Exciting things are happening over in Lake Isabella, California. This weekend (July 29 and 30), Southern California Edison will be putting on its annual Personal Watercraft Event to benefit local charities. This event will support Meals on Wheels, Mobile Mammogram, Kern Valley High School Scholarships, and Kern County Search and Rescue. This race will mark the 12th anniversary that numerous members of the PWC community have come together to help worthy causes.
The race will feature a slalom course and a head to head course where a few racers at a time will be permitted to line up and experience a real IJSBA Closed Course. The racing will be supervised by the IJSBA with safety direction by renowned course marshal Dave Hardenberger and race direction by Scott Frazier.
Things are lining up for this to be a great event. Randy Zurn, SCE event director, has reported more calls than in years past. Bakersfield Kawasaki sold out of their remaining inventory as a few locals wanted the latest and greatest equipment with which to tackle the race.
Kawasaki has really stepped up for this event providing a grant that has allowed for greater amenities. Supporting a charity race is part of Kawasaki’s commitment to being the leaders in using the greatest recreational product to better the lives of others. The IJSBA will also be giving out prizes for participants.
Everyone who has not yet experienced PWC racing absolutely must make this event. This race is primarily designed for the enthusiast who is interested in testing the waters to see if organized competition is for them. This is a perfect starter event as California’s Pro Racers will be competing in the Benecia event the same weekend.
Even those who are not yet ready for organized competition can enjoy a poker run. There is a free treasure hunt for kids. This will be the best family event for the PWC enthusiast so far this year.
Interested participants should be at the race site by 9:00. The event will be held at Auxillary Dam, Lake Isabella. The event can be reached from the 99 Freeway by taking Highway 178 East approximately 50 miles through the canyon. As soon as the highway narrows from four lanes into two, the lake and race site will be visible on the left. Enter through the camp grounds and come to the sign up area near the scaffolding.
