NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – People came from cities across Nebraska to participate in the spring 2021 Annual Tank Races on Saturday. There were racers from Valentine, North Platte and Virginia Beach. Each team decorated their tank and dressed up in costumes to bring their themes to life down the Platte River.
Some of the themes for the tanks including flamingoes, knights in shining amour, COVID busters, jaws and the zoo. One tank was decorated for two racers who celebrated their birthdays on the river. The team dressed up as the zoo had a special meaning behind their tank design.
“We work at Central Nebraska Packing,” said Kylee Knott, Captain of the Zoo Crew. “We feed 90% of the zoos and aquariums for carnivore diets.”
The tanking race brought each of the teams together to compete for the fastest time and best costume. Some teams came prepared with their own strategies to win for the fastest time.
“We focused on staying in the channel as best as we could,” said Josh Krueger, Captain of the Knights of Round Tank. “Sometimes there is no channel out there, so we had to get out and push our tank, but we made it work.”
As each team crossed the finish line, some finished in style and some were just happy to be finished. In the end, this year’s tanking race created memories for each of the racers.
“This is our first year together as a group,” said Knott. “Last year, I competed with a different group of people and we were witches. We decided to get a group together from work and it was a great time. I encourage everyone to try it because it brings people together.”
The winners for fastest time were the Knights of the Round Tank. The winners for the best costume were the Zoo Crew.
