THE TRIPLE CROWN OF OFFSHORE PWC / JET SKI RACING DEBUTS WITH GREAT SUCCESS IN 2009

Pictured above is Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises giving instruction to the racers.

The Triple Crown of Offshore was a collaboration between race promoter RPM Racing Enterprises, K38 Water Safety, PWCOFFSHORE.com and the APBA. The Triple Crown of Offshore Race Series consists of three races:  The 37 mile Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race in April, The historic 58 mile Long Beach to Catalina and Back APBA Offshore National Championship Race (AKA the LB2CAT) in July, and the 50 mile Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Offshore Race in November. A points system was created to determine Triple Crown series race winners by class and an over Triple Crown Winner. 2009 also saw the creation of new race classes; The Military Class which is available to all current and former members of the US Military, the Manufacturers Stock Class that is for 100% stock craft only and The Challenged Athlete Class.

Individual Race Winners:
Individual race winners were Lee Phan of Southern California who won the Dana Point to Avalon Race racing his SeaDoo RXT, Monster Factory Kawasaki sponsored racer Craig Warner won the 2009 LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race for the second consecutive year racing his Kawasaki ULTRA260X, and Pat Roque of Huntington Beach, Ca won the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Race on his SeaDoo RXP.
(Mike Arnold Pictured Below - Triple Crown Military Class Winner)

2009 Triple Crown of Offshore Race Winners:
PWCOFFSHORE.com founder Mark Gerner was the overall 2009 Triple Crown Winner racing his heavily modified Kawasaki ULTRA250X.  Gerner's win further solidified Kawasaki’s dominance of offshore racing. Mark attributed the success to “two great technicians in Cress and Friebe working on the craft, many years of offshore experience, an aggressive training regime and great love for the sport.” Paul Pham won the PROAM Class on his SeaDoo RXT, Iron Man Triathlete Kim Bushong won the Veteran Master Class Racing his Kawasaki ULTRA250X, Ralph Perez won the Amateur Open Class, Mike Arnold of the US Marine Corps won the Military Class, Shawn Alladio won the Manufacturer’s Stock Class, Warren Frank won the Challenged Athlete Class and Tommy Kolleck won the Sportsman Class.

Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing (pictured above) was voted the Offshore Racer Of The Year by his peers, while Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com GUNZ Racing was voted the New Offshore Racer Of The Year. Quakysense wetsuits was voted the best vendor supporter of offshore racing for 2009 and was recognized by the racers during the awards banquet for their support of Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racing.

Ahmed Hamade and Brian Largentina were both given special recognition for giving up their respective Oceanside Races to support a downed racer that was sinking after a mechanical. Their selflessness earned them great respect from their fellow racers.

Special recognition is in order for Warren Frank, Ryan Levinson and Dave Fekete who were the first "challenged athlete" class to ever compete in the LB2CAT. 

The 2009 LB2CAT, the second race of the Triple Crown was filmed and a DVD was produced yet again this year. The 2009 LB2AT DVD race coverage is available via http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

The Triple Crown of Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racing is scheduled to kick off again at Dana Point, Ca in march of 2010, don’t miss out! Come on out and participate. Yes, you! For more information regarding the Triple Crown of Offshore, visit www.pwcoffshore.com the premiere site for the PWC / Jet Ski offshore racer, rider and enthusiast!

Picture to the above and right is of Pat Roque who won the Dana Point to Oceanside and back race.
Top 21 positions earned numbers for the 2010 series


Place Racer Name Points

1. Mark Gerner 1068

2. Paul Pham 1064

3. Kim Bushong 1064

4. Shawn Alladio 980

5. Pat Roque 780

6. John Belton 696

7. Robert Carreon 696

8. Ralph Perez 688

9. Sean Conner 680

10. Jim Walker 664

11. Warren Frank 644

12. Mike Arnold 608

13. Ryan Levinson 586

14. Craig Warner 400

15. Lee Phan 400

16. Chris Heinrich 368

17. Dave Szych 352

18. Tyler White 348

19. Tom Phan 348

20. Ian Settlemire 344

21. Taylor Curtis 344

Kim  Bushong Pictured below

Mark Gerner Pictured Below at the 2009 LB2CAT

The start of the 2009 LB2CAT Race pictured below

TAD Racing at the 2009 LB2CAT below

Ryan Levinson pictured below at the 2009 Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Race

Start of the 2009 LB2CAT / Still behind the Queen's Gate Break Wall 

Below, Ms Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing - 2009 Dana Point to Oceanside and back Offshore Race

Jet ski racing pwc racing lb2cat triple crown of offshore racing www.jetskioffshore.com www.lb2catrace.com pwcoffshore hydro turf R&D Racing, Liquid Militia Fly Racing

Sean Conner picks up "the even more prestigious" Black Jersey at PWCOFFSHORE.com than the red one he was wearing!

Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Gunz Racing (Gunz is the Red Jersey focused on Amateur level racing) is recently selected to take a step up to the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers Group (the Black and Gray Jerseys / Pro and Vet Master Racers). Sean Conner is the youngest racer in the history of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing to become a “Sponsored Black Jersied Racer,” joining the ranks of some of the biggest names in Offshore PWC Racing. Mark Gerner, Founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said “I’m excited about Sean joining the ranks of the Black Jerseys at PWCOFFSHORE Racing and taking his racing career to the next level, Sean Conner represents the future of Offshore Racing and we look forward to watching Sean continue to grow and win championships. He is one of the very few that has the skill, drive, passion and work ethic to be successful in offshore racing.  He is also a great ambassador for the sport of offshore racing.  He deserves it.”

For more information regarding offshore PWC Racing, check out http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

2009 APBA Pwc Offshore National Champion Craig Warner Signs 2009 LB2CAT DVDs

On October 29, 2009 PWCOFFSHORE.com paid a visit to Kawasaki Headquarters, USA to meet up with two time APBA PWC Offshore National Champion Craig Warner of Monster Kawasaki. Warner earned the prestigious cover shot on the 2009 LB2CAT DVD by taking his second consecutive Offshore National Championship racing his green and black Kawasaki ULTRA260X. The purpose of the visit was to get the champ’s signature on well over 50 of the 2009 Long Beach to Catalina and Back DVDs! The champ took his time and carefully signed each one of the DVDs!

As of October 29, 2009 and while Craig Warner signed DVD supplies last, those ordering their DVD’s from PWCOFFSHORE.com will receive one of the personally autographed 2009 LB2CAT DVD copies signed by Two time Offshore National Champion Craig Warner!

PWCOFFSHORE.com appreciates Craig Warner and Monster Kawasaki’s support of Offshore PWC Racing and the time Kawasaki and Warner took to sign through so many copies of the DVD! Thank you and congratulations again Kawasaki and Craig Warner!

To view the order page for the LB2CAT DVDs, click here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DVD_LB2CAT_BACK.php

The Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship Race takes place every July from Long Beach, Ca Harbor to Catalina and Back (approximately 58 miles). There are multiple classes from Amateur through Professional. For more information visit www.pwcoffshore.com Come on out and race, yes you!

About the LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race and The 2009 DVD coverage of the race: The LB2CAT is the most prestigious and longest running Offshore PWC Race in the United States! Leaving the shadow of the famous Queen Mary ocean-liner, racers head out through the Queens Gate across 28 miles of dangerous open waters of the Pacific Ocean. The City of Avalon on Catalina Island looms ahead, hard core offshore PWC racers turnaround and face off the strenuous return leg of open ocean swells, fatigue, and the exhausting control of their high horsepower race craft. Who can take the LB2CAT challenge and go the distance, who will be the winners? The DVD consists of pre race interviews and helicopter footage of the race from Long Beach to Catalina and back. Enjoy!

jet ski racing, pwc racing, pwcoffshore lb2cat Craig Warner, Long Beach to Catalina Race

The Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC Race is November 1, 2009

The Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC Race is November 1, 2009

(photo http://www.pwcoffshore.com/)
RPM RACING ENTERPRISES is pleased to present The Inaugural Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC (Jet Ski) Race, scheduled for November 1, 2009! This is the final race of the “2009 Triple Crown of Offshore PWC Racing" with Dana Point, Ca USA to Avalon and the Long Beach to Catalina & Back APBA National Offshore Championships being the previous two rounds. Multiple classes from Pro to Manufacturer’s "Bone Stock" are available to all takers who are welcome to participate in the 53 mile round trip open ocean race. Navigation, physical fitness and a reliable craft will be critical to success!

The chase for the Offshore Triple Crown is coming down to this final race, the competition is going to be tough with some of the best offshore racers in the world scheduled to participate!

Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com GUNZ Racing stated that “I am very excited to be racing down the California coastline and looking forward to competing against some of the best offshore endurance racers in the country, The Dana Point to Oceanside Race is going to be a true battle on the water for the Offshore Crown"

Shawn Alladio said “This is my 20th year racing offshore in the Pacific Ocean. I'm excited about the recent rise of interest in PWC Offshore racing here in Southern California. The final race of the 'Triple Crown' Offshore Series is the third trilogy of our Offshore heritage competing at the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back race, 55 miles of 'Hard Core Offshore'

Mark Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said “Offshore PWC Racing is back in the United States! I’m thrilled about this additional race and training hard for the competition. I am excited about the amount of talent that will be participating!”

Tyler White of TAD Racing said "This will be my third time racing in the Pacific and I couldn't be more stoked. I'm looking forward to coming out and representing region five and the third coast once again in the 2009 Offshore Triple Crown race series. Its gonna be a grudge match. Look out California, Texas is a comin' for ya!"
See you there!

Entry form and all race & logistical information is available at PWCOFFSHORE.com, click here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DanaPoint2Oceanside_Race.html

Check out the offshore only forum at www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

Contact infrmation for RPM:
SCSC/RPM RACING ENTERPRISES
1803 Morgan Lane
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Phone (310) 318-4012
Fax (310) 372-7427





pwcoffshore jet ski racing offshore racing pwc racing pwc endurance racing

PWC Riders take on the open Pacific Ocean for a 280 mile ride along the California Coastline as a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

PWC Riders take on the open Pacific Ocean for a 280 mile ride along the California Coastline as a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

On 9/11/2001 our country was attacked by a group of terrorists. We must never forget. Since then, our military has been engaged in warfare to maintain our freedoms and keep our families out of harm’s way. We have lost great Americans while waging this war against terror. We must never forget......... We stand in awe and with the greatest respect of these great Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. More information is available here: www.UWSF.org

The 280 mile open ocean round trip personal watercraft (PWC) ride from San Pedro (Los Angeles, Ca) to San Diego, Ca and back in one day was done to augment visibility to The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF). A small group of accomplished PWC Racers and one Navy EOD Expert took to the water to accomplish one mission; complete the ride and bring visibility and donations to the UWSF. The ride was the brainchild of and orchestrated by Ms. Shawn Alladio, the legendary watercraft safety instructor and watercraft racer out of Southern California (she is also part of Liquid Militia and a PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Offshore Racer). Alladio selected a very experienced group of offshore riders and started the preparation process months before the event. The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders completed the final course and safety checks in Los Angeles, CA at Cabrillo Beach on 9/11.

These "Freedom Riders" on PWC made the trek on September 12th, departing San Pedro at 7:25 am. Departing the safety of the Angel’s Gate from the Los Anegles Port, they headed offshore into the Pacific Ocean and landed at a number of predestinated refueling stops along the southern coastal route.

Dave Tew from the Southern California Watercraft Club was there in force at the various checkpoints to assist with refueling the craft and rider support. Dave 'Pirate' Tew is also an Amateur Class Offshore National Champion PWC Racer. Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com said "Dave was absolutely invaluable in supporting us, he spent his day driving from marina to marina, buying fuel and acting as our primary communications point, we could not have done the ride without him."

The riders had a small mechanical that was quickly and efficiently repaired by supporting mechanic Aaron Cress at Dana Point Jet ski and the riders were back on the water, gutting it out down to the next fuel stop and ultimately San Diego. Water conditions were mild for the ride down the coast to Oceanside but would slowly pick up momentum throughout the day.

Challenged Athlete Foundation representative Ryan Levinson met the group 6 miles off the coast of Mission Bay and provided the group with an honorary escort into San Diego and Coronado. After arriving safely at Coronado, the riders turned back to encounter higher winds and big seas. White caps started to present themselves off the coast of La Jolla and would continue to get rougher through the day, culminating with consistent white caps, high winds and 6 foot seas for the final leg from Dana Point to San Pedro.

Ms Shawn Alladio would comment that "those ocean conditions were fitting for the event, the pain we felt is a reminder of the pain felt by the spouses who lost a loved one, one must continue forward." Almost 12 hours after the ride commenced, the group returned to San Pedro through rough waters, high winds and a magnificent sunset.

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride? The initial fundraiser campaign has launched with a $2,000 charitable contribution to UWSF. Please support us in our goal of reaching $25,000 on behalf of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link to their hompage: http://www.uwsf.org/

Make a Contribution to the UWSF: https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=11226

ABOUT THE UNITED WARRIOR PWC FREEDOM RIDERS

Stephen Ruth - UWSF Vice President

Steve was born June 24, 1965 in Baltimore, MD. He has served in the United States Navy for 21 years and is currently an E8 (Senior Chief) working in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. Steve has been affiliated with UWSF since 2005 and helped coordinate two very successful Coronado Golf Tournaments in 2006 and 2007. Steve was previously the UWSF Operations Officer but stepped back in 2008 due to military commitments and the arrival of his second child.

Ralph Perez

Currently a Federal Law Enforcement officer and Former Drill Sergeant amongst other service distinctions, Ralph is also a distinguished PWC Offshore Racer. He is on the PWCoffshore.com 'Gunz Group' race team and is a prolific supporter of endurance challenges. Ralph chronicles all his adventures and is currently scripting a book about PWC travels that will benefit Wounded Warrior Foundation. He along with his teammates are supporting the UWSF ride to help raise funds for the organization.

Russell Libby

Former United States Marine Corps LCPL, HMM-268 39th MAG, 3rd MAW. 1986-1990. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to show my support on behalf of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation on our PWC Freedom Ride. ‘You have not been forgotten, and we will never forget.’

Mark Gerner

Mark is the founder of the PWCOFFSHORE Race Team, a former United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer (0302), Veteran of Operation Desert Shield & Storm and highly skilled endurance champion racer.

Shawn Alladio

Personal Watercraft Boating Instructor for public safety agencies and special waterborne divisions of the US Army, USMC, USAF, US Navy and USCG. Founder of the K38 Way of Training that is represented in 14 countries worldwide. AWA H2O Responder program director, NSBC Instructor and Professional PWC Racer since 1989

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride?

Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link: www.UWSF.org

K38 Photo Album: (pics by Pirate)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k38shawn/sets/72157622239390919/

Pwcoffshore.com:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157622228478803/

Russell Libby

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11755571@N04/sets/72157622361005100/

2010 Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Mile PWC Race, Arizona USA

ENTRY FORM AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Mark_Hahn_Race.html

Sixth Annual APBA National
Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300
Set for February 27th at Lake Havasu.
This race is an APBA Sanctioned event and as such, ALL riders MUST be APBA Racing Members and you will need to enter the class that your APBA card shows VERY IMPORTANT.If your card says PRO than you must run the Pro/Am class. If you are not now but want to become an APBA Racing Member, please
call Patrick Mell at (586) 773-9700 or go online at www.apbaracing.com to sign up.

The Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Team Race is a stand-alone event to honor our fallen friend Mark Hahn. It is not part of the annual points races and therefore there will be Six (7) classes only, as listed on the entry form.

Get your team set and your entry in early to avoid the $25.00 late fee if your paid entry is not received by DSM one (1) week prior to the race. No entries will be accepted on race day. DSM will accept VISA, MASTERCARD or a check for the entry fee to make payment very easy. If anyone has a problem with this entry system or wants to make special arrangements, please contact Jim Russell at DSM immediately at (928) 764-2210, Extension 615 in an effort
to limit the confusion on race day and insure that the race gets started exactly on time. All entrants MUST have eight inch (8") black number(s) on a white background to be scored. Numbers will NOT be available at the race site on race day, nor may you enter on race day.

Awards will be for First through Tenth in the Overall order and First through Third in each Class. The awards are really special for this event, The AWARDS will be at Aquatic Center doors will open at 6.30 same as last years event awards starting at 7.30 pm. NO ONE WILL GET IN WITHOUT A DINNER BAND.

2010 Mark Hahn Hotel info :

London Bridge Resort is proud to be the host hotel for the 2010 Mark Hahn Memorial for the dates of February 26-28, 2010. For six years, the London Bridge Resort has been the host hotel and supporter of the Mark Hahn Memorial, and invites you to reserve a room at a discounted rate of $99 per night. Rooms must be reserved by the cut-off date of January 26, 2010 by
calling (928)855-0888 or (800)238-8808. London Bridge Resort will once again also be hosting an after hours party in Martini Bay on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Book your reservations now and we look forward to seeing you in February!

Mark Hahn, 2010 Mark Hahn, pwcoffshore, jet ski racing, pwc racing pwc offshore racing

2009 Long Beach To Catalina & Back Offshore National Championship

The 2009 Long Beach to Catalina and Back APBA Offshore National Championship Race orchestrated by R.P.M. Racing Enterprises is in the books and Craig Warner and Monster Kawasaki take home back to back offshore National Championships. Not since legendary offshore racer and sole PWCOFFSHORE Hall Of Famer Billy Womack has any racer won two in a row. Kawasaki further solidified its dominance in offshore racing with the second year of sweeping the podium with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes on Kawasaki platforms. It appears to be official, for now the Kawasaki ULTRA250/260X platforms own offshore racing.

Some of the biggest names in offshore racing gathered with R.P.M. Racing Enterprises around the historic Queen Mary at 8 am on July 12, 2009 to take on the challenge and test their metal with some of the best offshore racers in the world. The "LB2CAT" is a trek just under 60 miles round trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island & back across the treacherous channel waters on PWC/Jet-Skis. The racers take on the mighty Pacific Ocean and shipping channel that presents wind, kelp, rollers, chop and navigation to the racer to assess and overcome. The racers that participate in this race come prepared looking like linebackers with helmets, neck collars and and mouthpieces to hold 75 to 80 mph watercraft wide open throttle (WOT) across the channel and back, a true test of physical strength and mental stamina. This epic and historic race attracts the truly hard core pros and enthusiasts to pursue the prestigious win and membership into the "Platinum Club" of offshore racers who win the overall. Honda came with their guns loaded with Honda sponsored racer Nick Vanis, Monster Kawasaki brought World Champion and returning offshore defending champion racer Craig Warner, PWCOFFSHORE Racing had their team prepped and ready to pursue a win with recent Mark Hahn 300 winners Mark Gerner and Robert Carreon in the PROAM class, there were a number of bone stock SeaDoo IS craft in the mix, one ridden by PWI's Kevin Shaw and the new Yamaha FZR also debuted with two participants choosing it as their weapon of choice for the day.

Over 40 craft hammered throttles for the straight line start out of Queen's Gate providing spectators lining the rock wall with a site to be seen. The adrenalin and horsepower junkies of our industry were in bliss with the sound and site of 1000's of horsepower roaring out of the hole, it was enough to get your blood rolling to say the least. Pat Roque's tweaked out SeaDoo sounded like a Boss 302 with headers and Craig Warner's magnificently tuned ULTRA260X looked and sounded like a rocket screaming across the water. Robert Carreon's green ULTRA screaming out of the hole as it always does is a site and sound to enjoy. Many eyes were on Lee Phan of Southern California this year, Lee was the recent winner of the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race and brought an extremely fast ULTRA to the race. The combination of his offshore riding prowess and fast craft made him a formidable opponent for any racer on that day. The conditions were relatively flat for the indoctrinated with two to three foot rollers with chop outside the break wall, not enough to slow those craft prepped for a flat day but enough to allow the rough water craft to compete and flourish. Conditions close to Catalina Island and Avalon Harbor were mild resulting in a throttle run just outside the island and the first leg on the return trip.

The 2009 LB2CAT saw new race classes instituted by Ross Wallach of R.P.M. Enterprises; a new Military Class, a Manufacturer's Bone Stock class and a Challenged Athlete Class. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor and competitive boxer Mike Arnold (all 6ft 3in and 250 pounds of muscle) debuted for his first offshore race competing against former Marine Russell Libby, both would put on an impressive display of racing with "Iron-Mike" Arnold edging out Russell Libby for the Military Class win. The new Manufactures Bone Stock Class pitted Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE on the Kawasaki ULTRA250X competing against multiple racers including the new RXTIS ridden by Kevin Shaw of PWI. Shawn Alladio put on an impressive performance and while in 5th place overall and right outside the Queen Mary on the final leg her entire steering column literally ripped off the craft propelling her over the handlebars for a very nasty toss. This allowed Kevin Shaw to capitalize on his RXTIS and pass Shawn for a very impressive top 10 overall finish on the SeaDoo RXTIS winning the Manufacturers Stock Class. PWI would have a good day with two of their team making it into the top ten. Shawn Alladio was able to slowly manipulate the craft across the finish line using her bodyweight and legs to steer the disabled craft, using nothing short of sheer willpower to get the craft across the line and avoid the DNF.

The challenged athlete class was a highlight for the day, truly an inspiration for all who observed the race. Warren Frank is a below the knee amputee and athlete who runs triathlons and participates in other forms of endurance racing. Driven is an understatement with Warren, he trained with intensity for this race and it showed on the race course. He also made a last minute boat change with the purchase of the ULTRA260X. Warren Frank's performance was impressive and challenged all on the course on that day. Equally impressive is Ryan Levinson, a challenged athlete with FSH Muscular Dystrophy (FSHMD), an incurable, untreatable, muscle-wasting disorder. Those who trained with Ryan in preparation for the race were awestruck with this athlete's strength of will and character. His form was impeccable on the craft, a testament of Shawn Alladio's instruction. Shawn Alladio spent countless hours working with these challenged athletes in preparation for the race. Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE Racing also trained with Ryan Levinson just prior to the race and described the experience as "humbling and inspirational." Ryan Levinson will never acknowledge that it could and likely is very painful for him to ride in the demanding offshore PWC racing niche. Not once did he complain, never did he falter, never did he show weakness. The challenged athletes at the

2009 LB2CAT represented themselves extremely well. One word describes them, awesome. We suggest you go look at their sites: www.ryanlevinson.com www.warrenfrank.com

The Sportsman Class is designed to allow first time offshore racers to come participate at a reduced rate and is the fastest growing class on the roster. Dave Szych of PWI took the Sportsman class, Jim Walker put in an impressive performance racing a SeaDoo RXT winning the Amateur Class and Iron Man Triathlete Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE put in a very impressive performance on this Kawasaki ULTRA250X taking the Vet Master Championship and 4th overall spot. Tyler White of Texas made the trek up to race his RXTX only to encounter a major mechanical during tuning the day before the race that took his craft out of contention for race day. Many scrambled to get him a loaner craft and a stock RXTX appeared resulting in Tyler taking 6th overall on a loaner craft!! How about that! Tyler was accompanied by his father Doug White, a class act and supporter of the offshore racing community.

Craig Warner's performance was dominant beating second place overall finisher and PWCOFFSHORE founder Mark Gerner by two minutes. Warner took the lead quickly at the start and then kept the lead throughout the entire race. Paul Pham was in second but was tossed in mid channel off of his SeaDoo RXT. Mark Gerner and Chris Heinrich battled the entire race with Gerner edging out Heinrich at the very end of the race. The race was plagued with DNF's (Did not finish) due to mechanicals, a testament to the racers continuing to push the horsepower envelope to achieve the speed required to win this race and then pushing that craft to its breaking point during the race. That point of diminishing return of speed vs. reliability is ever-changing and elusive. Many were performing well when their craft had issues, heartbreak was rampant at this race with many racers who had prepped for months (in some cases a year) only to find themselves drifting in the channel with a grenaded engine. After that reality settled in, the race was over and everyone was back on land in one piece, the offshore fraternity and comradery was there with old friends talking and enjoying the great community this niche displays. That is the nature of this epic race. Many of these competitors will be back next year to take on the challenge of the Pacific yet again. The LB2CAT lived up to all its expectations yet again. Congratulations Kawasaki!

PWCOFFSHORE.com took hundreds of pictures, generated great video from their helicopter and has engaged Hypnotic Films to create a DVD for the race, stay tuned and watch www.pwcoffshore.com for updates on the DVD!

See you on the water.
www.pwcoffshore.com

Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157621397054552/