Gallery: RIVA Racing 2017 Yamaha GP1800R Limited Edition

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August 24, 2016

“Last year’s [FZR] RIVA Racing Limited Edition was a big success,” RIVA Racing’s Dave Bamdas began. “Besides selling every one of the short 25 unit run, we also had a lot of customers inquiring about many of the parts developed for it.” The Limited Edition FZR Bamdas described was the first inaugural “RIVA Edition” Yamaha, first revealed here on The Watercraft Journal, and then exclusively test ridden only a few short months later. “The Limited Edition FZR 350,” as we stated, “is brutally precise, almost punishing anyone daring enough to mount it. The cornering force produced by this FZR on the human body will peel anyone less than a professional athlete from the grip of the Velcro-like seat.”

“It was built for a small percentage of true performance enthusiasts,” Bamdas teased. “It’s definitely not for the common rider.” True to that, the dyno-proven 350-horsepower Yamaha Super Vortex High Output engine was only mildly reworked, regulating much of its alterations to strictly bolt-on pieces. “It doesn’t need it,” Bamdas continued. “We can achieve significant performance gains with an ECU tune, an intercooler and some other non-invasive bolt-ons. Not only is it more than most riders can handle, but there’s that comfort of knowing the engine hasn’t been messed it. It’s a win-win.”

With the announcement that Yamaha’s new-for-2017 GP1800 will replace the FZ series, what does that spell for the Limited Edition? “We were very excited to learn about the return of the GP name, and very happy to find much of our current products worked on the SVHO engine within the VX platform.” As noted in The Watercraft Journal’s extensive reveal of the complete 2017 WaveRunner lineup, the new GP1800 rides on the durable-yet-lightweight NanoXcel2 hull and deck, putting the GP nearly 20-pounds below the existing VXR. “Of course, we had to develop several key components that are unique to the GP1800.”

In addition to a bevy of performance and handling additions to the Limited Edition units, RIVA sends out nearly two dozen components to be anodized and powder coated to match the custom orange/white/blue paint scheme. And adding to the overall aesthetic, RIVA took great efforts to carefully recreate the factory graphics kit that would match both the styling and lettering of the original GP1800 graphics, making the package look like it came from the factory floor this way. Even going so far as to include orange stitching in the custom seat cover.

As with last year’s Limited Edition FZR, this year’s RIVA Racing Limited Edition GP1800R will also see a short production run of 25 hand-built GP1800s modified with a venerable who’s who of RIVA go-fast parts. Central to the GPR’s big horsepower gain is the use of a RIVA Stage 2 ECU Reflash, a RIVA SVHO Power Cooler Kit, a life-saving RIVA/HKS SSQV Blow-Off Valve, an all-new RIVA GP1800 Power Filter Kit, a RIVA Engine Breather Upgrade Kit 1.8L, RIVA’s stellar SVHO Intake Manifold Upgrade Kit, a RIVA Valve Retainer Upgrade Kit, which can be considered the only “invasive” mod on the whole build, a RIVA Pro Series Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit, a RIVA SVHO Supercharger Shaft Upgrade Kit, and a RIVA High Flow Billet Fuel Rail.

Helping the big 1.8-liter breathe a little easier is a RIVA GP1800 Rear Exhaust Kit funneling the spent gases out of the transom, a entirely new RIVA GP1800 Performance Ride Plate, Stainless Intake Grate, RIVA GP1800 Pump Seal Kit and RIVA Pro Series GP1800 Sponsons (with the sponsons’ 5-position billet inserts having also been anodized orange), all of which were specifically designed for the new GP1800 model this year. A Solas 160mm Concord 13/20 Impeller was also uniquely designed for this application, helping transfer all that horsepower into thrust.

For improved rider input, RIVA Racing includes an entirely new and unique RIVA GP1800 Pro-Series Steering System, including a billet aluminum base and neck. A RIVA Pro-Bar 32-inch Runabout Bar retains the factory controls including Yamaha’s electronic trim control and RiDE braking and reverse system. The steering package is capped off with a pair of ODI Ruffian Lock-On Grips. Finishing out the GPR’s new look and feel is a RIVA Limited Edition Rear Traction Mat, a RIVA Limited Edition Seat Cover and of course, the aforementioned RIVA Limited Edition Graphics Package.

While pricing has yet to be revealed, scarcity is already guaranteed as again, only 25 of these will be built in 2017. And if its performance you’re looking for, the GP1800R clicks off an impressive 80mph (sustained) at 8,300rpm. Again, the GP hull was designed for optimal handling in corners, so pushing this machine to a solid (and safe!) 80mph at 8,300rpm is a feat. Undoubtedly, The Watercraft Journal will be the first media outlet to get its hands on one of RIVA’s Limited Edition GP1800Rs, and we’ll have a comprehensive review of it shortly thereafter. Until then, enjoy ogling these images below.

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Video: RIVA Racing Teases New Limited Edition Yamaha, WCJ Will Have It First

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Kevin Shaw

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August 23, 2016

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We’re feeling a bit mean for all of these teasers, but this week has definitely been a crazy one. With Kawasaki’s revealing yesterday, and now Yamaha’s 2017 WaveRunner unveiling tonight, adding yet another hotly-anticipated reveal on top of all of that is enough to give a person a stroke.

Nevertheless, as the Yamaha WaveRunners are rolled out to the public, so will RIVA Racing’s latest Limited Edition Yamaha. It’s pretty dang exciting, and promises to be a bigger collector item than the outgoing 2016 Limited Edition FZR 350. How can we say that? Because we rode it. But more on that later! (Aren’t we such a tease?)

Until tonight, enjoy this video and stay glued to The Watercraft Journal for more!

Watch The Watercraft Journal For The 2017 Yamaha WaveRunner Lineup

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 23, 2016

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OK, we are only hours away from knowing everything that Yamaha has planned for its latest batch of 2017 WaveRunners. So ignore all the chatter, rumors and junk floating around the Internet – you will have the real McCoy within hours. Given the level of anticipation for Yamaha’s newest 2017 model lineup, we can expect that you’d all be pretty excited – and that’s understandable. But what people don’t know is voluminous compared to the total package that Yamaha recently unveiled to The Watercraft Journal. That’s right. We spent three days personally testing half a dozen new models that not only blew our socks off, but will assuredly do the same for you.

Also, it bears noting that while there’s plenty of outlets who will be publishing near exact “cut and paste” press releases issued by Yamaha’s marketing department, The Watercraft Journal (together with Greenhulk.net) dug a lot deeper and got quite a bit more information that others simply won’t have. Namely, the finer details that you hardcore enthusiasts need to know about Yamaha’s latest models. Confirmed GPS speeds? You betcha. Quotes from Yamaha’s own Product Manager Scott Watkins? You can expect that too.

But here’s the rub: The Watercraft Journal is sworn to secrecy until tonight August 23rd, at 8 EST (Eastern Standard Time). So figure out what time zone you’re in and be prepared. We will delay our regular publishing schedule to include the 2016 Yamaha release until that very same moment, as well as all of our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Oh yeah, and we’ll have exclusive hands-on reviews of some of the new models, video and a new episode of “Long Haul” at the exact same time.

Video: Kawasaki Teases All-New 4-Stroke 2017 SX-R Standup

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 22, 2016

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OK, ladies and gentlemen. Here is the biggest news to hit the personal watercraft industry since, well…ever. Kawasaki, the company who first introduced the standup JetSki 43 years ago, has just announced the return of the JetSki SX-R. The video below is both a celebration of the company’s long and illustrious history with the JetSki, as well as a tease for the standup that will be revealed in October.

Obviously, this is a major revelation and The Watercraft Journal is excited to be sharing it first to you all. It’s been a long year of trying to play it cool and shoot down a whole heck of a lot of questions (many from personal friends and family), so finally we’re able to let the cat (if only just a little) out of the bag. Now there’s still a lot of information yet to be revealed, and much of it we don’t know ourselves, so stay tuned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2H2rNysDtY

Here’s the original press release:
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 22, 2016) — Kawasaki introduced its first stand up Jet Ski personal watercraft 43 years ago and soon the 2017 Jet Ski® SX-R™ watercraft will make its return to the water. Now in its final stages of development, the all-new Jet Ski watercraft is propelled by a four-stroke power plant that brings back all of the excitement of stand-up riding on the water.

About Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind: Unsalted Lake Stings PWC Riders

By

Karen Kinsella

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August 22, 2016

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What is it about Lake Michigan that keeps us coming back? Every year, the waves seem to get bigger, and the landings get a little harder. At the same time, the big picture becomes clearer. We do it for more than us. We are the Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind. Celebrating its 19th year in 2016, the Grand Tour has raised $325,000 for Leader Dogs. It’s a huge accomplishment for a relatively small family of riders and land support crew.

The Grand Tour exists to raise funds for leader dogs. It’s the sole purpose for this ride… well, almost. OK, it’s the biggest purpose for the ride. We’ll admit it. The adrenaline, the challenge that is Lake Michigan, compels us. Every year it’s a little different, sometimes better, sometimes worse, and sometimes both in the same day.

Day 1 was gorgeous, as Thursday, August 11th brought us everything that was perfect for summer, even the 90-degree high. Unusual in northern Michigan, we began peeling neoprene layers off at our first stop in Cross Village. The lake cooperated with a few little ripples and not much else. Even if the lake isn’t challenging, often something else is.

We arrived at the Mackinaw City Marina at 8AM to find one ski up to its cylinders in water. Quickly, Land Support stepped in and trailered the ski in, as the rider and crew drained it and began landside diagnostics.

On our way to Cross Village, another ski lost power, idling in to the small launch ramp at the park. Now Ski #2 was trailered and repaired on the spot by our incredible Land Support Crew. Later in the day, Ski #2 began taking on water, limping into Clinch Marina at Traverse City. More wrenching and some JB Weld, and it was good to go for the rest of the ride.

On Day 2, we pulled out of Clinch Marina in Traverse City at dawn to more smooth water. Land curving around the bay protected us for a while. Northport, our first radio checkpoint, was re-dubbed “ankle-breaker bay,” as it has been the site of two unfortunate injuries. The wind here always kicks up and big waves from multiple directions build quickly.

While everyone’s ankles remained intact, our first hard luck ski had a further electrical problem, and Land Support took over repairs again. When we arrived at Northport, waves were 0-to-2 feet. Ten minutes later, they were 2-to-4 feet, and a few more miles out, 4-to-8 feet, and building. The rest of the day we fought northwest winds, with waves pushing us hard from the back and side as we headed toward Leland, Frankfort, and finally, arriving in Ludington late afternoon.

Day 3 was brutal. A solid wall of gray greeted us at Ludington’s Harbor View Marina in the morning. As if that wall was holding back the wind, the water in the channel was deadly calm. We got out into the lake, and small rollers hidden in the water bounced us around a little, and misting rain fell for the first 20 miles.

By our fuel stop at White Lake, skies cleared, and 15-plus-mph winds were again blowing from the northwest. We were in White Lake for less than an hour, but when we left the channel and turned south into Lake Michigan, we were slammed by waves that just kept getting bigger as we rode toward Holland.

Safely off the water, sore but uninjured, wobbly but walking, our attention turned to our celebration banquet and the Leader Dog client who would tell us her story—reminding us why we do this. We were privileged to see her dog “off duty.” “Lady” was out of her harness and ready to play with the group after dinner.

Next Year is the Grand Tour’s 20th anniversary. The event will include an extra day; an overnight trip by ski to Mackinac Island. Then, along the regular Grand Tour route will be some special surprises. Come join us! Ride with us, join our Land Support Crew, or make a donation to help make 2017 the best Grand Tour ever! The adventure begins in Holland, Michigan on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 9AM. Find us on Facebook in the Grand Tour group, www.grandtour.org, or contact Event Leader Mike LaBelle at [email protected].

M&M Marine Rescues “Dangerous Waters” in Singapore

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Kevin Shaw

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August 19, 2016

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For those of you who have been following along with the exploits of the “Dangerous Waters” crew (no, we haven’t either. Is it any good?), you’ll know that they often find themselves in almost inescapable situations. It all makes for good drama and keeps the audience fixed to their boob tubes, but believe it or not, the drama is in fact, very real.

Back in April, 2016 the “Dangerous Waters” crew found themselves in bad shape. Prior to beginning production of their latest season, the usual crew were joined with a few greenhorns and the naturally-aspirated Kawasaki Ultras they had on loan were in need of some desperate TLC. For which, M&M owner Mitchel Miller flew to Singapore to help train the new crew on how to use and maintain their skis, as well as do some repairs the Kawasaki skis himself before letting the riders hit the water.

Although we’ll have to wait until Fall of 2016 to see Mitchel’s smiling face in the first episode, we did get this great bit of diary notes and pictures from Mitchel’s exploits from earlier this year:

April 6th 2016:
Next Monday M&M Marine owner Mitchel flies out to meet the crew of “Dangerous Waters” in Singapore to help tune up these skis for their longest trip yet – Singapore to Indonesia to Malaysia to Brunei to Philippines to Taiwan to Japan to Russia to Nome, Alaska. As expedition leader Steven Moll explained to the crew, “You are about to embark on the adventure of your life, and it’s ok to be over the top excited!…This crew will be tackling island chains right from the start and following chains of islands all the way to Russia”.

April 13th 2016
M&M owner Mitchel has joined the “Dangerous Waters” crew in Singapore as they prepare for their longest voyage yet – from Singapore to Alaska. He will be providing much needed repairs to their jet skis before the crew sets out for this trip and training the crew on the most important aspects of maintenance and repair. What an adventure! Check out “Dangerous Waters” on AWE TV or visit their Facebook page for more information!

April 30th 2016:
The crew of the “Dangerous Waters” TV show departed Singapore last week and ran into some technical problems due to the fact their jet skis had been stored in a warehouse in Singapore for the past year. M&M Marine owner Mitchel Miller was called in to help out. After pulling the show’s back up skis out of storage and preparing them for the trip, Mitchel connected with the show’s exporter in Northern California and the skis were shipped out to Tokyo where the crew is headed next. This shipment should get the crew safely back on the waters!

Dean’s Team Reflash Safely Pushes FZR SVHO to 85MPH

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Kevin Shaw

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August 18, 2016

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For a few still considering an ECU reflash but concerned whether pushing the performance of their supercharged Yamaha will detrimentally effect their ability to cruise, we’ve got a first-hand testimonial that should change your opinion. Tennessee local Scott Rice is no stranger to modding his machines, nor is he shy about running with a pack of long haulers for hours at a time. To most, it would sound counter-intuitive, but Scott makes it work. How? With Dean’s Team performance parts:

Posted earlier on the official Dean’s Team Facebook page:
Reliability and tunes personalized for each customer – We’re proud of our work and always like seeing reviews and updates. Scott Rice just posted this from his ride yesterday after a 70 mile ride with his Dean’s Team Reflash:

“I have been playing with my rec boat and yesterday I installed Dean’s Team Intercooler flash for the SVHO even though I have not yet installed the intercooler – this boat only has RIVA air filter, ribbon delete, Rr&D grate, Jim’s modded ride plate and a Dean Charrier-bent Solas prop; everything else is stock. RPM was at 8,660, [and the] air was 92 today. I plan on installing the ECU on a boat today with same mods but with the intercooler. The best thing is I installed the ECU at the ramp then went on a 70 mile ride with no issues! This is the perfect daily rider but more mods coming soon.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Spotted Riding a SuperJet…Kinda

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 18, 2016

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Because Hollywood is so woefully out of ideas that we’ve entered a new generation of “Hey, remember that movie/TV show? Let’s remake it” summer films, we’re being drowned in a bumper crop of totally unnecessary remakes (“Ghostbusters,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “The Jungle Book,” “Footloose,” “Splash,” and “Point Break” just to name a few). Well, it turns out that filming on another superfluous remake is just about wrapped up in Savannah, Georgia, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, and Priyanka Chopra as well as David Hasselhoff, who will reprise his role as Mitch Buchannon. The movie? “Baywatch.”

In one such scene, Johnson is in pursuit of a bank robber attempting to make his escape via a Yamaha FX WaveRunner. Giving chase, Johnson commandeers a blue Yamaha SuperJet and goes after the armed assailant in what will be assuredly a very daring sequence. Here’s the rub: while we know most actors don’t do their own stunts, and almost never ride personal watercraft themselves, the SuperJet Johnson is riding isn’t a SuperJet at all, but rather, a rigged up handlepole attached to a rubber zodiac raft. With some creative camera play, does it look like the former wrestler is riding the standup (without a lifevest no less! And he’s supposed to be a lifeguard, people! For shame!).

The action comedy is of course, based on the ’90s television series that inexplicably grew to become the single-most popular television program across the planet (no really, it’s true). As the film is mainly staffed with human eye-candy, you’ll take great pleasure in Googling the film probably before you finish this paragraph. It’s also noted that former Disney teen heartthrob Zac Efron became so absolutely shredded for this film that he’s all but completely unrecognizable. So don’t be surprised if your wife mentions wanting to see “Baywatch” when it hits theaters next May.

Gallery: RIVA Racing’s 2017 Sea-Doo RXP-X 350

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 17, 2016

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Yesterday was a big day for Sea-Doo as they launched their complete 2017 lineup before an amphitheater full of dealers from across the globe, as well as digitally and via media outlets such as The Watercraft Journal. And while the buzz of the reveal is far from over, RIVA Racing has added to the earthquake by triggering some seismic activity of its own. Last year (and for several consecutive years), RIVA has whipped up a special, highly-modified version of the RXP-X to display all of the many aftermarket performance products immediately available for dealers to sell, as well as for customers to order for their newest acquisition.

Placed front-and-center at the 2017 Sea-Doo Dealer Show was this incredibly awesome RIVA Racing Sea-Doo 2017 RXP-X 350. The machine in question is purely for demonstrative purposes only, as this true-350-horsepower pump gas RXP-X only displays all of the top-of-the-line performance products made available through RIVA Racing its respective distributors. If you’re a Sea-Doo lover hoping that 2017 would be the year that RIVA would offer a “RIVA Edition” RXP-X 350, sadly you’re going to have to wait a little while longer. RIVA’s own Dave Bamdas walked The Watercraft Journal through the highlights of this high performance personal watercraft:

“We wanted everyone to know that when they [the new Sea-Doos] hit dealers’ floors in January, that RIVA Racing will have a full line of performance products – including our Stage I, II and III kits – for all [of Sea-Doo’s] 300-horsepower models. Our R&D [research and development – Ed] team are on the water every single day testing, tweaking and gathering data,” Bamdas explained. Much of the difficult work was done last year to accommodate for the new Rotax ACE 300 1630cc engine, particularly in the form of the new intercooler and relocation of key components. Of those changes were modifications to the RIVA/Wilson billet aluminum intake manifold.

“Because of the position of the new pressure sensor in the [300 series] factory intake manifold, we had to made adjustments to our billet Wilson manifold. Now, we’ve relocated the sensor so that it works for both 300 and previous 260 models.” Bamdas noted. “The stock RXP-X 300 is already making a lot of boost. With our components, we increase that so we didn’t want to split the two-piece plastic manifold.” Speaking of which, the RXP-X wields RIVA’s XX Supercharger Kit, increasing boost to an impressive 17.5psi. Additionally, the RXP-X 350 uses a RIVA Power Filter Kit, RIVA Cool Air Vent Kit, and a RIVA Catch Can/Engine Breather Kit.

Although the 300 series’ new intercooler is a dramatic step in the right direction, RIVA’s RXP-X 350 features a new RIVA “Gen 4” Power Cooler that is 25-percent larger than the factory intercooler, yet still fits in the factory location (next to the heat exchanger, above the pump tunnel) without the need of replacement brackets. Built with billet end tanks so it won’t swell when hot, RIVA’s intercooler is fitted with their new Intercooler Tubing Upgrade Kit with a cast-in port for a Tial 50mm Blow-Off Valve (BOV) ensuring the intake charge will remain cool and the manifold won’t see excess boost.

With added boost comes greater thirst, and RIVA’s got the RXP-X 350 covered there too: triple 100lb injectors from RIVA’s Pro-Series Fuel Injector Kit, a new RIVA Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit and the RIVA/Vi-Pec V88R3 Pro-Series iControl ECU all manage to feed this beast (as well as dramatically improve its fuel management). Apart from the RIVA Valve Train Upgrade Kit and XX Supercharger, there is nothing that could be considered “invasive” on this build – in all, it’s rather “bolt on.” Concluding the engine performance add-ons are an all-new RIVA Water Box and RIVA Rear Exhaust Kit, allowing the engine to expel spent gases freely through a billet port drilled into the hull.

All of the added power in the world doesn’t amount to much if the watercraft isn’t able to translate that into actual working thrust, and RIVA ensures that happens through a RIVA Stainless Steel Top-Loader Intake Grate (RXP-X), RIVA/Solas Race Pump & Nozzle (161mm/14-vein) and RIVA/Solas Concord 13/18R Impeller. With all of this added thrust, the RXP-X 350 needs to be able to handle, and that is achieved via a RIVA Pro-Series Sponson Kit, RIVA Performance Trim Tabs Kit (Fixed), RIVA Pro-Series Steering System Bundle, RIVA Pro-Bar iControl Handlebars and a pair of ODI Rogue Grips.

The one-of-none RIVA Racing RXP-X 350 also enjoys some refinement in the form of a custom Hydro-Turf Traction Mat Kit, RIVA/Jettrim Custom Seat Cover and RIVA Race Graphics Kit (from Exotic Signs) all tastefully designed to give the craft a clean-yet-striking eye-catching package. Unlike last year’s RIVA Edition FZR 350 (or next year’s RIVA Edition, which we will exclusively reveal here next week), the RXP-X 350 will not be offered as a limited edition PWC to the public.

Rather, this vehicle exists solely to illustrate how you the enthusiast can create your own custom machine through RIVA’s performance products, all of which are available right now. ((All of the above hyperlinks lead to current Sea-Doo parts by RIVA. – Ed.)

If you’re interested in seeing the RXP-X 350 in person, it along with the yet-to-be-revealed 2017 RIVA Special Edition ski, will be on display at the official RIVA Racing booth at this year’s IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. If you’re thinking about going, then and there will be your chance to see it in person. Otherwise, you’re free to ogle these pictures.

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Gallery: Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour – Round 6 Lake Hartwell, GA

By

Tim Ducat

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August 17, 2016

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The tents lined the clay shoreline of Georgia’s Lake Hartwell as the Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour came to town. The sun was out and the humidity was high and the table was set for some of the most exciting racing of the year. The racers were ready to put on quite a show for all of the locals that came out to cheer them on.

First out of the blocks on Saturday was the Pro-Am Ski Stock class and it had a familiar face out front, Broward Motorsports rider David Cabrera. Cabrera pulled the hole shot but didn’t do so without a fight. Hidden Trails/Judge Motorsports rider Jimmy Wilson was on a mission in Moto 1 to catch Cabrera but just didn’t have enough as laps ran out.

Moto 2 looked to set up a similar battle but a red flag start put Cabrera to the back of the pack allowing Wilson to capture the Moto 2 win. Cabrera was able to salvage the moto with a 5th place finish after a tough charge through the pack. Wilson also captured the Moto 3 win to give him the overall with Cabrera taking second. The last spot on the podium was a great weekend-long battle with Georgia’s own Broc Harris and Clearwater, Florida’s Gage Schoenherr, with Harris edging out Gage for third.

Pro-Am Runabout Box Stock was up next and was sure to be a show with Monster Energy/Mountain Motorsports rider Dustin Farthing on the line. Jeff Dyckowski wanted to put on a show of his own on his Yamaha FZR pulling the Moto 1 hole shot with Hidden Trails/Sea-Doo X-Team rider Tim Ducat hot on his heels. Farthing aboard his RXP-X didn’t like the way things were looking and made a charge through the pack passing both Dyckowski and Ducat for the Moto 1 win. Moto 2 finished with the same outcome, with Farthing out front followed by Dyckowski and Ducat. Farthing went for the weekend three-peat winning Moto 3 and securing the overall. Ducat edged out Dycowski in Moto 3 but it wasn’t enough to steal the second spot on the podium.

One of the highlights of the “pro show” weekend was once again in the Pro Ski GP class. Josh Block put the GP Class on notice this weekend by winning Moto 1 after a heated battle with Brock Austin. Austin pushed block all moto long but it wasn’t enough. Kommander rider Dustin Motzouris wanted to throw his hat into the ring in the battle for the overall, finishing behind Block in Moto 2 after a Moto 1 third place finish.

Hidden Trails Motorsports’ Jimmy Wilson finished third in Moto 2 after a rough first race of the weekend. Wilson continued his climb back from the bad start winning Moto 3 and securing his second spot on the podium. Block finished second in that moto and the weekend’s consistency got him the overall victory. After a weekend of small problems Motzouris was able to finish out the weekend in third on the podium and pull back into a tie for lead on the National Tour with fellow Kommander rider David Redinger.

Pro-Am Sport GP was the biggest class of the weekend and had season-long favorite Broward Motorsports rider Sam Nehme highlighting the field. Nehme put together the most dominating performance of the weekend and won all three motos leaving no question is to who is Number 1 in this class. That didn’t mean there wasn’t a great battle just behind him. Naples, Florida rider Keith Dill went to battle with Team Faith/Fly Racing rider Kelly Smith and they didn’t disappoint. They flip-flopped finishes throughout the weekend with Dill edging out Smith for second place on the podium.

Farthing wanted to continue his dominance in the Pro-Am Runabout GP class in Hartwell but electrical problems in Moto 1 opened the door for the rest of the pack. Hidden Trails Motorsports rider Trey Frame came up huge with the Moto 1 win before some bad luck came his way in motos 2 and 3. Familiar face of National Tour’s past, Kawasaki rider Eric Francis finished second in Moto 1. That became a very familiar place for him as the weekend went on keeping that spot in all three motos. Farthing came back after Moto 1 to win the final two motos but came up short on the podium with Francis taking home the overall and Farthing finishing second. Rounding out the podium was Sea-Doo X-Team/Hidden Trails rider Tim Ducat. Ducat capitalized on others bad luck and used it to propel him to three consistent finishes.

After a great weekend of racing it leaves us with only one race left, the National Championships in West Virginia where we get to watch these season long battles finish out. Until then, you can find all the results from the tour HERE.

Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour – Round 6 Lake Hartwell, GA
Pro‐Am Runabout GP: 1. Eric Francis, 2. Dustin Farthing, 3. Tim Ducat, 4. Stan Hightower, 5. Trey Frame, 6. Brian Baldwin; Pro‐Am Ski GP: 1. Josh Block, 2. Jimmy Wilson, 3. Dustin Motzouris, 4. Bill Haig, 6. David Redinger, 7. Brock Austin, 8. Pete Zernik, 9. Broc Harris, 10. Derrick Helm, 11. David Cabrera, 12. Jordon Carroll; Sport GP: 1. Sam Nehme, 2. Keith Dill, 3. Kelly Smith, 4. Richard Taylor, 5. Cody Mccallum, 6. Glen Jung, 7. Johnny Smith, 8. Kyle Hayes, 9. Robert Cius, 10. Shawn Reynolds, 11. Jeff Mcphail, 12. Michael Osborn; Pro‐Am R/A Box Stock: 1. Dustin Farthing, 2. Jeff Dyckowski, 3. Tim Ducat, 4. Dylan Osborn, 5. Troy Snyder; Pro‐Am Ski Stock: 1. Jimmy Wilson, 2. David Cabrera, 3. Broc Harris, 4. Gage Schoenherr, 5. Kevin Rowe, 6. Callaway Turner, 7. Kenny Mckenzie; Sport Stock: 1. Keith Dill, 2. Ken Waddle, 3. Phil Mosrie, 4. Eric Gabryel, 5. Sam Nehme, 6. Jeff Mcphail, 7. Gage Schoenherr, 8. Kyle Hayes, 9. Shawn Reynolds, 10. Logan Hayes, 11. Susan Anderson, 12. Kevin Benjamin, 13. Wyatt Hayes, 14. Devin Walker, 15. Dirac Barbee, 16. Taylor Johnson, 17. Rex Hayes; Veteran Ski GP: 1. Pete Zernik, 2. Ralph Mcgregor, 3. Dan Masters, 4. Dustin Higdon, 5. Bill Austin, 6. Tony Cantalamessa, 7. Brian Edwards; Womens Ski Limited: 1. Niki Turner, 2. Carrie Oliver; Junior Ski Stock 13‐15 Yr: 1. Wyat Hayes, 2. Bret Underhill, 3. Avery Underhill; Junior Ski Stock 10‐12 Yr: 1. Haden Skellett, 2. Sammy Nehme, 3. Devin Farthing, 4. Osric Ilar, 5. Taylor Skellett, 6. Johnny Zimmerman, 7. Mason Sagers; Iroc Stock (Runabout Rec): 1. Sean Miles, 2. Eric Gabryel; Runabout N/A Spec: 1. Cameron Frame, 2. Robert Greenwald; Iroc GP (Runabout 1000): 1. Eric Gabryel, 2. Eric Gonzalez; Amateur Ski Stock: 1. Dustin Higdon, 2. Branden Edwards, 3. AJ Luinstra, 4. Jamie Palmer, 5. Kyle Beyer, 6. Clay Jones, 7. Bret Underhill, 8. Dawson Newby, 9. Niki Turner, 10. Chris Wojtal, 11. Hans Krajc; Amateur R/A Box Stock: 1. Victor Bute; Amateur Runabout SS: 1. Stan Hightower, 2. Travis Moore, 3. Bryan Furch; Amateur Ski GP: 1. AJ Luinstra; Ski Superstock: 1. Tony Cantalamessa, 2. Pete Kucinski; Vintage Ski: 1. Kevin Rowe, 2. Rex Hayes, 3. Alex Lancia, 4. Chris Wojtal, 5. Logan Hayes, 6. Kyle Hayes, 7. Wyat Hayes; Amateur Freestyle: 1. David Oski, 2. Kevin Rowe; Beginner Runabout Box Stock: 1. Pietro Vinci; Beginner Ski Stock: 1. Hans Krajc

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