The race season is nearly upon us here the ‘States and the racers are quickly getting their ducks in a row before the first rubber band snaps. While the social media hubs are abuzz with the big announcements from the top tier sponsored racers, many of the “little guys” are going unnoticed are struggling to gather up the funds necessary to compete.
We at The Watercraft Journal caught wind that 20-year-old racer Brooks D’Antonio is in that same boat and wanted to help get the word out. Brooks launched a gofundme.com fundraising campaign to help afford him enough funds to get him on the water.
The Watercraft Journal got a quick minute with the young gun who explained, “The funds will strictly cover traveling expenses, race fees, and maintenance towards my ski. Right now we’re in the process of building an Open class ski; it’s taking a bit longer and more expensive than planned. We’re getting close to the wire for the first race May 3rd and 4th in Parker, Az. We want to be on that line and fight for another regional championship.”
He concluded by saying, “Big thanks to everyone! They are the backbone to my race team, and are helping me live a dream that has been dear to me since I was a child.”
In the official gofundme campaign page, Brooks wrote the following, “My name is Brooks D’Antonio and I am 20 years old out of Phoenix, Arizona and I am an up and coming jet ski racer [moving] towards the professional level. With a successful season last year winning all of my races we are taking on a bigger class with much more competition. Our goal is to compete in all of Region 1’s Jettribe Westcoast Nationals, and some of the National tour stops among the Amateur Ski Open class and Pro Ski GP.
“Being a full-time college student, it leaves me little time to work and put in longer hours to get me to all the races, and complete building our new race ski for the season. If you can help me get there it would mean the world to me! A little goes a long way! Thank you all for the support through the past few years. Jet ski racing is a true passion I have. [I] wouldn’t trade it for the world!”
Above image courtesy of Danyelle Hocker Glendenning
