The PWC Race Show Podcast #4 Sport Spec Class Racing

 

One of the most exciting additions to PWC racing this year is the Sport Spec class. The racers in this new class are excited because the class focuses on the ability of the rider and not the size of the racer’s budget. Although this class will not be eligible for a National High Points Title, it should have some of the best bragging rights. The Sport Modified class has long been one of the most exciting classes to compete in, but the cost of preparing a winning ski has continued to increase over the years.

The class is limited to the same skis that are run in the Sport Modified class, the 701cc Yamaha Blaster (B1), 650cc Kawasaki X2 (original), 800cc Kawasaki X2 (2006 and up), and 720cc Sea Doo HX. Each of these skis are allowed their own particular modifications in order to maintain equality in this class. My favorite ski in this class is the Sea Doo HX. This is the ski that I personally race in the Sport Modified class and I also own a second limited HX as a practice/backup ski. The HX is also allowed the least amount of modifications to race in this class. Both the HX and the Kawasaki 800cc X2, are raced almost completely stock in this class. This means that if you are not, or don’t have a race mechanic, the skis can be serviced by any good PWC mechanic or dealer. You will find it very difficult to have a full race ski serviced and most dealerships won’t even consider working on one. The Yamaha Blaster and the 650cc Kawasaki X2 are both allowed to be modified mainly due to the hull design of the Blaster and the lower displacement of the 650cc X2.

Since the skis in this class are either raced totally stock or with minimum modifications, most will not have the added expense or hassle of using race fuel. All skis in this class with the exception of the 800cc X2 have been out of production since 1997, thus they are inexpensive to purchase and both new and reused parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. Another advantage of not having a full blown race ski is that they can also be used for recreational riding instead of just practice and racing. Most race skis are not ridden just for fun because of the expense of race fuel and because they have a limited life span due to the extensive modifications done to them. Being able to recreational ride these skis is such an added bonus since all of the skis in this class are a blast to ride.

The skis in this class are so much fun because they actually require some skill to ride. These skis were originally marketed as two rider skis but because they are so narrow and short, they are too unstable to be ridden two up by most riders. Because of their small size they almost always be “wet started” requiring the rider to board the ski from in the water onto the back of the ski as you would a stand up ski. Unless you weigh 60 pounds, you probably won’t be able to board the ski from a dock. There is a certain learning curve to riding these skis and takes most racers quite a bit of practice to master the ability of getting the most out of them on race course. Since the class has been designed to have all the skis as closely matched as possible, the racer who puts in the time and effort to master his ski, should find themselves in a position to be winner.

Perhaps the most important reason I think this class is suited for new racers is because the skis aren’t crazy fast. Ask any racer how he feels about competing against a new racer on a 75 mph ski and you will almost always are going to get the same answer, someones going to get hurt! Just because you can buy a ski from the dealership capable of 70+ mph doesn’t mean you have the ability to race in that class. The difference between the damage a 300 pound, 55 mph Sport Spec ski and an 800 pound 75 mph ski can do to the human body is often the difference between bruises and an extensive hospital stay or worse.

Finally, how great would it be if you found yourself doing really well in this class and wanting to move up to a faster class or one that can compete for a National High Points championship and not having to change skis? Well you can use the same ski that you’ve become so good on and just add additional modifications and move up to the Sport Modified Class and compete with some of the most competitive racers PWC racing has to offer.

Because this is a new race class, it may not be available in all regions. The race promoters for Regions 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 should all have racers in this class. Hopefully by the middle or end of the season, all of the regions will have enough interest to offer the class. Just be sure and contact your race promoter to ask them if they are offering this exciting new class.

Tags: APBA, jetski, PWC, racing, Sport Spec