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.

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.

The subject of just how many card carrying members does the APBAR actually have was then brought up. Patrick said that there were approximately 250 single event members with a total of 568 member in 2008. Brian then calculated that based on the number of members that the yearly dues totaled about $39,760. Brian then asked how was this money distributed such as in marketing. Patrick explained that the money typically went to member benefits, operating overhead, costs associated with the web site, trophies and his own salary. They then discussed the feasibility of doing co-branded PWC events with the APBA. Mr. Mel stated that there is some co-branding taking place and that there are some opportunities but that the larger hydroplane events were not interested in co-branding and that these events wished to focus strictly on boat racing. Brian also brought up the possibility of having freestyle competition as part of the X-Games. Patrick said that he has contact them and that jet ski racing did not meet their format but he did see an opportunity for freestyle competition.

Brian then inquired as to how many promoters were lined up and in what regions. Patrick said that there were either 14 or 15, several of which were new and some that were still not able to commit to do an event. He also said that the existing region 3 promoter was probably not going to be able to do any events but that he had been in contact with others that are trying to put a program together. He said that the other regions looked good and that there were also going to be some additional racing including drag and endurance races. Perhaps the most important question asked was how the APBA planned to attract new racers and was there any incentive given to promoters to attract them. Patrick said that this topic was discussed at the annual meeting and that putting posters and fliers in dealerships and creating a mentor program was suggested. He felt that wherever the races were held was where the new racers would come from and that the addition of the vintage class in his own region had been successful in bringing in additional racers. Brian then asked what was being done to retain existing racers. Mr. Mel said that people are racing because it is fun and if they are having a good time at the events that they will return.

Brian then went into his “hot seat” questions the first of which addressed tech rules enforcement especially at the nationals, had the amount of complaints dropped and how to deal with those caught cheating. Patrick said that the existing policy of placing fines as defined in the rulebook would continue to be used and that there are no changes to the existing policy. He also felt that there was not a problem with complaints about tech and he thought this past year was one of the best. Brian then wanted to know what the sanctioning fees that promoters pay each month actually go towards. Patrick said that those fees, like the membership fees went towards the APBA budget and that the total amount generated by the two were not a lot of money and that he felt as though they were able to accomplish a lot with this very small budget. Brian also asked if he thought if it was not a good idea of having one national event, such as Nashville, featured on network TV to give the sport additional exposure. Mr. Mel said that we were unable to afford to get coverage on ESPN or Speedvision with programing fees being around $25,000, that the event must be shot in high definition, and would basically be a $50,000 production to meet the requirement to get on ESPN. Brian then inquired to why is the payment for additional medical coverage necessary at each event when it should have been covered in the event package. Patrick said that the insurance package that every event has include participant accident coverage and spectator liability and about half the premium that a promoter pays is for each person event. He added to have full coverage for each person at the event would cost the promoter between $5,000 – $10,000 in premiums and that promoters could not afford to put on the races.

The Liquid Speed Show can be heard live on Tuesday nights at 7pm central on LiQuID SPEED Radio.