On Tuesday, March 13, Competitors who had arrived early for the inaugural Emerald Coast Grand Prix assisted in treating members of the armed forces to watercraft rides and samples of racing in celebration of Military Appreciation Day.

Military members had the chance to experience riding on very fast race watercraft, courtesy of Pensacola Motorsports, after a casual consult by pro riders on how to navigate the skis, safety gear, and best practices. It is a rare opportunity in which non-racers had the chance to go around for a few laps on these high intensity machines. Military members also received an appreciation backpack with Fly Racing gear and merchandise.

The Emerald Coast Grand Prix is the premiere racing event of the watercross racing season, taking place at the penultimate American icon, the Flora-Bama Bar and Lounge. The rest of this weekend will see riders from across the nation compete against each other, as well as beginners being mentored as they enter the exhilarating world of jet ski racing.