PWC Race Show Podcast #3 The Mark Hahn 300

For many, February 28th signified the unofficial beginning of the 2009 race season with the running of the fifth annual Mark Hahn 300 memorial race in Lake Havasu Arizona. The race has been held each year in memory of endurance racer Mark Hahn who was tragically killed in a 2004 race accident. The 300 mile race is the longest continuous PWC race and demands a total team effort with many hours of preparation and training. This race is definitely not for the faint of heart. This year the race returned to Crazy Horse Campground’s main beach. Race day found the 6 race classes competing in chilly 35 mile per hour winds and a brutal 4 foot chop on the lake. The 300 mile 30 lap race took its toll on both man and machine with at least a dozen teams unable to complete the race and 3 skis were reported to have sank on the course. The overall winners of the race was the team of Mark Gerner and Robert Carreon who complete the race in 6 hours 5 minutes and 31 seconds. The iron man award for the first place solo stand up ski racer went to Aaron Sanchez. Perhaps the most notable accomplishment was that of iron woman Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Rescue. Shawn soloed the 300 mile race in the pro am four stroke class finishing in an amazing third place overall, completing all 30 laps and was just 14 minutes behind the overall race winners. The PWC Race Show congratulates all those who dared to compete in this amazing race.

Last week also brought the announcement that region 8 promoter, Upstate Watercraft Promotions, will no longer conduct their races under the sanctioning of the APBA. UWP issued the following statement “Upstate Watercraft Promotions, Inc. (UWP) is proud to announce a restructure that will allow UWP to focus on developing racing in the united states. UWP has been the leading us promoter in innovation and racer pay-out. UWP believes that promoting races independently will allow them to focus totally on developing their circuit for the racing community and as a host for national level events. UWP is an independent organization but will continue to promote personal watercraft racing and will follow international rules and guidelines set by the IJSBA as well as work with other associations so that competitors will be able to enjoy easy integration into UWP events. While this does signal a departure from the relationship with the APBA racing establishment, UWP recognizes the value they have provided in forwarding the sport and wishes them continued success in their endeavors. UWP supports racers attending all races and events produced by any safe and professional organizer.”

AJ at UWP stated today, “This is a win for our racers in offering new opportunities and for UWP to take our business in new directions.” AJ further said that “We have to be more innovative in how we produce and market our sport during these difficult economic times – we at UWP are looking forward to racing into the future with the exciting new developments!” A new membership package will soon be announced. This membership will include numerous benefits- including membership in the American Watercraft Association (AWA). UWP believes that this is an important part of our sport and encourages all PWC enthusiasts to join the AWA and their fight for your right to ride! This will also be a continued indication to the OEMs that we take all PWC issues seriously and will encourage the manufacturers to increase their support for grassroots racing and propel the sport into the next level.”

So what exactly does this mean? Well at this point, it’s really too early to tell. What is most important is that the races held by Upstate Watercraft Promotions are run safely and are properly insured for the protection of the racers. As of the recording of this show there was no additional information available on the UWP website.

In a final note, The PWC Race Show needs your help. With the 2009 race season quickly approaching, The PWC Race Show is looking for experienced racer to participate in a mentor program for new racers. If you’re interested, just go to the contact page on The PWC Race Show web site and send me a note.

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