WHAT: Racing of Sea-Doo, Jet-Ski, WaveRunner and other personal watercraft, as Round 3 & 4 of the Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour heads to Hillsdale, Michigan, for the 15th annual Sandy Beach Blowout watercraft race.
WHERE: The watercraft racing event takes place at Owens Memorial Park in Hillsdale, Michigan.
WHEN: Saturday, June 24 and Sunday June 25 -- 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 heads to Owens Memorial Park in Hillsdale, Michigan, for the 15th annual Sandy Beach Blowout.
For the 15th year in a row, Hillsdale will host a tour stop on the Midwest Watercross Tour - the nation’s premier regional watercraft racing circuit. This year Hillsdale will host the second event (3rd and 4th rounds) of the season that will be a National and World Championship qualifying event. More than 125 of the Midwest and Canada’s best watercraft racers will descend on Hillsdale for the competition. The event takes place on Baw Beese Lake within the boundaries of Owens Memorial Park. The Hillsdale site is regarded by many as one of the best on Tour and is the longest running PWC event to take place at the same location in the United States. The pits are close, the beach is manicured, and the lake is beautiful. The water conditions are choppy and fast, and very similar to what racers will experience at the Watercross Nationals in September.
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 $50,000 in cash, prizes and contingency awards that will be up for grabs during the season, points towards the overall Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour championships, and the right to compete at the Watercross Nationals and the World Finals. The Monster Energy Midwest Watercross Tour will also be making stops in New Baltimore, Michigan; St. Ignace, Michigan; and Celina, Ohio. 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 75 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.
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 MSD Powersports, Bunkaps, Café Motorsports, Hydro-Turf, Jetcrafts Unlimited, Oury Grip, Outerwears, RIVA Racing, Slippery Wetsuits, Skat-Trak and Wiseco Piston, 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.
