Image: Pro Watercross tour
The Independent
As a way to celebrate the arrival of a new large-scale sporting event to the area, the St. George Tourism Office is inviting local businesses and organizations to race extra-speedy jetskis on the same track used by professionals during the Pro Watercross Tour. The Jetski Racing Corporate Challenge will take place Friday, June 26, at Sand Hollow State Park and will be followed that weekend with the national stop of the 2015 Pro Watercross Tour—the country’s leading personal watercraft racing circuits.
The Pro Watercross Tour promises to impress spectators with closed-course races that attract some of the world’s top watercraft athletes. The fierce battle has competitors navigating buoys and obstacles—all while reaching speeds of more than 85 miles per hour. During the Jetski Racing Corporate Challenge, participants will experience the thrill of opening up the throttle on supercharged Yamaha jetskis. Each member of the four-person teams will get two opportunities to pilot around the pro track.
“This corporate racing challenge will be an unforgettable experience,” said Joe Newman, a marketing specialist with the St. George Tourism Office. “It’s not everyday that you get the freedom to push the pedal to the metal on souped-up racing machines.”
The winning Jetski Racing Corporate Challenge team will receive an official Pro Watercross plaque, trophy, and the grand prize check of $1,000. Space is limited to only 25 teams. To enter and pay the $400 entrance fee, contact the St. George Tourism Office at (435) 986-6614.
In addition to the races, the Pro Watercross Tour will also feature a heart-pounding freestyle segment that is always a crowd favorite. A panel of judges evaluates each trick and acrobatic stunt during the athletes’ two-minute routines.
“This is the Supercross of personal watercraft racing,” said Nicholas Handler, Pro Watercross managing director. “The course is designed to keep the high-speed action close to the fans on the beach.”
The blue water and contrasting red sandstone at Sand Hollow Reservoir wowed the selection committee who visited the reservoir last fall. The location is also ideal because of the adjoining sand dunes and trails for ATVs and OHVs.
“We are excited to welcome St. George to our family of host cities,” Handler said. “After experiencing Sand Hollow Reservoir for ourselves, we’re confident it’s going to be one of the tour’s favorite destinations.”
Spectators are welcome to attend and watch the amateur and professional racers compete. Before and after the races, fans frequently get to interact with the competitors and request autographs.
This summer’s seven-week circuit will be the 20th season of racing for the Pro Watercross Tour. Each step of the competition will be filmed and made into a nationwide television broadcast.
For more information about the Pro Watercross Tour, visit: www.prowatercross.com.
