Head-to-head motorcross style racing on jet skis will hit the waters of Morse Lake Reservoir for the first time in decades when the Indiana Insurance Solutions Midwest Nationals come to Hamilton County.
This two-day event is sponsored by Great Lakes Watercross and sanctioned by the International Jet Sport Boating Association (IJSBA). Everything is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 form 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Photo provided
Kirsten Hasty told The Reporter she has received plenty of Parks Department support in bringing Watercross back to the county.
“I began working with the Hamilton County Parks Department several years ago in hopes of bringing Watercross back to Morse Reservoir,” Hasty said. “There were races on the Cicero end of the lake at Red Bridge Park back in the 1990s. Hamilton County Parks Department and Hamilton County Sports Authority, a Division of the Hamilton County Tourism Bureau, have been integral in bringing this event to Hamilton County.”
Morse Reservoir jet pilots set up a practice course on Morse Reservoir once per week from May through September. Multiple local riders are National and World Champions racers and have been practicing on Morse Reservoir since the early ‘90s. According to Hasty, Morse Reservoir Jet Pilots have partnered with an exceptional promoter, Great Lakes Watercross, to ensure a top-notch event.
Local racer Mike Hamaker said training on Morse Reservoir helped him win a World Title.
“In 2016, I moved to Cicero and Morse Reservoir,” Hamaker said. “I quickly saw Tuesday nights would become my favorite day of the week as the local jet ski riders practiced every week, and coming from a background of powersports, I quickly became interested.”
Photo provided
Hamaker raced a complete season in 2017 and trained with the Morse Reservoir Jet Pilots every week for two summers.
“In 2019, I decided to switch classes and enter into the Sport Spec class, which is typically the largest class,” Hamaker said. “I was fortunate to train with some really fast riders on Morse who helped push me to world championship level contention. In 2019, our group went to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., for the IJSBA World Finals where I won a World Title. I am so excited to be a part of Midwest Nationals. Fans can expect lots of family fun on and off the water and some of the most competitive racing for the championship anywhere in the U.S.”
Brandon Oburn said Indiana Insurance Solutions is proud to be the title sponsor for this event.
“We love to be involved in our community and have been involved in motor sports in one form or another for many years,” Oburn said. “So title sponsoring the first year of the Midwest Nationals hosted by Great Lakes Watercross was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. We love our local community and the fantastic people that have supported us over the years.”
Hasty told The Reporter racers from across the Midwest and beyond are expected to participate in this event. It is a last chance qualifier for the IJSBA World Finals that will be held Oct. 1 to 9 in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Classes are available for multiple styles of watercraft and for all skill levels, beginner through pro. Anyone wanting information about spectating or participating in the event can check out greatlakeswatercross.com.
Here is an example of a typical track. (Graphic provided)