Representatives from Hamilton County Parks & Recreation called it “a successful weekend” – and they were right.
Spectators lined the shores near Morse Park and Beach last weekend for the Indiana Insurance Solutions Great Lakes Watercross Midwest Nationals racing competition, which was sanctioned by the International Jet Sport Boating Association.
The competition saw a total of 82 entrants participate in 13 classes across two days of personal watercraft sporting events. Racers came from at least 11 states, even as far away at Pennsylvania and Florida.
The 20 local riders had a good showing at Midwest Nationals, with many trying personal watercraft racing for the first time. Local racers took the No. 1 spot in four of the 13 classes, as well as six second-place finishes and five third-place finishes.
Prizes were donated by MotoOption, Jettribe, and Blowsion, and Indiana Insurance Solutions provided free hot dogs and chips at their tent.
The weekend also had spectators looking skyward on Saturday with a five bi-place flyover and a freestyle exhibition.
Perhaps the greatest highlight of the weekend was watching the Junior Racers, aged 9 to 15. It was the first race for a couple of them, and they put on a great show in the Junior Rec Lites Class and the Junior Ski Lites Class.
Great Lakes Watercross and Morse Reservoir Jet Pilots thank the following sponsors for making last weekend’s race possible:
- Indiana Insurance Solutions
- Visit Hamilton County
- Klotz Synthetic Lubricants
- Thomas Docks, Inc
- Rosie’s Place
- Preferred Roofing and Restoration
- Speedworx Marine
- BrightStar Healthcare
- N3 Boat Works
- Boathouse Restaurant
- MotoOption
- Jettribe
- Hoosier Dock Doctor
- Blowsion
Learn more watercraft racing at the Great Lakes Watercross website, greatlakeswatercross.com.
Photos provided by Kirsten Hasty