It looked like the Oak Harbor hydroplane races were dead in the water, but two local businessmen are committed to making them happen — even if they take a financial hit.

Craig McKenzie and Jim Woessner, of the Craig McKenzie Team of Keller Williams Whidbey, are moving forward with plans to hold an event called Hydros for Heroes scheduled for Aug. 13-14.

That’s the same weekend as the car show and Pigfest.

“This will support and help our community,” McKenzie said “We’re trying to make everyone a hero for helping us take this on.”

Woessner remembers racing hydros when he was a kid, and any free, family-friendly event for Oak Harbor is a win, he said.

They hope to make this an annual event.

They’ve already received a commitment from Seattle Drag and Ski Sprint Boats, which put the race on the American Power Boat Association schedule.

Approximately 40 boats are expected to show, said Lenny Baker, the commodore of Seattle Drag and Ski.

Oak Harbor is a favorite spot for racers and their supporters, he said. The city is one of the few saltwater courses and its an ideal location since it’s mostly protected from high winds.

Plus, everyone here treats them right.

“The community hospitality has been overwhelming,” he said. “The racers and crews and families just thrive on it.”

Unlike the past event, this one will be nonprofit with any proceeds going toward the Rotary Club of Oak Harbor. If there’s a financial loss, McKenzie said he would cover it.

They are looking for sponsors to help offset costs and volunteers — especially someone adept at social media.  Anyone interested should contact McKenzie at hydros@thecraigmckenzieteam.com.

The previous hydros organizer and owner Michelle Curry canceled the event last fall because the tides didn’t line up with any open weekends in August.

She brought back hydroplane races to Oak Harbor in 2014 after an absence of nearly 40 years.

Curry has since moved away.

Members of Rotary wanted to make sure it happened. That’s when McKenzie and Woessner stepped up.

Curry didn’t want to hold the event the same weekend as other events, but the new organizers said the events will complement each other and bring more people downtown.

The organizers said they would like to move the pits from the marina to Flintstone Park so the crowd can get a closer look at the action.

“We are happy to be back,” Baker said. “We anticipate good weather, good water and lots of boats.

“We should be able to put on a good show.”