Category Archives: RacingNews(ENG)

RacingNews(ENG)

Team Kawasaki Factory Jet Ski Racing plans already to race at the popular Endurance race of Mark Hahn 300 that takes place in Havasu on the 26th of February. This race would be an ultimate test bench for the durability and performance of the new Ultra platform. The fact is that the team will race an almost stock, out of the box, Ultra 300X. Craig Warner would be one of the two riders but still it has not been announced whether ex-world and National Champion, and Factory Kawasaki rider Victor “The Slasher” Sheldon would join the team ones again.

Yamaha Sponsors 2011 APBA? Mark Hahn Memorial Endurance Race Fountain Valley, CA – November 17, 2010 – Mark Hahn Memorial Executive Promotional Producer Mike Follmer announced today that Yamaha has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 APBA Hot Products Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Endurance Race to be held February 26, 2011 at Crazy Horse Campground in Lake Havasu City, AZ. The 2010 Mark Hahn race is well known as being the “longest continuous personal watercraft race” and is unique on the race circuit because it accommodates experienced and novice racers alike. “From its creation, this race has set the trend in endurance PWC racing and its broad appeal to both professional and amateur racers makes it a stand out race in the industry and one that we are once again looking forward to helping support,” said Andrew Cullen, Marketing Communications Manager at Yamaha WaterCraft Group. The race is designed to be a lifestyle event that allows first time racers as well as veteran racers to compete at their own level where everyone walks away a winner having just competed in and completed the grueling 300mile journey. There are so many variables in the event - from fuel stops, rider changes, rough water conditions and attrition - that it is very possible that a stock boat with an inexperienced racer could walk away the overall winner. “As the race enters its seventh year of honoring the memory of my dear friend Mark Hahn, it is remarkable to see the impact this style of event has had not only on the PWC racing community, but for individual PWC owners who have always dreamed of competing in an organized race,” said Mike Follmer Executive Promotional Producer “In a very short time, the Mark Hahn Memorial Race has become a benchmark for PWC endurance racing events worldwide, and we are happy to have the support of key manufacturers such as Yamaha to help make this a memorable and special race for everyone involved.” The annual race was created in the memory of endurance racer Mark Hahn who was instrumental in promoting endurance PWC racing across the country before his untimely death in 2004. The “Team” format features two riders for runabout (sit down) boat teams and up to three riders for a stand-up craft. Solo riders are also welcome to “Ironman” the race on either style of boat, a real test of endurance and stamina. Entry forms, race information, updates and results will be posted on the Mark Hahn web site: http://www.pwcfun.com/markhahn300.asp Contact: Mike Follmer, 714-241-9600, mfollmer@aol.com

Two times PRO-AM Women Ski Limited World Champion Jannelle Barr appeared at the World Finals in Havasu this year and actually she was practicing on the racing field along with the competitors of her Class. Jannelle was shown very fit and strong and she admitted that she wanted to come back in action. She has already recovered from the terrible back aches that she was suffering for years and she gave as a hint that probably she will return next year.

With less than a month left before the World Cup Grand Prix, we really appreciate the warm response we have received from all the jet ski racers from the five continents who are participating in Jet Ski King’s Cup – World Cup Grand Prix 2010. From the information we have in hand, there are teams from Australia, Belgium, Brunei, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Thailand, UAE and USA. It is true what most people and racers say that King’s Cup is becoming a really Big Event in pwc racing.

Frenchman Jean Baptiste Botti, IJSBA Pro Ski World Champion appeared this year at the World Finals on his new Quakysense wet suit. Botti was wearing for years Slippery which was a deal between ThorMX (and Victor Sheldon) and Jet 7(Importer of Slippery in France and Europe). Though, Victor “The Slasher” Sheldon is not working any longer at Slippery since the company fired 18employees at the beginning of the year. Miss Kazue Nakano of Quakysense visited Havasu for this special sponsorship deal according to Christophe Girello dealer of Quakysense in Havasu. It was a very smart move for miss Kazue since Botti won the title in a class of his own.

Chris MacClugage had a good relationship and strong friendship with ex-Kawasaki engineer Masaki “Chuta” Nakata and they worked together back in 2006 and in 2007 (Turbo Ultra). For reasons that we do not know MacClugage ended his cooperation with R&D’s engineer Bill Chapin and he plans to enter Thailand’s King;s Cup in Pro Ski and Pro Runabout. His Runabout has been prepared by Nakata.

On Sunday afternoon, right after second moto of Pro AM Women Ski Limited Emi and Mminoru Kanamori found some time to rest away from the spectators and enjoy the titles that both won along with their friend Don Baynes. Don was the Race Holder of Emi almost every year at the World Finals as well as on 2008 that she got hr first World Title. He missed the event last year and Emi unfortunately did not gain the #1 plate that is why he promised her to be present at the race this year. We look forward to see them again united and strong next year.