A_Fan
07-05-2003, 12:08 AM
Rounds 3 & 4 of the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships at Pontiac, Michigan this past weekend had some exciting Racing Action. There were 175 Riders in attendance from West Virginia, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Canada, and from all over the Midwest. This made for many full classes as 100 moto’s were ran both Saturday & Sunday completing a full weekend of Personal Watercraft Racing. Many Canadian’s made the trip to compete in Rounds 3 & 4 of the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships making the Racing Action even hotter.
On Friday Night, Tom & Al Miller’s 2nd Annual Crawfish Blowout was a huge success. There were 200 people in attendance to enjoy the great food of this pitch-in Dinner. Several Riders brought food, and appetizers, which provided some good eating. With over 120 lbs. of Crawfish, there was plenty of food for all. Four picnic tables full of Spicy Cajun Crawfish were piled high for hours that evening giving those in attendance plenty of food. The 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, and HammerTime Promotions would like to give a sincere thanks to Tom & Al Miller for supplying the delicious Crawfish, along with Ken Haverkate, Papa DeGrazia, Andy Tinsley, and many others for making this all possible. This was a great time for all, as many socialized throughout the evening while enjoying some delicious food & beverages prior to a Great Weekend of Racing.
Both Saturday & Sunday the Pontiac State Park Lake was busy with many people visiting the The Kawasaki JET SKI® Watercraft Demo Summer Splash 2003 Tour and taking a cruise on the various Kawasaki Personal Watercraft. This was a popular attraction all weekend long as consumers got a chance to learn about Personal Watercraft Safety Facts, and take a ride on a Kawasaki JET SKI®. There were numerous Kawasaki Representatives on hand to assist all the participants with Personal Watercraft Instruction, and Information. If you didn’t get a chance to take a ride on one of the many Kawasaki JET SKI® in Pontiac, Michigan, you will have another opportunity on July 19th-20th at Harbor Beach, Michigan as The Kawasaki JET SKI® Watercraft Demo Summer Splash 2003 Tour will also be participating in the Maritime Festival & Can-Am Cup that weekend.
There was no flat water racing this weekend, as 15-20 mile an hour winds both Saturday & Sunday made water conditions rough, and choppy with large swells mixed in. These water conditions are present year after year at Pontiac, making this event tough for Riders both in conditioning, and in watercraft setup. This weekend was no exception as Riders battled some very tough water conditions that Pontiac is famous for. These water
conditions shall prove helpful, when Riders will be faced with similar water
conditions at the upcoming Can-Am Cup, at Harbor Beach, Michigan of the Round 5 - 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships.
There was some great Racing Action all weekend long. In the Novice Women Ski Class, where there is a tight Season Points battle evolving, Nanette Grissom, from Algonquin, Illinois continued to dominate after 3 Rounds. However, Susan Ramroth, from Haslett, Michigan on her Jazz Motorsports Yamaha, took 1st place on Sunday, with Melissa Maloney, from Holland, Michigan (who continues to get faster each race), taking 2nd place. With various Riders swapping positions both Days, the Season Points battle is even tighter going into Round 5 at Harbor Beach, Michigan.
In Pro-Am Women Ski Class, Melanie Taylor Wallis, from Ontario, Canada piloted her Pro Fuels Yamaha to 1st place on both days, as she showed some serious speed in tough water conditions. Ashlee Hyde, and Debbie Hyde, from Hide-Away-Hills, Ohio took 2nd, and 3rd respectively while closely chasing Melanie Taylor Wallis both Rounds.
In the Expert Ski Class, Derek Powell on his Speed Racing Kawasaki from Syracuse, Indiana continued to battle with Jerry Schmidt, from Monroe, Michigan in the popular Expert Ski Class. Jerry Schmidt was hitting the Ramp Jump at full speed, and providing some great entertainment as he sailed high and far in the air. Spectators were in awe, and anticipation as Jerry Schmidt approached the Ramp Jump each lap. Dusty Thomas on his XS Energy Drink Yamaha, from Adrian, Michigan also lit up the course in his debut appearance at Rounds 3 & 4 of the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, taking 2nd place on Saturday.
In Pro-Am 800 Runabout Class it was the Swann Show both days. Geoff, and Eric Swann, from Arnold, Missouri just dominated both days. Geoff proved to be the man to beat on Saturday, while Eric picked up the pace on Sunday taking the win from his brother as they both literally went at it on the racecourse. Both Rode hard, and were trading fiberglass as they again provided some of the best Racing
Action of the weekend. Cole Wagner, from Waterford, Michigan on his Jami Wisinski tuned Sea-Doo took 3rd place, and he continued to search for added horsepower. Engine problems eventually caught up with Cole, as he watched from the sidelines on Sunday. On Sunday, Ray Proulx, from Ontario, Canada on his LakeShore Performance Sea-Doo took 3rd place as he battled all day long with Thomas Hunt, from Lansing, Michigan who took 4th.
On Saturday, several Runabout Riders decided to take to the water and entered the Beginner Ski Class. Like fish out of water, it was a full class as Mike Leonard, from Chicago, Illinois on his Fly Racing Kawasaki took the win from start to finish. Steve “The Ringer” Crane, from McCordsville, Indiana rode a consistent race and finished 2nd place on his Outlaw Performance Kawasaki. Jay Edworthy, from Ontario, Canada also rode a great race as he chased Crane to a 3rd place finish. Ken Haverkate, from Grandville, Michigan, on his Novi Kawasaki struggled early but eventually made a run at the leaders, and took 4th place. Other Riders, who largely entertained the crowd were, DJ Thompson, Colin Last, Chad Mooney, Ray Degrazia, Alan Miller, Justin Bojan, Jeff Lingenfelter Jr, Brian Kent, and Jeff Goins.
On Sunday, undoubtedly one of the most exciting Races of the weekend was in the Expert 1200 Runabout class as they battled brutal water conditions. All Riders rode hard, in each of the 12 lap Moto’s. You could hear Ole Canada playing in the background as Jay Edworthy, from Ontario, Canada on his Cal Jet / Rotax Racing Sea-Doo, and Ryan Pearson, from Ontario, Canada on his Dean’s Team Kawasaki swept the competition. Both Riders were in a class by themselves, as they both had their watercraft dialed in and performing flawlessly. Jay Edworthy took the win from Ryan Pearson, as Evan Connell, Justin Haverkate, and Ryan Leadbetter rode hard to finish respectively. This Class was exciting to watch in Pontiac’s rough waters, coupled with the fact each Rider was riding hard for the whole distance. If the racing this past weekend is any indication of what we’ll see at the Can-Am Cup at Harbor Beach, Michigan, then get ready to see some Hot Racing Action.
The next stop on the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships will be Round 5 at Harbor Beach, Michigan. This event will be in conjugation with the 2003 Maritime Festival & Budweiser Can-Am Cup. This much anticipated Event will be the race you won’t want to miss, as this is the 2nd Largest Spectator Event in the country behind the World Championships in October. There are many Festivities planned including the Popular Budweiser Can-Am Cup where the Canadian’s will try and take back the Cup from Team U.S.A. Other Activities planned for that weekend will be the Bud Light / Kawasaki Invitational, Live Bands Friday & Saturday night, Fireworks Show, Freestyle Show, along with many other Festival Activities. Come to Harbor Beach and enjoy the fun. Cheer Team U.S.A. as it tries to defend the Budweiser Can-Am Cup from Team Canada.
For more information on the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, contact Jacque Bryant, Phone: (317) 846-0789, Fax: (37) 846-0789 or email: mwctour@iquest.net
On Friday Night, Tom & Al Miller’s 2nd Annual Crawfish Blowout was a huge success. There were 200 people in attendance to enjoy the great food of this pitch-in Dinner. Several Riders brought food, and appetizers, which provided some good eating. With over 120 lbs. of Crawfish, there was plenty of food for all. Four picnic tables full of Spicy Cajun Crawfish were piled high for hours that evening giving those in attendance plenty of food. The 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, and HammerTime Promotions would like to give a sincere thanks to Tom & Al Miller for supplying the delicious Crawfish, along with Ken Haverkate, Papa DeGrazia, Andy Tinsley, and many others for making this all possible. This was a great time for all, as many socialized throughout the evening while enjoying some delicious food & beverages prior to a Great Weekend of Racing.
Both Saturday & Sunday the Pontiac State Park Lake was busy with many people visiting the The Kawasaki JET SKI® Watercraft Demo Summer Splash 2003 Tour and taking a cruise on the various Kawasaki Personal Watercraft. This was a popular attraction all weekend long as consumers got a chance to learn about Personal Watercraft Safety Facts, and take a ride on a Kawasaki JET SKI®. There were numerous Kawasaki Representatives on hand to assist all the participants with Personal Watercraft Instruction, and Information. If you didn’t get a chance to take a ride on one of the many Kawasaki JET SKI® in Pontiac, Michigan, you will have another opportunity on July 19th-20th at Harbor Beach, Michigan as The Kawasaki JET SKI® Watercraft Demo Summer Splash 2003 Tour will also be participating in the Maritime Festival & Can-Am Cup that weekend.
There was no flat water racing this weekend, as 15-20 mile an hour winds both Saturday & Sunday made water conditions rough, and choppy with large swells mixed in. These water conditions are present year after year at Pontiac, making this event tough for Riders both in conditioning, and in watercraft setup. This weekend was no exception as Riders battled some very tough water conditions that Pontiac is famous for. These water
conditions shall prove helpful, when Riders will be faced with similar water
conditions at the upcoming Can-Am Cup, at Harbor Beach, Michigan of the Round 5 - 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships.
There was some great Racing Action all weekend long. In the Novice Women Ski Class, where there is a tight Season Points battle evolving, Nanette Grissom, from Algonquin, Illinois continued to dominate after 3 Rounds. However, Susan Ramroth, from Haslett, Michigan on her Jazz Motorsports Yamaha, took 1st place on Sunday, with Melissa Maloney, from Holland, Michigan (who continues to get faster each race), taking 2nd place. With various Riders swapping positions both Days, the Season Points battle is even tighter going into Round 5 at Harbor Beach, Michigan.
In Pro-Am Women Ski Class, Melanie Taylor Wallis, from Ontario, Canada piloted her Pro Fuels Yamaha to 1st place on both days, as she showed some serious speed in tough water conditions. Ashlee Hyde, and Debbie Hyde, from Hide-Away-Hills, Ohio took 2nd, and 3rd respectively while closely chasing Melanie Taylor Wallis both Rounds.
In the Expert Ski Class, Derek Powell on his Speed Racing Kawasaki from Syracuse, Indiana continued to battle with Jerry Schmidt, from Monroe, Michigan in the popular Expert Ski Class. Jerry Schmidt was hitting the Ramp Jump at full speed, and providing some great entertainment as he sailed high and far in the air. Spectators were in awe, and anticipation as Jerry Schmidt approached the Ramp Jump each lap. Dusty Thomas on his XS Energy Drink Yamaha, from Adrian, Michigan also lit up the course in his debut appearance at Rounds 3 & 4 of the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, taking 2nd place on Saturday.
In Pro-Am 800 Runabout Class it was the Swann Show both days. Geoff, and Eric Swann, from Arnold, Missouri just dominated both days. Geoff proved to be the man to beat on Saturday, while Eric picked up the pace on Sunday taking the win from his brother as they both literally went at it on the racecourse. Both Rode hard, and were trading fiberglass as they again provided some of the best Racing
Action of the weekend. Cole Wagner, from Waterford, Michigan on his Jami Wisinski tuned Sea-Doo took 3rd place, and he continued to search for added horsepower. Engine problems eventually caught up with Cole, as he watched from the sidelines on Sunday. On Sunday, Ray Proulx, from Ontario, Canada on his LakeShore Performance Sea-Doo took 3rd place as he battled all day long with Thomas Hunt, from Lansing, Michigan who took 4th.
On Saturday, several Runabout Riders decided to take to the water and entered the Beginner Ski Class. Like fish out of water, it was a full class as Mike Leonard, from Chicago, Illinois on his Fly Racing Kawasaki took the win from start to finish. Steve “The Ringer” Crane, from McCordsville, Indiana rode a consistent race and finished 2nd place on his Outlaw Performance Kawasaki. Jay Edworthy, from Ontario, Canada also rode a great race as he chased Crane to a 3rd place finish. Ken Haverkate, from Grandville, Michigan, on his Novi Kawasaki struggled early but eventually made a run at the leaders, and took 4th place. Other Riders, who largely entertained the crowd were, DJ Thompson, Colin Last, Chad Mooney, Ray Degrazia, Alan Miller, Justin Bojan, Jeff Lingenfelter Jr, Brian Kent, and Jeff Goins.
On Sunday, undoubtedly one of the most exciting Races of the weekend was in the Expert 1200 Runabout class as they battled brutal water conditions. All Riders rode hard, in each of the 12 lap Moto’s. You could hear Ole Canada playing in the background as Jay Edworthy, from Ontario, Canada on his Cal Jet / Rotax Racing Sea-Doo, and Ryan Pearson, from Ontario, Canada on his Dean’s Team Kawasaki swept the competition. Both Riders were in a class by themselves, as they both had their watercraft dialed in and performing flawlessly. Jay Edworthy took the win from Ryan Pearson, as Evan Connell, Justin Haverkate, and Ryan Leadbetter rode hard to finish respectively. This Class was exciting to watch in Pontiac’s rough waters, coupled with the fact each Rider was riding hard for the whole distance. If the racing this past weekend is any indication of what we’ll see at the Can-Am Cup at Harbor Beach, Michigan, then get ready to see some Hot Racing Action.
The next stop on the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships will be Round 5 at Harbor Beach, Michigan. This event will be in conjugation with the 2003 Maritime Festival & Budweiser Can-Am Cup. This much anticipated Event will be the race you won’t want to miss, as this is the 2nd Largest Spectator Event in the country behind the World Championships in October. There are many Festivities planned including the Popular Budweiser Can-Am Cup where the Canadian’s will try and take back the Cup from Team U.S.A. Other Activities planned for that weekend will be the Bud Light / Kawasaki Invitational, Live Bands Friday & Saturday night, Fireworks Show, Freestyle Show, along with many other Festival Activities. Come to Harbor Beach and enjoy the fun. Cheer Team U.S.A. as it tries to defend the Budweiser Can-Am Cup from Team Canada.
For more information on the 2003 U.S. Grand National Watercross Championships, contact Jacque Bryant, Phone: (317) 846-0789, Fax: (37) 846-0789 or email: mwctour@iquest.net