1 lake. 2 national championships. 7 marine animal observers. 9 Panthers. 11 races. 32 competitors ... and perhaps a few alligators
The P1 fleet of Panther race boats and AquaX jet skis have punched in Lake Okeechobee Resort on their sat navs as Pahokee prepares to host round 3 of the P1 SuperStock USA Championship and the second round of the newly-launched P1 AquaX series. The two national championships have attracted thirty-two competitors to Lake Okeechobee - known locally as The Big O - and spectators will be treated to a packed programme of eleven races this weekend.
Rough conditions at Daytona Beach last month resulted in the P1 SuperStock racing being cancelled, but the four races will be run at Pahokee on Saturday afternoon together with the opening AquaX race. One jet ski rider who is certain to receive huge support is Wayne Gray, the owner of Lake Okeechobee Resort. "It's great that the P1 SuperStock and AquaX series are coming to the Resort and I'm expecting a good turn out to watch all the races" said Wayne. "This will be my first ever race on the water at the age of 48, and I'm really looking forward to it. I simply plan to go out there and enjoy myself."
P1 USA championship manager, Azam Rangoonwala has had to schedule a total of eleven races over the weekend and also ensure that no harm comes to the local wildlife, which includes alligators. "After the disappointment of not racing at Daytona Beach, I'm looking forward to seeing the nine SuperStock USA boats back in action" declared Azam. "It will be a demanding weekend for the crews and, with just two more rounds to follow, they are all very much aware of how important these two days will be in deciding who is crowned national champion in September."
Husband and wife team, Craig and Cynthia Belfatto from Apollo Beach have been notching up hours of practice as they look to mount their challenge for the SuperStock USA title in the Livorsi boat. "We expect the racing to be extremely competitive and aim to be in contention in all eight races" commented Craig. The father and son pairing of Tom and Jason Morton from North Carolina are the championship leaders in their Team Morton Water boat after the opening round on the Stuart Causeway in April, but Jason will have Walt Cox alongside him in the cockpit this weekend as his dad is recovering from triple bypass surgery.
Powerboat P1 USA joined forces with the International Jet Sport Boating Association to launch the AquaX series in Florida last month, with Daytona Beach serving up sunshine, surf, thrills and spills at the first event. The hugely experienced Eric Lagopoulos made the headlines as the 35-year-old restaurant owner from Sarasota expertly navigated the 6-foot surf to power to victory in all three races in the 300 class. Miami rider Greg Broche finished on the podium in the 250 class and is raring to go in Pahokee: "The conditions in the opening round were really tough, but it was great. Ron Levy was impressive with three strong performances and for me it will be all guns blazing on The Big O this weekend."
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