Well, this sucks. Just when you think it’s safe to start getting excited for the 2015 racing season, we get news like this: Unfortunately, all HXR Watercraft Racing Series for 2015 have been cancelled. That includes the newly announced HXR Arena Racing, HXR HydroCross Racing and HXR HydroDrag Racing series. Undoubtedly, it comes with a heavy heart for organizer and fellow racer Brent Venderley, who poured a considerable deal of blood, sweat and tears into developing the HXR series’ 2015 season into what could’ve been something massive, but alas, fate would say otherwise.
In light of significant increases in new watercraft unit sales in 2014, the interest and funding necessary to support an aggressive racing program such as what Venderley was proposing appears to have all but vanished. This news of course, comes as turmoil between sanctioning bodies and private event promoters has left many racers and spectators to query the station of organized PWC racing in the United States as a whole. With regional promoters slowly backing out of the IJSBA or racing altogether, would-be participants are left wondering whether the sport has much of a chance at all.
Here’s the original announcement:
Hello…
I regret to inform you that the HXR Watercraft Racing Series for 2015 has been canceled. This cancellation includes HXR Arena Racing, HXR HydroCross Racing and HXR HydroDrag Racing as scheduled.
Over the last two years of full time personal effort promoting the PWC racing sport, I have done my best to continue pushing IJSBA Region 7 racing down a path towards a professional image and an exciting, fan friendly, PWC racing program. Unfortunately the near nonexistent level of market, industry and association support has resulted in a sufficient lack of budget and resources…
I personally thank every PWC racer, their crew and families and of course our sponsors who have supported me and HXR HydroCross Racing the last two years. It’s a fact; Region 7 has more passion for the PWC racing sport than I have seen anywhere on national or international circuits.
I sincerely hope and plan for positive market, industry and association changes down the road… if this happens and a legitimate opportunity presents itself for a top level racing series, I will jump at the chance to bring you the great racing programs our industry deserves. Until then I am hanging it up, putting on my helmet and going racin’…
Thank you all, I’ll see you on the starting line!
The graphic below is being sent the morning of 1/21/2015
Brent Venderley
HXR Watercraft Racing Team
813.409.1995
