AWARDS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS 

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General Race Information

APBA Watercross Nationals

Similar to motocross on the water, Watercross racing is handle bar-to-handle bar competition that pits rider and machine in a personal watercraft battlefield.   Reaching top speeds of over 80mph, closed course racing features a buoy-marked track that is designed to keep the competition tight and fans close to the action.  Each race begins with one of the most gut-wrenching experiences in motorsports - the side-by-side gated start.  Similar to horse racing, a PWC racing start features 20 riders exploding off the line, each thinking to themselves “I’m going to be the first one to that buoy.  Surviving the first-turn is just the beginning.  Speed, technique and racing ability will all come into play over the next 20 minutes, as the riders begin to negotiate a series of left- and right-hand turns - and oh yeah, one must not forget the man-made log jumps.  Location: Nashville Shores - Friday September 4 - Sunday September 6.

APBA Amateur and Pro Freestyle National Championships

This event will also feature the Amateur and Pro Freestyle segment that highlights the acrobatic abilities of these highly specialized athletes and their watercraft.  One of the truly “extreme sports,” freestyle features some of the most gifted athletes on the beach, performing two-minute routines in an Olympic-style format for a panel of seven judges. 

AWARDS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

The prestigious APBA Watercross National Championship titles and overall championship trophies will be awarded to the top 3 riders in the 30 different classes.  Pro-Am and Expert racers will also receive a cash award with a 50% payout in each class.  The more participants in your class the greater the payout.  Plaques will be awarded to the 4th through 10th place overall finishers in each class.  

Overall national standings in each racing class will be determined from Closed Course Only.  No Slalom will be run at this event.  No points are awarded for LCQs and Semis.

Below is a list of classes that will compete for titles and overall awards.  

Beginner classes will no longer be offered at the Nationals in 2009. 

Runabout Classes                 Ski Classes

Novice Runabout Limited             Novice Ski Stock

Women Runabout Limited           Novice Ski Limited

Amateur Run 4-Stroke Stock       Novice Women Ski Ltd

Runabout 800 Open                     Amateur Ski Open

Amateur Runabout 800 Limited   Veteran Ski Open (Age 35+)

Expert Runabout Open               Expert Ski Limited

Expert Runabout Limited            Pro-Am Ski Stock    

Veteran Runabout Open             Pro-Am Ski GP

Pro-Am Runabout Stock             Pro-Am Women Ski Limited

Pro-Am Runabout Open              Junior Ski 10-12 Stock Lites 

Amateur Run N/A Stock               Junior Ski 13-15 Stock Lites

Amateur Run N/A Limited            Juniors Ski 13-15 Limited

                                                    Masters Ski Open (Age 40 +)                                                                                                                                                                  Vintage Ski 550 Modified (NEW)

                                                    Vintage Ski 750 Modified (NEW)

Sport Classes                               Freestyle Classes

Sport Modified                              Amateur Freestyle

Sport Spec (NEW)                        Pro Freestyle

RIDER CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS

GENERAL RACE INFORMATION

APBA Requirements

The 2009 APBA Watercross Nationals is sanctioned and governed by the APBA and run according to the APBA rulebook.   All participants must be a current APBA competition member and must present proof of valid membership to compete. Please bring your APBA membership cards.  If you do not have your APBA membership card with you, be prepared to pay for a new membership when you check in.   NO SINGLE EVENT MEMBERSHIPS are available at this event.

Safety Gear

A properly fitting full coverage helmet, with chin and mouth protection (face shield removed), that meets current DOT or SNELL M-rated standard, must be worn at all times while on the water.  A U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type III life personal floatation device (PFD), in sound condition, must also be worn at all times while on the water, including during practice. Fines will be assessed to all riders in violation of these rules. Wetsuits, protective footwear and eyewear are highly recommended.

 Racing Numbers

You must have two sets of race numbers, with the correct color backgrounds on your boat – one on each side in the front of the watercraft.  If you do not have the proper numbers and backgrounds on your watercraft you will not pass safety inspection.  Racing numbers must be black, a minimum of 7 inches high, and spaced at east ½ inch apart. Standard block-type numbers, without shading or outlining, must be used. If there are duplicate race numbers in your class, you may be asked to change your number during the riders meeting. New or replacement numbers will be available at the race support trailer.  YOU MUST run your earned number at this event.  Riders running another riders earned number will be asked to remove it.

 Pre-Race Inspection

APBA rules require that pre-race technical inspections are mandatory at all races. All watercraft, PFDs, and helmets will receive a complete inspection before being allowed on the water. Every participant is required to have his/her watercraft tech inspected, and it is the responsibility of the rider to submit his/her watercraft to the Technical Director for safety inspection. See below for the check-in/safety inspection times for your class(es). Pre-race inspections do not certify that the watercraft is qualified or constituted as legal for class participation. The Technical Director may prohibit any personal watercraft from competing that does not meet APBA technical requirements. All watercraft should be brought to the designated area along with your lanyard, helmet and PFD. You must be with your boat for it to be inspected. Your watercraft must have a technical inspection sticker before you will be allowed to practice or race. Here are some of the things that we will be checking for: CORRECT SIZE AND COLOR BACKGROUNDS AND NUMBERS, grips secured and do not turn, battery cables secured, zip-ties on all fuel lines, bow hoops removed on older models, approved rubber nose bumper, flexible tow loop at bow, properly working lanyard, approved intake grates and sponsons, and APBA stickers in their proper location. 

Event Check-In

Whether pre-registered or not, every participant is required to check in, sign the waiver and release, and get a wristband.  This includes all racers, holders and mechanics who will be participating in the event.  See schedule of events for check-in times.

Sponsor Decals

In consideration of sponsor commitment and support of this event, participants may be required to display sponsor decals, as well as APBA stickers, on each side of his or her boat.  Participants will also be required to display a safety inspection sticker on the handlepole or front deck. Stickers will be available to participants at registration.

Riders Meetings

It is mandatory that all participants attend the published riders meeting at the scheduled time for each of the classes entered.  Riders Meeting times To be announced.

Post-Race Tech Inspection

Every participant who finishes the race and receives the checkered flag must immediately proceed to the tech-inspection area and submit their watercraft for inspection. Failure to submit your watercraft for inspection may cause you to be disqualified.  

Pit Vehicles

Because of the tremendous number of people who will be attending the 2008 Watercross Nationals, pit vehicle rules will be strictly enforced.  ATVs, Mules, golf carts, beach carts, etc. will be allowed to transport equipment to the beach.  There will be a 5-mile-per-hour speed limit for all ATVs, Mules, golf carts, Go-Peds, Scooters, etc.  Fines will be accessed to those breaking this rule.   All pit vehicles must remain in the pit area and follow the correct pathway to the beach/pit area.  Please observe the speed limit signs, watch out for pedestrians, and do not ruin this privilege for all racers.  

ADMISSION AND PARKING FEES

Each rider will be required to purchase a 4-Day parking pass for $10 and a 3-Day Waterpark pass for $20.  This will give riders all access to the Waterpark and Parking.  All riders are required to pay these fees with there registration regardless if they plan on using the tickets.

Admission Fees

Each rider will be required to purchase a 3-day Waterpark Ticket for $20.  There will be no admission fee for Friday and there will be a $5 per person admission fee for races Saturday and Sunday for crew and spectators.  Admission to Nashville Shores Water Park is separate from the race.  See below.

Nashville Shores Tickets

Nashville Shores tickets are only needed if you plan on entering the water park (not needed to watch the race). The rates for Nashville Shores water park tickets are $21.95 per day if you do not get them through us. They have given us a rate of $10 per day or $20 for a three day pass if you need additional passes for your friends and family.  These tickets must be purchased from us to get the special rate. If you plan on bringing the family and going to the water park, this is a great deal. You can buy additional Nashville Shores tickets on the entry form.

Event Parking/Parking Fees

The event will take place at the beach in front of Nashville Shores.  Look for signs to Watercross Nationals Participant Parking as well as "WATERCROSS NATIONALS" directional signs as you come into the park.  Nashville Shores charges $5 each time you come in and out of the park.  Each rider will be charged $10 for a 4-day parking pass.  Additional parking passes can be purchased for $10 each otherwise you will be charged $5 each time you come in and out of the park.  NO parking for the event until Thursday August 28th, at Noon.  There will be people and signs directing you where to park.  

DIRECTIONS

How To Get There

Nashville Shores park is located in Hermitage, Tennessee, just a few miles from downtown Nashville. It is just a few miles east off of I-40. Take I-40 and get off at the OLD HICKORY BLVD exit - exit number 221B. Go South onto OLD HICKORY BLVD. Turn RIGHT onto BELL RD. You will see signs to Nashville Shores on the left. You will enter the Nashville Shores MAIN entrance, NOT THE MARINA ENTRANCE which is the second entrance.  

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