With the UWP IJSBA Hydro-Turf National Tour coming to a close, round 6 in Lake Hartwell, Georgia was one of the largest spectator events so far. Thunderstorms were expected for the whole weekend, but Mother-Nature held off just until the end of the racing day on both Saturday and Sunday. It was a high heat weekend and not just because of the sun and humidity. Racers are battling for a spot on the podium and for the overall win in Charleston, West Virginia. The spectators on boats drew near to watch the jet ski racers, the stands were nearly full of people, and the scent of gasoline and BBQ’s were in the air. Racers knew that this was their final chance to build the highest points for the tour, so the pressure was on!
Four of Jettribe's Team Riders raced in Lake Hartwell. Rick Sherker, from Pennsylvania ran neck and neck with Rob Flores and J.Wilson to grab 1st place in the 3rd moto in the Pro Ski GP class. Sherker saw a hole open up and overtook Flores taking 1st position for that moto. He received 2nd overall and is prepared to claim the title this weekend in West Virginia. “I went 2-3-1 with a 2nd overall in GP Ski and 1-2-3 with a 2nd overall in stock ski.”
Aero Aswar from Indonesia had some ski trouble this weekend and will be hard at work to make sure that it is up to par for the finals in West Virginia. The Jettribe Trailer will continue to transport the Indonesian Jet ski for one last tour stop in hopes of having the mechanical issues resolved for the Pro-Am Open class.
Erminio Iantosca, from Florida, had a good weekend in Lake Hartwell, except for being thrown from his ski. Erminio: “I got hit wide open in the turn and ran over and did everything I could to hold on but had nothing left, they cracked my helmet”. Iantosca races Pro Runabout Open and took 6th for the weekend, but has high hopes for taking podium at the Finals this weekend in Charleston, West Virginia.
Brent Venderley, another Floridian native, also had a case of slippery seat this weekend. He fell off of his ski during the race. Attempting to catch up and recover, he took an overall 5th place in Pro-AM Runabout Stock. He is putting as much time as he can into the performance of his ski this weekend to make sure it runs perfectly.
This weekend will be bigger and tougher than ever. It will be the last race for not only the riders but also fans and supporters.
Along with racers, families, and friends the Jettribe Rig will be headed to downtown Charleston, West Virginia August 17-18 for the las race of the season.
For the last race of the season. It is sure to be an epic battle for the podium spots. Be safe out on the water and never get caught without Jettribe!
