Buffalo Poker Run Back To Basics
Among the hottest summer go-fast boating events in the country just 10 years ago, the Buffalo Poker Run presented by the Western New York Offshore Powerboat Association eventually cooled and returned to its smaller-group roots. That was by design. At the time, WYNOPA leadership reportedly did not want the liability risks that come with larger boating events. So the group switched directions and downsized its signature happening, which was then-based out of Templeton Landing.
The famed Speed Racer MTI catamaran was among the 35 boats in last weekend’s Buffalo Poker Run fleet. Photos courtesy/copyright Rodney Olson.
But the event has not disappeared. Last weekend’s Buffalo poker run, which was based out of the waterfront Buffalo RiverWorks restaurant, attracted 35 registered boats.
A longtime Buffalo Poker Run fan and participant, Rodney Olson was on hand to enjoy and capture the event. The run “went off without a hitch,” he said, despite sporty waters early in the three-stop trek.
The run was based out of Buffalo RiveWorks.
“Wind out of the west made for a challenging start with three-to-four-footers from the lake,” he said. “Once into the Niagara River, the boats were able to push harder and put on an impressive show.
“Some great hardware showed up for the run,” he continued. “Kelly O’Hara ran his DCB and Michael Tandoi brought his Speed Racer 44 MTI.”
As he has with M37R co-owner Kiran Pinisetti all season, Kelly O’Hara represented the DCB Performance Marine brand in Buffalo last weekend.
Said O’Hara, who lives in Upstate New York and is headed to the 120-registered-boat, sold-out Rock The River Fun Run in Cincinnati this weekend, “The new younger board of WNYOPA did a fine job putting the event together. It was great, and it was fun to see many of my Buffalo friends.”
As it has since its earliest days, the Buffalo Poker Run benefitted Excalibur Leisure Services, a local nonprofit organization that provides adaptive boating and fishing experiences for physical and mentally challenged individuals. The event reportedly raised $2,500 for the outfit last weekend.
“All said and done, it was a safe and successful event,” said Olson.
Local Michael Tandoi (fourth from left) of Speed Racer MTI fame and his ever-enthusiastic crew struck a pose with members of the WYNOPA leadership group.
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