Spencer Love wins F1/50 20‑lap final at Kankakee nationals

Spencer Love of Clover Construction crossed the finish line to win the 20‑lap F1/50 final at the OPC/APBA nationals held on the Kankakee River, announcers said. Broadcasters described a race of attrition: five starters were reduced to three finishers as river conditions and mechanical problems forced multiple retirements, including an engine issue that left earlier heat winner Kyle Maskell stalled on the course.

Announcers highlighted the physical demands of the final — drivers experienced repeated high G‑forces during cornering — and credited race-rescue teams for active monitoring. In the postrace moment, the winner thanked his team on-air: "I just wanna thank my team," a short on-mic remark captured immediately after the podium run. The broadcast closed with a cue that Spencer Love would be at the awards area for photos and a driver interview.

Race organizers and announcers urged returning fans to come back on Sunday for more final rounds and the awards ceremony. Full heat and finals details were available on the regatta website and the series' social channels.