2020 is just the year that keeps on giving…crap. With the COVID-19 restrictions finally letting up and business finally opening their doors again for commerce to resume, we were given this blow to offshore racers nationwide: the 2020 Long Beach to Catalina (LB2CAT) Offshore Championship has been cancelled.
This marks the second consecutive year that the LB2CAT was unable to be held, as last year’s low preregistration numbers made the event fiscally untenable. The LB2CAT has remained the longest-running offshore race held in the United States as well as one of the most challenging, given its 54-miles of open Pacific Ocean riding.
Set to be part of the historic Catalina Ski Race that has gone unabated for 70 years, event promoter Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises, owner of the LB2CAT race was tasked with delivering the bad news that as the ski race won’t be happening, neither can the LB2CAT. Wallach explained in a letter:
I hope you and your families are staying safe during this crazy time. It is with great sadness to announce the cancellation of the 2020 LB2CAT. As I had previously announced, the 2020 LB2CAT would be run in conjunction with the famed Catalina Ski Race and unfortunately, the Long Beach Boat & Ski Club announced that for the first time in over 70 years that the Catalina Ski race would be cancelled. Please see announcement below.
As soon as things return to “normal” I will be able to announce the 2021 LB2CAT; until then please stay safe and I hope to see everyone at the 2021 Mark Hahn Memorial Race on February 27, 2021. [Visit at] http://www.markhahn300.com or like on Facebook at Mark Hahn 300. Until then, please stay safe!
Sincerely,
Ross Wallach, President
RPM RACING ENTERPRISES
1803 Morgan Lane
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 318-4012
http://www.rpmracingent.com
