Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour and APBA Eastern States Cup head to Celina, Ohio for the Series Finale
WHAT: Racing of Sea-Doo, Jet-Ski, WaveRunner and other personal watercraft, as Rounds 7 & 8 of the Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour and Rounds 5 & 6 of the APBA Eastern States Cup head to Celina, Ohio, for the final event of both racing series.
WHERE: The watercraft racing event takes place on the Lakefront in Celina, Ohio.
WHEN: Saturday, July 29 and Sunday July 30 -- Practice from 9:00-10:00am, races from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
CHESTERFIELD TWP., MI. - Start you engines and get ready to catch the excitement of personal watercraft racing action as the 2006 Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour, presented by Sea-Doo watercraft, heads to downtown Celina, Ohio, for the 2nd annual Celina Lake Festival Watercross Shootout. This event is also the final points rounds for the APBA Eastern States Cup that attracts the top watercraft racers from the East Coast.
For the 2nd year in a row, Celina will host a tour stop on the Midwest Watercross Tour. This year Celina will host the final event (7th and 8th rounds) of the season that will be a National and World Championship qualifying event. More than 130 of the East Coast and Canada’s best watercraft racers will descend on Celina for the competition. Last years Celina race was the highest attended regional race in the country. The event takes place on Lake St. Marys near downtown Celina. The event is run as a feature attraction of the annual Celina Lake Festival that has over 25 events and 180 vendors and attracts more than 50,000 spectators annually. The Celina race course is different than any other race in the country. A special starting line has been created that allows racers to start going with the shoreline allowing spectacular viewing of the most exciting part of the race. The event will be filmed for a special segment of Beach Extreme show that airs on the Water Channel on the Dish Network Wed at 8:30pm and Thursday at 9pm.
Personal watercraft racing is a tough, competitive and increasingly popular sport. Often described as “moto-cross racing on the water”, these exciting events pit up to 18 racers against each other on a racetrack of tight turns and straight-aways. In some classes, racers must also negotiate obstacles and log jumps on the racecourse. A rubberband starting system is used to control the start of each race.
The racers will be competing for a portion of $10,000 in cash, prizes and contingency awards that will be up for grabs during the weekend, points towards the overall Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour and APBA Eastern States Cup championships, and the right to compete at the Watercross Nationals and the World Finals. The Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour has also made stops in New Baltimore, Michigan; Hillsdale, Michigan and St. Ignace, Michigan before coming to Celina for the series finale. The event is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA).
The watercraft out there racing are not much different from the ones on lakes and waterways everywhere. The only difference is that these watercraft have many several high performance parts added to increase the speed and maneuverability in the water. Some watercraft in the Open classes have over 200 horsepower under the hood and can reach speeds in excess of 80 mph on flat water. But during the races, finding flat water is tough with racers wakes stirring up the course. Because of the wide differences in styles produced by watercraft manufacturers, the watercraft are divided into two divisions; Ski and Runabout. Within each division, there are classes for Beginner, Novice, Expert and Pro-Am riders as well as both men and women. The Ski division features a single rider standing in the tray of the watercraft steering the watercraft with a highly maneuverable handlepole. Riding in the Ski division requires excellent balance and skill. Runabouts are sit-down vehicles designed for two to three persons to ride.
The racing action begins with practice from 9:00 - 10:00am each day followed by more than 30 races from 10:00am. - 5:00pm. The racing is very fast and exciting. There will also be a Freestyle events on Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. Freestyle competitors perform tricks and stunts in a 2-minute time frame for a panel of judges who rate performances on a scale from 1 to 10.
Area watercraft owners are encouraged to participate. All local racers need to have to participate is a boat (of course), a life vest and helmet. Wetsuit, gloves and goggles are highly recommended. Local riders who are interested in competing in the local race should call PM Sports Marketing at (586) 598-2856 or visit us on the Internet at www.pwcfun.com.
2006 Sea-Doo Great Lakes PWC Rally Series
Exciting Summer of PWC Recreational Events Concludes with the Celina Lake Festival Poker Run
Saturday July 29, 2006 – Celina Lake Eagles – Celina, Ohio
Round three of the Sea-Doo Great Lakes PWC Rally Series, will take place in Celina, Ohio, on Saturday July 29. For the final round of the Great Lakes Rally Series we have teamed up with the Celina Lake Festival’s Only in America Boat Poker Run to create one big event. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in fun PWC and boat poker run, visit one of the largest festivals in the Midwest, as well as watch some exciting watercraft races, since the final rounds of the Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour and APBA Eastern States Cup are just a mile away.
Billed as the World’s Largest Boat Poker Run, this event has attracted as many as 1000 boats. With a reasonable entry fee (only $15 per hand), participants can have a great time on the water and win some great cash prizes and watercraft gear. All participants will compete for the cash prizes and there will be special prizes for the top Poker Run participants on PWC’s provided by Sea-Doo, Slippery, Monster Energy, Bunkaps and Yamaha. Participants can register at the Celina Lake Eagles Lodge on State Route 703 in Celina. Important Info: All participants must have identification to participate in the poker run. Click below for the flyer.
http://www.lakefestival.com/modules/flyers/poker_run.pdf
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8:30 am - 1:00 pm Registration/Check-In at the Celina Lake Eagles
4:00 pm Deadline to return to the Eagles and Check-In with cards
PRIZES
FIRST PLACE $300
SECOND PLACE $150
THIRD PLACE $100
FOURTH PLACE $75
FIFTH PLACE $50
SPECIAL PRIZES FOR TOP PWC POKER RUN PARTICIPANTS
For more information on the 2006 Sea-Doo Great Lakes PWC Rally Series, call PM Sports Marketing at (586) 598-2856 or visit www.pwcfun.com on the Internet.
NATIONAL SPONSORS
The Midwest Watercross Tour is proud to have Monster Energy as the Title Sponsor of the series and Sea-Doo Watercraft as the Presenting sponsor of the Tour. With additional support from Supporting Sponsors Games N Flix, MSD Powersports, Bunkaps, Café Motorsports, Hydro-Turf, Jetcrafts Unlimited, Oury Grip, Outerwears, RIVA Racing, Slippery Wetsuits, and Skat-Trak, it is going to be a great year of racing in the Midwest.
About the American Power Boat Association (APBA)
The American Power Boat Association (APBA), founded in 1903, celebrates a phenomenal 103 years of organized boat racing competitions. Whatever your need for speed, APBA is sure to have a place just for you. Competition, thrills, victory and honor can be found in all 13 of APBA's racing categories, comprising a broad selection of inboard and outboard engines and countless hull configurations. From Offshore and Unlimited powerboats to Personal Watercraft, APBA is the place to be.
