Gallery: Hidden Trails Pro Watercross Tour – Round 4 St. George, UT.

By

-

July 1, 2015

The fourth round of the Pro Watercross Tour held in St. George, Utah can only be described as hot. There was hot racing, hot racers, hot fans, and hot temperatures in St. George the weekend of June 27th and 28th. The host site was Sand Hollow State Park approximately two hours northeast of Las Vegas. The spectators, businesses, and Chamber of Commerce were excited to have the tour come to St. George and the colorful high desert valley location was picturesque as the backdrop for the fourth round of the Pro Watercross tour dubbed as the “Red Desert Classic.”

The weekend was filled with racing from both Pros and Amateurs going fiberglass-to-fiberglass in the red sand shores of Sand Hollow Reservoir with each racer eying the competition as they adjusted their race boats to the altitude and the heat.

Saturday’s motos consisted of one Pro moto and two Amateur motos with the final third motos to be concluded the next day. In the Pro-Am Ski GP Class, David Redinger, Dustin Motzouris, Brock Austin, Kody Copenhaver, and Chris MacClugage battled it out for the points from a good line of 16 competitors. In the end, Redinger would take first overall for the for weekend, with second overall going to Motzouris and third to Macc. Pete Zernik and Redinger had a nasty collision on Sunday’s race; Zernik had gone down on the first turn with Redinger following closely behind. Zernik came out OK, but his boat suffered some major damage.

In the Pro-Am Ski Stock division, MacClugage, Rob Flores, Mike Wendricks, and Ryan Deckster battled it out all weekend with the “Mac Attack” taking the overall. The only female rider, Bibi Carmouche, had a great weekend holding strong and finishing 13th overall for the weekend. Bibi started racing just a few years ago, but she is already making her way through the ranks and is one competitor to keep your eye on the podium in the future.

In the runabout divisions, the Pro-Am Runabout Open had its own battle with Troy Snyder, Shante Bukes, Erminio Iantosca, and Abdullah Al-Fadhel, with Al-Fadhel dominating the class and taking first overall for the weekend. In the Pro-Am R/A Super Stock division, Travis Zielasko beat out Al-Fadhel and Jeff Dyckowski, taking first overall for the weekend. Rounding out the Pro Runabout classes was the Pro-Am R/A Box stock with Billy Dearman taking overall over Robert Greenwald.

The Pro Sport GP continues to have a strong following with a solid line of racers on the line. Aaron Gewecke dominated the division and coming out first overall. Kelly Smith came in second and Billy Dearman coming in third overall “iron manning” both the Sport GP and Pro-Am R/A Box Stock classes.

The Amateur classes battled out for points from racers on the west coast joining the tour. Both Ski and Runabout classes endured the heat and high desert with all racers finishing the races knowing that they were able to compete in extreme conditions. Matt Rollings in the Amateur Ski Stock division always had a smile both in the pits and on the start line. Rolling’s attitude reflected most of the Amateur class this weekend with everyone enjoying the venue and the comradeship.

As the racers and fans enjoyed the hot action, the Pro Watercross crew worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smoothly for Round Four. Race Director Nick Handler made sure all race logistics were in place, while Race Official Cliff Roy officiated the fast and intense racing on the course. All of the Pro Watercross Staff; AJ Handler, Jennifer Handler, Benjamin Dodge, Roman Revels, Randy Scott, Kevin Scott, Chandler Roy, Gus Andros, Mikey Young, Dawn Dawson, and Rick Ignacio worked hard in extreme conditions to make sure the racers and fans had a memorable and exciting experience.

This is the first year that the Pro Watercross Tour has been able to incorporate Internet live streaming and the feedback has been incredible. Based on the viewership statistics, there have been over 20,000 views from all around the world. Dustin Motzouris stated in an interview that “The Livestream has been a big hit!“ He also stated one instance when he was in a mall in South Africa where he had people coming up to him and saying, “Hey! We’ve been watching the Pro Watercross Tour on the livestream” and recognizing him.

The Tour expects to livestream the rest of the tour with the World Championships broadcasted by CBS Sports Network in September in Naples, Florida. In a recent press release, AJ Handler stated: “With the World Championship being televised on a major network for the first time in nearly 20 years it is further proof that our events are charged with exciting racing and is appreciated by race fans worldwide,” stated AJ Handler of Pro Watercross. “This will be best racing action from North America and around the world.”

The 115 degree temps didn’t discourage any of the racers from pushing the limits in the “Red Desert Classic.” The tour is now more than halfway complete and it’s a points battle for both the Ski and Runabout classes. The Lewisville, TX venue was cancelled due extreme high water level conditions, so there are only two more tour stops until the Pro Watercross World Championships in Naples Florida.

The Pro-Am Ski GP class has a battle for points with Chris MacClugage, Dustin Motzouris, and Brock Austin vying for the championship. The Pro-Am Runabout Open has its own points battle with Erminio Iantasca, Abdullah Al-Fadhel, Eric Francis, and others all battling for the championship. The next round of racing returns to the east coast and will be held at Lake Hartwell, Georgia on August 8th and 9th.

Full results from Round 4 of the Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour can be found HERE.

All images courtesy of Alie Block’s Photos by Alie and are available for purchase HERE.

<

►

>

Jetski Junkies Host Buoy Day For Club Members

By

Kev Hemingway

-

June 30, 2015

0

It’s days like this, waking up early to watch the sun crest the East while the lawn is still dewy and mostly shaded, the family is still fast asleep and I get a chance to slip downstairs and peak in the garage at the skis. I am sure I am not the only one but doing so reminds me of all the amazing moments spent on the water with friends and family traveling all over to get our fix.

But sometimes, it’s not about the traveling or the long haul overnight runs that feed our addiction! There is a different type of fire that needs to be extinguished. It’s an urge to go fast, an urge to race, an urge to compete against one in another in a competitive but fun environment – it’s buoy day!

This buoy day now has become a staple of the Jetski Junkies Jet Ski Club courtesy of Derek Bowles who owns all the buoys and Vince Cobelo who is usually coordinating with Derek to setup the next buoy day event. We do this at the minimum of four times a year and typically in the cooler months. Our most recent Buoy Day was on Cinco de Mayo and appropriately named “Cinco De Mayo Buoy Day.”

The event is combined with a pot luck or picnic as well and has been a tremendous success in getting people together to test their riding ability in a whole new way. Not everyone does the buoys but they still have a great time hanging out with friends and family and doing some riding around the lake. It’s a nice change up and it’s one heck of a workout especially if you are lucky enough to ride the VelociBlaster!

The VelociBlaster is a conversion ski taking a Yamaha WaveBlaster and retro fitting it with a GP1200 engine. This was a Club project about three years ago courtesy of Derek Bowles and JJ Members were invited to come to Jet Trendz in New Port Richey, FL to work on the VelociBlaster, along side Brett Wiley, Owner off Jet Trendz. This was a very cool and unique opportunity, again thanks to Derek Bowles.

Now Is Your Chance to Support The Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind

By

Karen Kinsella

-

June 30, 2015

0

For a few days in August each year, a group of dedicated PWC riders and support crew embark on the Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind; a 350-miles-in-three-days endurance ride from Mackinaw City to Holland Michigan.

Every PWC rider has their favorite ride, the one ride that holds the title of “Best Ever,” and for tour riders, it is no different. The GT Facebook group comes alive around January each year, with posts and pictures popping up more frequently as the anticipation builds. This year, we add a new twist, several riders have GoFundMe pages, to make donating easier.

Both riders and Land Support crew have fundraising requirements to meet in order to participate in Grand Tour. We pay our own expenses for travel, lodging, fuel, and some meals. All donations go directly to the organization.

The ride attracts those who enjoy a personal challenge, who feel in their hearts that this is a path to help others; and, frankly, those who want bragging rights. “Riding your WaveRunner 350 miles is bad ass,” says Tour veteran Jim Lueck. “I love to see the look on people’s faces when I tell them what I’m going to do.”

Lake Michigan challenges us every year, and the weather either cooperates or not. Last year was three days of the flattest water and best weather in 17 years. In 2012, conditions ranged from sunny and relatively calm water; to iron-gray skies, 10-foot waves and 50 degree water; back to sunny skies, even colder water, and more big waves.

“It’s not for everyone, as both rider and watercraft need to be prepared,” says Event Organizer Mike LaBelle. “We ride in every condition except lightning. Waves, rain, wind, cold are ok, unless we decide it’s too dangerous. Even a Small Craft Advisory won’t necessarily stop us.” In the history of the tour, only twice has the ride been called for weather or water conditions. It’s never been totally cancelled, and as soon as it’s ‘all clear,’ riders are back on the water – earning those donations.

Logistically, the tour is a well-organized machine. Watercraft are loaded into a semi-trailer in Holland on Wednesday morning. Our tow vehicles remain at Dunton Park in Holland until we retrieve them at the end of the ride. While the skis are being hauled to Mackinaw City, riders and crew are on a comfortable tour bus to the same destination. We meet the truck at the Mackinaw City Marina, where the driver backs the box into the water. Tourists and locals see the spectacle and get excited—they expect to see a beautiful yacht unloaded. To their surprise, a bunch of PWC’s spit out the back of the truck into the water, and tie up for the night.

Thursday, it begins. As we pass under the Mackinac Bridge (aka the Mighty Mac), we slap wet handprints on the bridge pier — temporarily tagging it to prove we were here. After lunch in Charlevoix, we’re off to Traverse City for pizza, hot tub and much needed sleep. Friday is the long day, 150 miles, and we start at dawn. We ride past miles-long sand dunes, stop for lunch in Frankfort, and finish the day in Ludington. Saturday brings us back to Holland, where we trailer-up and have a grilled lunch, then head to our final hotel, and the evening celebration banquet and party.

Through all of this, we do radio checks, stop at marinas for fuel, and make sure everyone is ok. How? Two words: Land Support. In several vehicles with double trailers (hopefully empty!), this amazing crew paces us, watching and waiting to see if anyone needs help. They follow weather reports, shuttle riders, schlep gear, provide everything from Band-Aids to Gatorade, and generally do all the hard work.

At our celebration banquet, a Leader Dog recipient tells his or her story, and that of their Leader Dog. Each year we hear new stories of how these dedicated service dogs provide greater independence for the visually impaired; motivating and inspiring us to return again and again. The specialized training required for dog and human is provided by Leader Dogs at no cost to the recipient.

In the Grand Tour’s 17 years, we’ve raised more than $295,000, and will surpass $300,000 in 2015. Leader Dogs is a private organization, and does not accept government funding, making our efforts vital to the organization’s success.

So, join us! The ride is Thursday-through-Saturday, August 6-8. Contact Event Organizer Mike LaBelle at (248) 808-4664. You’ll need to be in Holland Wednesday morning, August 5. Ride your watercraft, join our land support crew, or make a donation to the Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind. For more information and details, visit our website at www.grandtour.org, www.leaderdogs.org or find us on Facebook in the Grand Tour group. To make donating easy, several riders have GoFundMe pages. Look for them in the Tours’ Facebook group.

https://youtu.be/y4g0ELMEzBM

Five New Designs From IPD Graphics For June

By

Kevin Shaw

-

June 29, 2015

0

As much as “clothes make the man,” so, arguably the same could apply for your personal watercraft. And because there’s no faster or less invasive way to radically improve upon your favorite PWC’s aesthetic than a quick and painless vinyl graphic kit, IPD Graphics – the industry’s largest manufacturer of literally thousands of different graphic packages – has come out swinging this past month with an impressive lineup of new additions to their already massive catalog.

Building off of the exponentially growing popularity of the AquaX series both here in the USA and in the United Kingdom, and not to mention their exclusive partnership with 300 Class champion Phil Pope, IPD Graphics immediately cranked out two Yamaha kits for the S3 hull-equipped Sea-Doos (namely the GTX, RXT, RXT-X and Wake 215 models), one being GH Design (a variation of Pope’s Yamaha) seen HERE and the PW Design seen HERE.

Likewise, IPD released a new “TS Design” package for the Ultra Kawasaki Jet Ski (fit for all 300 and 310-series Ultras) shown HERE. And as is with nearly all of IPD Graphics kits, colors are as ranged as imaginable, and offered with different laminates for UV protection. Racers need only submit their name, race number and a list of their sponsors, and a graphics kit tailored for their ski comes speedily to their doorstep. For the everyday PWC enthusiast, these kits can be as personalized as you desire.

Finally, for those Yamaha SuperJet fans with a flair for the vintage, IPD released two very different vinyl kits to awesomely change the old fashioned look of your modern SJ or bring your old school FX-1 up to date. The STB Design graphics kit on the Yamaha SuperJet can be seen HERE and the KC Design on the Yamaha FX-1 is HERE.

Kawasaki Finishes as Champions In the 2015 Australian Jet Cross Championship

By

The Watercraft Journal

-

June 29, 2015

0

About a month ago, just as the US racing season was just getting started, came the end of the 2015 AJSBA Australian Jet Cross tour. Kawasaki racers were on fire all year, in both closed course and endurance races. Here’s how the season wrapped up:

In the Endurance classes, Kawasaki riders got 1-2 finishes in both showroom stock class and open class. In Showroom Stock Runabout, Kawasaki riders got first and third finishes. In Open class, they ended up fourth and sixth.

Showroom Stock is, as the title implies, pretty much as the ski came off the showroom floor. The saying “What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday” applies in this class, since it is great representation of how these skis perform off the showroom floor. It is great advertisement for the winning brand.

In Showroom Stock closed course, Dane Alberti took the number one position with Yamaha rider, Corey Styles, finishing the season second. Brisbane Kawasaki racer, Cameron Martin, rounding off the podium at number three.

In Showroom Stock Enduro, Kawasaki riders dominated in points. The gap between the second place rider, Dane Alberti, and third place rider, James Rice, was over 800 points! It was a fight all year between Cameron Martin and Dane Alberti for the number one position, but Cameron Martin was just able to edge out the win by a small gap of 12 points. It was definitely an exciting class to follow this season.

Pro Open closed course was not a class dominated by Kawasakis, but out of a 14 rider field, they were able to finish fourth and sixth. Very respectable finish for such a big class. Jamie Eade was able to get fourth for the season. Christian D’Agostin managed to finish the season in sixth despite being on a nearly stock Ultra 310 (Speed Control Override Module only) and battled a broken wrist after the third round.

Open Enduro was another Kawasaki class with first and second place winners were both on Kawasakis. Christian D’Agostin won the points race in convincing fashion on his nearly stock Ultra 310. D’Agostin had an 840 point lead over fellow Kawasaki rider, Jamie Eade, who finished in second.

What a great season it was for Kawasaki in the AJSBA Australian Jet Cross tour. Congratulations to all the racers and their teams.

Kevin Shaw: The Courage to Continue

By

Kevin Shaw

-

June 26, 2015

0

Although I earned my Eagle Scout Award at 16-years-old, I cannot recall much from the weeks of adolescent summers spent at Camp Tahquitz or slogging through the endless requirements for merit badges I hardly remember earning. But, for the life of me, I cannot shake the horrible campfire song, “There’s a hole in my bucket, Dear Liza” that was beaten into my skull when trekking over so much of Southern California’s Los Angeles and San Bernadino mountain ranges. It’s one of the insanely repetitive sing-a-long tunes like “99 Bottles of Beer” or “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba (yeah, you’re welcome for that earworm).

Why “Dear Liza” keeps coming to mind even after all these years is because of an analogy that was shared with me about my chosen profession: “The Internet is like a bottomless bucket that you’re always trying to fill up. Whatever you put in there doesn’t last long.” Although the latter half of this statement is somewhat misleading, as only earlier this week an article I had written nearly two years ago suddenly sprang new legs and shot back up to life, racking up literally thousands of new views. Digital content is evergreen, it just takes somebody digging it up again.

Nevertheless, the first portion still rings true: The Internet is like a bottomless bucket that you’re always trying to fill up. Publishing a daily magazine – particularly for a sport as intimate as personal watercraft – requires a level of dedication that many frankly, aren’t willing to commit. As I wrote (somewhat boastfully) in this June’s “The Watercraft Journal By The Numbers”: Producing…articles daily that are uniquely written, edited and published on a consistent timetable – Monday through Friday – is no easy task, as those who have broken off and tried to emulate us are quickly learning.

This truism was galvanized all the more after a conversation with an advertiser who was experiencing exponential growth due to their campaign with The Watercraft Journal, saying, “I have no idea how you come up with all the stories you do. It’s incredible. I didn’t even think there was that much going on to report on, but man, you’re there with new stuff every single day.” It’s always nice to have your advertisers recognize your hardwork, but it’s all the more gratifying when your hardwork results in their companies succeeding. That’s something else that few others can say for their publications – but I digress…

Unlike a blog or personal diary that only serves to hoist up the author (sort of like this editorial), publications like The Watercraft Journal live or die by their variety of content, the usefulness of said content to the reader, and the timeliness and appeal of the content’s subject matter. A few grainy videos of vintage racing is cool as seasoning, but don’t let the sizzle replace the steak. This means finding interesting, informative and entertaining content is almost a full-time job in and of itself. My hours spent on social media rivals that of teenage girls, and by no choice of my own. (Believe me.)

My morning routine consists of weeding through the night’s emails, sorting through the day’s priority list and then I open a folder of online bookmarks for news items that fit The Watercraft Journal’s criteria. Some stuff is better than others, and some topics don’t require immediate responses. But there I am, clicking through all sorts of different PWC websites, blogs and feeds. Sifting through endless chaff and tares to find one single shaft of wheat. Occasionally, my wife will look over my shoulder and deride, “Why are you giving them clicks? Don’t even go there.”

And she’d be right were it not for Sun Tzu. The 6th century Chinese general, military strategist, and author of The Art of War counseled, “Know thy enemy,” or better yet, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” Although I normally don’t dictate my business affairs in accordance to ancient Chinese proverbs, I particularly liked this one.

Keeping The Watercraft Journal relevant and ahead of the rest requires constant motion – much like a predatory shark. Stagnation is akin to death. To remain America’s leading personal watercraft magazine requires persistence. But as hotel tycoon J. Willard Marriott proclaimed, “Success is never final.” Success is not a destination, there is no finish line. Success is fluid. It changes shape, value and meaning; and if you cling to it, it will slip through your fingers. While this truth can seem maddening, it’s also oddly relieving. Because as success is in a ever present state of flux, so is its opposite. “Failure,” Brittan’s most important Prime Minister of the 20th century added, “is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that matters.”

Go Get Wet,
Kevin

Video: Jet Ski Explosion at Kawasaki Dealership Investigation Ongoing

By

Ocean Priselac

-

June 25, 2015

2

Three men were injured when a Kawasaki Jet Ski exploded in the parking lot of Kelly’s Kawasaki dealership in Mesa, CA. The incident occurred June 8,2015. The aftermath of the horrific explosion was shown in this video provided by Arizona’s 12 News.

Emergency personnel from Mesa and Gilbert provided medical care to three seriously injured males; the shop employed one of the wounded. Two of the men were in critical condition and were stabilized on scene. The third man – a 16-year-old boy – was fortunate to have only minor wounds.

No specifics as to the extent of the injuries were reported. A Mesa firefighter and a medical spokesperson informed 12 News that all three of the injured men were transported to trauma and burn units for burns and shrapnel injuries. Those were the worst injuries any of the men sustained.

Aerial images from Sky 12 show the bottom half of the watercraft still trailered and hitched to the back of a truck in the parking lot. The top half of the ski was completely blown off and lying in pieces in the midst of the debris that was scattered in the vicinity of the vehicle. The pickups tailgate was also charred and blackened due to the explosion. Locals reported of pieces of the ski being found on nearby roofs.

When the original story relating to the exploding ski was published, no additional details were available as to what caused the incident. With the proper care given and immediate transport to the burn unit, the men will hopefully make full recoveries.

Gallery: Hidden Trails Pro Watercross Tour – Round 3 Sparks, NV

By

Patricia Fiske

-

June 25, 2015

0

The Pro Watercross Hidden Trails National Tour in Sparks, Nevada (located at the Sparks Marina Park) was an exciting event and a great way to promote our sport. The lake is normally not open to motorized watercraft, however once a year they make an exception for this race. Sparks, Nevada was the third stop on the Pro Watercross National Tour welcoming support from sponsors such as Hidden Trails Motorsports, Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Optima Racing, Jettrim, Slippery, Goggle Grip, Jet Lift, Solas, Austin-Spencer Repair Center, Jet Renu, and Davis Trailer World.

The course was large and set up left-handed with a split start from the gate. The inside split start was faster than the outside, but once the race was going, the outside split was preferred by most of the racers. The weather was quite varied between the two race days. The first day on Saturday, June 20th, was beautiful, as it was sunny with a slight cloud overcast, and the water smooth and flat. The second day – landing on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st – brought raging 30 MPH winds that churned the water to chop with small white caps, making it difficult for every level of racer.

At one point even the announcer Mikey Young took cover as water splashed the announcer’s stand and strong winds whipped through. Later in the day, the wind died down slightly ridding the water of the white caps. In spite of the unfortunate weather and landing on a holiday the second day, there was still a good audience turnout to watch the event.

Although expected to pass on this round, Chris MacClugage made the last minute decision and attended the event, aptly winning both the Pro Ski GP and Pro Ski Stock classes. In both classes, he battled it out to get the win; keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. In Pro Ski GP, Macc fended off Kommander Industries’ riders David Redinger and Dustin Motzouris (who fought for a well-earned second in Pro GP) both riding on new K1 skis in a 16-deep-field.

Fellow Pro Ski racer, Rob Flores passed out after he finished his first race. Evidently, Flores had the flu and was severely dehydrated. He powered through it though, and continued racing for the weekend but definitely didn’t place as well as he has in the past. Another racer who fought through injury was Josh Block, who after he tore a muscle in his arm during qualifying, still killing it out on the course.

A surprise appearance came from Kevin Redinger who made his first appearance since he was injured in a jet ski race and had to have major surgery three years ago. Redinger took first place in Veteran’s class.

The Kommander Industries team welcomed Shante Bukes back from South Africa who made the podium in two classes, Pro Runabout Stock and Pro Runabout Open. Bukes, who competed on a new FZR SVHO Yamaha, placed second in Pro Runabout Stock and third in Open. Pro Runabout Open saw its first win by a Sea-Doo for 2015, thanks to Erminio Iantosca, whose turbocharged RIVA Racing RXP-X bested Abdullah Al-Fadhel and the aforementioned Bukes, respectively.

But Dean’s Team rider Al-Fadhel was not content without a first place position, and rightfully earned his gold in Pro Runabout Stock on his SVHO-powered FZR, with Bukes and Travis Zielasko totaling out the podium (in addition to another first place finish in the Pro-Am Runabout Super Stock class).

Bibi Carmouche once again proved why she is the sport’s most-watched female ski racer, as she clinched not only a first place finish in Womens Ski Limited, but also a strong second place finish in Amateur Ski GP, against Andrew Gewecke who took first and Thomas Pagen in third.

Two freestyle competitors, Tanner Thomas and Chris Anyzeski were on hand for a brief freestyle display. Hailing from opposing sides of the country – Thomas from Alaska and Anyzeski from Florida – the two friends shared Thomas’ ski for the weekend, and were quite entertaining to watch.

The weekend was a huge success for the sponsors, racers and audience members. Dawn Dawson and Mikey Young did a great job of announcing what was happening to the audience. The pro races were available to view on live stream with a link on www.prowatercross.com. The next stop on the tour is St. George, Utah (Round 4) and will be broadcast live for anyone that cannot make it – and of course, recapped here at The Watercraft Journal!

Full results from Round 3 of the Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour can be found HERE.

All images courtesy of Alie Block’s Photos by Alie and are available for purchase HERE.

<

►

>

Unlock Your WaveRunner With RIVA Racing’s Yamaha Vi-Pec ECU

By

Kevin Shaw

-

June 24, 2015

0

Remember back when all it took to tune your ski was a good set of tools? Well, unless you’re still tinkering with the ol’ two-stroke smokers, you’re likely dealing with some advanced calibration tools. If achieving the maximum performance your state-of-the-art powerplant – and doing so safely – then you’re gonna love what RIVA Racing has developed.

RIVA Racing’s new Vi-PEC V88R3 Pro-Series Yamaha ECU can effectively unlock all 1.8L Yamaha SVHO, SHO & HO engines’ hiden potential using either RIVA’s supplied mapping or through their user defined parameters. See, not only does RIVA’s new Vi-Pec V88R3 Pro-Series ECU provide access to performance-enhancing digital mapping never before available to the public, but can be individually tuned to whatever combination of RIVA Racing performance components you’ve already installed on your Yamaha WaveRunner, be it to improve intake and exhaust flow, cooling and/or increasing boost.

As RIVA Racing’s Mark Sheffield explained back in March, “With each map, we first start with the engine on our dyno. When building these tunes, we first verify target air/fuel ratios throughout the entire RPM range of the tune, making adjustments to the fuel tables as necessary. Once we have reached targeted air/fuel values, we then focus on ignition timing. Again, we slowly go through the entire RPM range of the tune, monitoring ignition timing vs. horsepower produced.

“Once this process is complete, we then transfer the hardware and the file to the watercraft. Once installed, we go through a series of ‘cold starts.’ This is to ensure proper starting and fueling when the engine is under colder than normal conditions. We’ll let it sit in a cold environment overnight, and then proceed with cold starts the next morning. Once the ‘cold starts’ process is complete, it’s time to hit the water.

“When water testing, we go through the entire RPM range of the tune in steps. First running at idle for a few minutes, then 2000, 2500, 3000RPM and so on, (holding the RPM for a couple minutes at each point) until we go through the RPM range of the tune. The test rider will monitor the engine data live as well as being recorded on the Vi-PEC data-logging feature.

“After each session, the data log is downloaded and carefully reviewed. Adjustments are made if necessary to optimize performance. Once initial water testing is complete & target values are verified, we go through a series of endurance testing and heat things up. Again, by monitoring data and reviewing data logs provided by the Vi-PEC, we establish limits and parameters to create safety margins with each tune.

“We log about 20 hours of endurance testing before any of these files are sent out for field testing. Files are sent to certain racers & dealers in different locations around the world. Using the customer’s Vi-PEC data logs, we can adjust and optimize tunes for these varying conditions. This way we have the information to support our customers in other parts of the world with different environmental conditions than ours. Once we complete this step, at that time we are ready to release this base map to the public.”

Of course, our faithful readers will recognize much of Sheffield’s above statement when we first test rode their Vi-Pec equipped FZR earlier in the year. Priced at $2,399.95, the Vi-Pec V88R3 is some serious go-fast equipment that will truly unleash the inner beast hidden deep within your otherwise happy-go-lucky Yamaha, and is specifically designed to maximize the most out of your WaveRunner in conjunction with a full array of RIVA Racing performance-enhancing components.

Yamaha Waverunners Sweep AquaX Round 2

By

The Watercraft Journal

-

June 24, 2015

0

AquaX is a grueling test of man and machine. Winning takes strength, guts, determination, and of course, being on the best machine never hurts. So far, the Yamaha WaveRunners appear to be a very strong competitor, and the past round in Jacksonville was a very good outing for Yamaha, with the overall in all three classes going to Yamaha riders!

With a totally new hull, the NanoXcel2, the FZRs are better in the rough than ever, as the Aswar brothers have proven so far this year. Aqsa and Aero took first and second overall respectively, and are currently number one and two in the points race. Not taking anything away from Aqsa or Aero, as they are both phenomenal riders, but they are really showing what the FZR SVHO is capable of when ridden to its full potential.

In the 250 class, Brian Baldwin won each moto, which of course, means he took the overall win for the event. Second was Paloma Noceda, who had two second place motos (first and third motos) and got fourth place in the second moto.

In the 200 class, the Yamaha VXR is the weapon of choice for many of the top riders in the class such as Rob Greenwald and Travis Zielasko. In fact, every rider except for one was on a VXR! Zielasko won every moto with fellow Yamaha rider, Greenwald getting second. Evidently the new VX hull is a big all around improvement for handling and rough water riding.