Hey, hey folks! There’s a lot to unravel in yesterday’s release of the tentative 2018 Pro Watercross National Tour schedule as well as several other special events and series being hosting by Pro Watercross (including the World Championships, Hydroflight Open Tour and the new Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Closed Course Racing). Not only have dates and venues been added, but the Pro Watercross Tour will be hosting it’s often beguiled Sparks, Nevada race as a stand-alone event separate of the regular tour, which will come as a relief to many who simply cannot afford to make the trek that far west.
Of course, this opened up the schedule for a new venue, Racine, Wisconsin. Bringing the Pro Watercross Tour action to the shores of North Beach Park will draw in many from the Great Lakes area who otherwise haven’t been logistically capable of remaining competitive. We think it’s a great addition (and only wonder when Nashville, TN is going to come back. Seriously, we used to have the Nationals here, guys). Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of details left to be unfolded so check out the full press release below.
Here’s the original press release:
Pro Watercross is proud to announce the official event schedule for the 2018 season. The Pro Watercross National Tour features six jam-packed events starting in May through November, ending with its World Championships in Naples, Florida. “Pro Watercross has become the largest and most popular watercross series in the country and this season’s schedule will continue to bring growth to the sports, thanks to a great group of tour partners and host cities with fans all looking forward to our watercross race events,” said Jennifer Handler, CIO of Pro Watercross.
Pro Watercross events will include the Watercross National Tour and special events, Hydroflight Open Tour, as well the introduction of a new concept in racing… Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Closed Course Racing.
Pro Watercross is working to revise its mission statement to include all categories of watersport racing events to appeal to people from all walks of life. “We will continue to support the powersports industry with our events, while producing events for watersport enthusiasts to gather and share a one-of-a-kind beach lifestyle experience” continued Ms. Handler. Since its inception in 1995, UWP, owner and producer of Pro Watercross events has become the largest watercross tour in the United States and is supported by industry-leading original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
CHANGES TO THE TOUR: The Tour would like to welcome Racine, Wisconsin back to the tour; Racine’s North Beach Park is an ideal location for a tour stop, vast beach area with great surf, ample parking with close proximity to downtown hotel with great food and entertainment.
“We have been working hard to have Pro Watercross return to Racine. It’s one of those events that both locals and out-of-town visitors seek out for a summer weekend. Between the athletes, the enthusiastic fans, and the always-stunning North Beach venue, I don’t know why anyone would want to miss this show. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors, and prepare for the most intense beach party ever!” said Cari Greving, Real Racine Event Director.
The positive economic impact the tour will generate also means Racine’s businesses can anticipate receiving a major boost with the tour’s arrival drawing thousands of people to their city. “Hotels, restaurants, bars and practically every other business in Racine will benefit from having a Pro Watercross National Tour Stop in town,” continued Jennifer Handler CIO.
Sparks, Nevada: The 2018 US Open of Watercross will be a stand-alone event held at Sparks Marina Park; the event will be incorporating watercross racing and hydroflight competition on Saturday and closed course SUP racing on Sunday. The highlight of the weekend will be the watercross racing, which has been featured over the past six years in Sparks, NV. This will be the first tour event to incorporate all three events into one single event. *Special Event
Pro Watercross Watercross Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 May 5-6 Pensacola Beach, FL
RD 2 May 12-13 Panama City Beach, FL
RD 3 June 2-3 Atlantic City, NJ
RD 4 July 28-29 Racine, WI
RD 5 August 11-12 Hartwell, GA
RD 6 August 18-19 Charleston, WV (National Championship)
*June 23 Sparks, NV (stand-alone event) U.S. Open of Watercross
* November 1-4 Naples, FL – Watercross World Championships
Pro Watercross Hydroflight Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 June 23 Sparks, NV
RD 2 July 14 TBA
RD 3 TBA TBA (National Championship)
* October 26-28 Naples, FL – Hydroflight World Championships
Pro Watercross SUP-CROSS Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 June 24 Sparks, NV
RD 2 July 15 TBA
RD 3 September TBA (National Championship)
* October 31 Naples, FL – SUP-CROSS World Championships
*Special Events
