Advil and icing various sore body parts. Sunday comes early. If you decide to find your way into town, you're bound to find a large group of us patronizing the local establishments.
Sunday things are usually moving slow, drivers are questioning why they volunteered to do this race in the first place, but nevertheless when that flag is raised every driver answers the call and is on the line. Sunday's course is a fun one, jetting across Burt Lake with the mission to get into Crooked River first. It is a lot easier to go through the river single file, but that rarely happens. This is where all that roll up testing comes in handy. The veterans have a one up on the rookies here because the river may be intimidating on a map but traveling through it at 60 mph is definitely a challenge. You will hear about the Devil's Elbow and the Ox Bow. Take your time, and prepare for anything. You never know what will be waiting for you on the other side of those turns. The coolest part about Sunday is driving through the lock. If you decide to go on this route during the course tour, you probably waited for the lock. Now the lock is open, although this is a no race zone, maintain being on plane and make your way through. Head up through Hay Lake and Crooked Lake and then run Crooked River back. Watch for stalled boats on the river's edge, but by the time you are in Burt Lake there's a good chance the faster classes may have passed you in Crooked Lake. So do not be shocked when you are navigating the rest of the race next to a C runabout if you are in an A runabout. When you make your way back into Indian River, again be aware of two way traffic, the first of each class will have already made the turn around buoy and are headed for the finish line.
Once you cross that finish line, pat yourself on the back. If you completed both days on your first try you can now consider yourself a marathon racer who successfully finished the world’s toughest outboard race. Make your way through inspection, winners are torn down, just like nationals. Generally the awards banquet will be announced at drivers meeting and all both days' finishers will receive a medal and trophy presentation for the top 5. After that, trailers slowly begin to get loaded and some drivers head out of town to try and get a head start on the trip. Speaking from experience, book an extra day on your airbnb or hotel, and leave a day later. You’ll end up pulled over on the side of the road a few hours later or searching for a hotel somewhere along the highway. For first timers, it's expected to show up Friday and leave Sunday like a normal race. We did this for two years, driving 13 hours straight from New Jersey. Raced and headed home and were back in time for work Monday morning. After a few years, we have turned this into a week trip, spending time enjoying the town, testing and relaxing.
I hope this beginner’s guide to Top O is helpful for some. If you have any questions, just ask. Everyone in the pits is willing to help or share advice to make sure to get you on the water. Be safe in your travels to Indian River. Stay off mopeds while in town, go see Alvis, avoid any docks and lastly, TURN OR DIE!
Breakfast
Christopher’s Cafe
3725 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
8am-2pm
Carry out only currently
Lunch/Dinner/Late Night
310 Station
3499 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
12pm-10pm
The Inn Between
6064 River St, Indian River, MI 49749
11am-11pm
Brass Rail Bar and Grill
3494 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
12pm-1am
Pinehurst Bar and Grill
6214 Lake St, Indian River, MI 49749
9am-2:30am
B.C Pizza
3695 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
11am-9pm
Breakers
967 N Straits Hwy, Mullett Township, MI 49791
12pm-9pm
Vivo’s
4531 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
5pm-10pm
Michael’s Steakhouse and Tavern
4653 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
5pm-10pm
Beer and Ice
Northland Brewing
3798 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
12pm-10pm
Pat and Gary’s Party Store
3758 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
5:30am-10pm
Parts
Carquest Auto parts
5731 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749
7am-6pm