Buffalo Event Completes Lake Erie Trifecta

The odds against having three go-fast boating events on Lake Erie—a notoriously mercurial body of water to be sure—go off in flawless fashion in a single season are long. Just ask Elite Poker Runs LLC founder Anthony Scioli who is based in Buffalo, N.Y. But with last weekend’s Ray Nuchereno Memorial Poker Run in his hometown combined with his Erie and Mentor events earlier this year, Scioli pulled it off.

As planned, quality reigned over quantity at last weekend’s Ray Nuchereno Memorial Poker Run. Photos courtesy/copyright Jeff Helmkamp/Jeff Helmpkamp Photography.

“This was the best weather and water we’ve had for a Buffalo event, period,” he said. “And after the great conditions we had in Erie and Mentor, I couldn’t be happier.”

Scioli that a 54-boat mix of V-bottoms, catamarans and center consoles took to the water for the event, which had longtime Canada-based backer Double-R Performance return as a primary sponsor. While a number of members from the Western New York Powerboat Association participated in the event based out of its traditional Templeton Landing venue, the club was not involved in the run’s organization, planning and production.

“We had a great group of people participate, as well as some new faces I’ve been trying get from places like New Jersey for years,” said Scioli. “The Buffalo people really put out the welcome mat. Jimmy Myers was even welding some guy’s trailer on Sunday morning so he could get home.

“I really think that 50 to 60 boats is the perfect number, at least for me,” he added.

For more images from the 20`8 Ray Nuchereno Memorial Poker Run, check out the slideshow above.

As previously reported on speedonthewater.com, Scioli is weighing his options as a powerboating event organizer going forward. Increased personal and professional commitments combined with what has been an uphill battle with Lake Erie’s unpredictable water and weather conditions have him undecided on what he’ll do next year. But thanks to this year’s Lake Erie trifecta, he has not ruled out returning to the poker-run organizing world.

“I am going to look at everything again at the end of the year,” he said. “If I do come back, I will probably go with an invitational format for all of my events. I think that’s the best way to ensure we have the right group and that everything happens smoothly and safely.”

Buffalo Event Completes Lake Erie Trifecta

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