When the engines roar and the wakes rise, the thrill of racing isn’t the only thing making waves. Across the country, local communities feel the ripple effect of personal watercraft events—economic, cultural, and social. Lake Alfred, Florida, is the latest example, where East Coast Watercross is asking racers, crews, and fans to help show just how big that impact really is.
Think about your weekend at the track. You booked a hotel in town, grabbed breakfast at a local café, maybe took the family out for ice cream after the races. Every dollar you spent didn’t just fill a plate or a hotel room—it powered a local business, supported jobs, and reminded the community why hosting events like this matters. That’s the kind of wake a watercraft race leaves behind when everyone participates—not just on the water, but off it too.
East Coast Watercross is making it simple to make your mark. They’ve put together a quick Economic Impact Form so the city can see exactly how much racing helps. Did you stay local? Eat out? Visit attractions? Every answer counts. Scan the QR code or hit the link and tell them. It’s five minutes that can help secure future events, keep local businesses thriving, and give your sport the recognition it deserves.
But this is bigger than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a reminder that racers, fans, and crews aren’t just part of a competition—they’re ambassadors. Every intentional choice, from where you eat to where you sleep, strengthens the bond between our sport and the communities that host it. If we want racing to grow, those partnerships matter just as much as speed on the water.
So next time you hit the starting line, remember: the impact you leave off the water can be just as powerful as the one you make on it. Take a few minutes, fill out the form, and show your city the ripple effect of watercraft racing.
