Thunderboats Rock the Bay at San Diego Bayfair 2008, Sept. 19-21

They're crazy loud like and even crazy faster. They're called hydroplanes, but more commonly known as thunderboats and have been roaring on the waters of Mission Bay since 1964. The former San Diego Thunderboat Regatta and now called San Diego Bayfair is one of the largest powerboat racing events in the world.

The event will feature a number of power boat races: drag boats will race quarter-mile stretches, while the unlimiteds and stock boats will race around pre-marked courses. But the big daddy events are the thunderboat hydroplane races. These puppies, which look like jet wings skimming on top of the water, reach upwards of 200 mph and sound just as loud.

If you plan on catching the racing action, follow the roaring engines at Mission Bay. Crown Point is the spot to catch drag boat races, Fiesta Island the best vantage point to view the thunderboat course. A three-day ticket package is $50 in advance or $60 at the gate. Single-day passes are $30 for Friday and Saturday and $40 for Sunday. Parking is anywhere from $10-$15 daily. Kids 12 and under get in free.

Visit the San Diego Bayfair official site for more event information.