Emerald Coast Grand Prix jet ski race April 13-15 at ‘Bama

Emerald Coast Grand Prix jet ski race April 13-15 at ‘Bama

The Emerald Coast Grand Prix makes its debut in the Gulf of Mexico on the beach in front of the Flora-Bama Lounge April 13-15, with 50 service members scheduled to participate during Friday’s practice/demonstration day and races in as many as 15 divisions scheduled on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m.
At least 50 and as many as competitors are expected to be here for the participate in the race, which is a qualifier for this fall’s World Grand Prix in Arizona.
“We would love to have spectators come out to the beach and watch us,’’ said coordinator Dawn Dawson. “The races will start and finish in the surf right in front of the Flora-Bama.’’
Dawson said racers will start from the beach and each will have someone trying to hold their jet ski steady until they get to it and begin to maneuver around buoys in the Gulf.
There are also 10-12 and 13-15 junior divisions scheduled, with prize money for those events courtesy of sponsor Kevin Sullivan.
“It’s like motorcross, only they will negotiate around a series of buoys that look like overgrown hippity-hops,’’ Dawson said.
Presented by Watercross World, The Emerald Grand Prix divisions (depending on participation) include: Beginner Runabout; Junior Ski Stock & GP; Amateur Stock & GP; Amateur Runabout; Pro-Am Stock & GP; Sport Stock; Pro-Am Stock & GP; Sport Stock; Pro-Am Runabout Endurance Race; Sport GP; Runabout 800; Runabout Rec Lites; Vintage 550; and Freestyle.
For more info, call 719-331-0026.