Sunshine and the smell of a two stroke; it doesn’t get much better than that. That is, unless you add a buoy course, an amazing freestyle show, and several world champions on fast skis, which is exactly what Northwest Jet Sports association did this past weekend in Lincoln City, Oregon. Round 3 and 4 of the Pacific Northwest Watercross tour (Region 3 Racing) at Devil’s Lake definitely was an awesome action packed experience for racers and spectators alike.
The weather is usually much cooler and wetter this time of year, but we lucked out with warm temperatures and sunshine all weekend. This venue is great with a sandy beach area, plenty of parking and a boat launch. The State Park is nearby for camping and there are many hotels available. The beach is nearby and so is an outlet mall and casino. Event promoters Bill and Dawn Cox set up bleachers and a large event tent (in case the weather didn’t cooperate). A food vendor was on site providing both breakfast and lunch.
There were 37 racers on Saturday and over 40 on Sunday, with two freestyle competitors. Saturday, spectators had the pleasure of a freestyle exhibition by the current amateur world champion Tanner “The Tan Man” Thomas who was throwing out no handed barrel rolls and and one handed backflips like crazy, all the while making it look easy. Afterwards, Tanner signed autographs and took pictures with spectators. I overheard Tanner telling a group of boys that “anyone can do a backflip with the right ski and a few tips.”
There were 11 motos that raced twice Saturday and twice Sunday comprising 16 different ski classes. Several first time racers were present, hopefully indicating that jet ski racing is once again a growing sport. Saturday evening included a meet and greet at the New Mexico Restaurant in Lincoln City, Oregon where the locals and the competitors came together to socialize over food and drinks. Following the last race Sunday was a drawing for raffle prizes and an awards ceremony. Next stop on the Pacific Northwest Watercross tour is the Lake Osoyoos Cup in Oroville, WA. June 11th and 12th. Typically we are joined by many Canadian racers making this an international event not to be missed!
Final Results for the 5th Annual Devil’s Lake Dash:
Pro-Am GP: 1. 723 Curtis Pitman, 2. 424 Ian Benson, 3. 698 Jordan Jones; Pro-Am Stock: 1. 124 Scott Benson, 2. 723 Curtis Pitman; Masters: 1. 698 Ron Jones, 2. 124 Scott Benson, 3. 7 Roger Harnack; Amateur: 1. 33 Carson Hughes, 2. 150 Gabe Hooper, 3. 721 Lauren Jones, 4. 219 Mike Morin, 5. 28 Ryan Mifflin, 6. 7 Roger Harnack, 7. 19 Dan Lindgren; Junior 10-12: 1. 77 Cole McIntyre, 2. 722 Ty Mckay-Sowa, 3. Faith Lingren; X2: 1. 477 Maxson Carter, 2. 7 Erik Loomis, 3. 42 Marcus Boyle, 4. 18 Ethan Pederson, 5. 69 Harley Plummer; Novice Stock: 1. 477 Maxson Carter, 2. 255 Alaina Fiske, 3. 60 Tyler Landry; Runabout Men: 1. 14 Michael Podrybau, 2. 420 Mike Borden, 3. 11 Derek Lofftus, 4. 77 Jordan Cramer; Beginners: 1. 4 Blaine Wruck, 2. 42 Marcus Boyle, 3. 322 Andrew Nelson, 4. 20 Nathan Clements, 5. 33 Garrett Thesan, 6. 41 Matthew Melton, 7. 161 Trinity Klecker, 8. 33B Cadan Kirkpatrick, 9. 8 Eric Salter, 10. 23 Steven Gonzalez; Novice Limited: 1. 33 Carson Hughes, 2. 150 Gabe Hooper, 3. 255 Alaina Fiske, 4. 440 Seth McNeil, 5. 21 Jayso Zialcita, 6. 126 Jostin Exline-Acoff, 7. 19 Dan Lindgren, 8. 7 Roger Harnack, 8. 86 Jordan Curry; Runabout Women’s: 1. 420 Kimberly Mckay, 2. 566 Dawn Cox, 3. Theresa Magana; Veteran: 1. Mike Morin, 2. 440 Seth Mcneil; Expert: 1. 28 Ryan Mifflin, 2. 698 Ron Jones, 3. 721 Lauren Jones, 4. 698 Jordan Jones; Women’s: 1. 255 Kim Mckay, 2. 717 Patty Fiske, 3. 150 Alaina Fiske; Vintage 550: 1. 440 Seth McNeil, 2. 42 Cadan Kirkpatrick, 3. 11 Jordan Smith; Vintage 750: 1. 111 Gabe Hooper, 2. 322 Andrew Nelson, 3. 4 Blaine Wruck, 4. 20 Nathan Clements, 5. 41 Jordan Curry; Freestyle: 1. Erik Loomis, 2. Dan Lindgen
