Bathtub races

René Boivin came back home and reclaimed what belonged to her—in the comfort of her own bathtub.
The 19-year-old took home her second-straight bathtub racing title at the 31st-annual running on Sand Bay on Monday as part of Fun in the Sun activities.
“It’s mainly for fun but I’m happy to win,” Boivin, a four-year bathtub racing veteran who grew up here but now lives in Burlington, Ont., said on winning the $250 top prize.
Boivin had control for much of the 10-lap final after overtaking Steve Arpin on the third lap. Arpin settled for second and $200 while Travis Mykytyn finished in third for $170.
Mark Bujold earned $120 for fourth place while Joel Grimard ($65) and Len Bedard ($65) rounded out the six tubs competing.
Boivin, Arpin, and Bedard had finished 1-2-3 in the first heat while Bujold took the checkered flag in the second one, ahead of Mykytyn and Grimard.
“Steve’s one of my buddies so I was glad he raced and it was the first time I beat him,” said Boivin, adding she’s pretty sure she won’t try any snowmobile or stock car racing that Arpin does year-round.
“No racing for me in the winter. I’ll leave that to him.”
René’s dad, Al, who organizes the bathtub races, said the strong turnout made for another fun set of races.
“It’s always a fun event. I’m happy everything went OK,” he said. “The high lake level had no effect at all, just the shoulder of the beach was closer in.
“It would’ve been nice to get more room for the drivers to get ready.”
“We usually run a little further down the beach,” echoed René, who is set to start school at Sheridan College in Oakville this fall.