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By Mark Hynds, Sports editor
A.J. Handler with Upstate Watercraft Promtions toured the Big Oaks Recreation Area site recently and was impressed with what he saw.
Upstate Watercraft Promotions, in conjunction with the Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance, is bringing The Triple Crown of Watercross to Lake Hartwell Aug. 13-15. The event is a stop on the International Jet Sport Boating Association’s National Tour.
Handler says the venue meets his criteria for a successful operation, which includes being spectator friendly and conducive for setup by participants and vendors alike. Handler also said that safety for both the athletes and spectators is another important consideration.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” said Handler about Lake Hartwell. “It’s what we look for. It should really work well.”
Handler says that Lake Hartwell’s proximity to major cities such as Atlanta, Greenville and Charlotte should attract a large number of spectators and athletes. Typically, between 200 and 250 athletes come to compete and they bring additional people with them.
“Mechanics, holders and of course, family,” said Handler. “Maybe three or four more with each athlete.”
Using hotel numbers, Charleston, W. Va., which hosted its first race, the Governor’s Cup, in August of 2009, estimated that 600 room nights were used during the three-day event.
“It also created “staycations” for our local residents, said Patty Pitrolo, president and CEO of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It was a win-win for both the community and the organizers.”
Pitrolo said the event had an economic impact to Charleston of $1 million. Charleston’s population is around 50,000.
Handler doesn’t see any real challenges to pulling off the event. He’s been conducting races for 15 years and says everything should run smooth.
The race in Charleston took place on a river. Pitrolo said the biggest challenge they had was with the weather.
“Normally, August is our driest time,” she said. “But we got heavy rains which caused some flooding.” Pitrolo said they had to cancel some of the events on the first day, but the racing went on without any issues.
Handler says the Triple Crown of Watercross will show off the best of the three pro classes.
The stand-up ski class crafts will run between 65 and 70 miles per hour. The runabouts are the sit-down crafts and they can reach speeds of more than 90 miles per hour. The most popular class according to Handler is the freestyle.
“They’ll do flips, barrel rolls and even go submerged,” he said. “It’s definitely the crowd favorite.”
The pros won’t be the only competitors at the event. True beginners, novices and experts will all compete in amateur classes as well.
Handler says the course area is similar to a motocross arena, but all the action will be in eyesight of the spectators.
The Hartwell race is set for the weekend prior to the national championships in Charleston. Handler says it will create a championship week atmosphere and many of the competitors may stay in the area through Tuesday or Wednesday before heading to Charleston.
“The races on Hartwell will have an impact on how the standings line up for the nationals,” he said. “It should really make things exciting.”
Michelle Dipert, president of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the prospects for of the event.
“I think it’s fantastic,” she said. “It will be great for the whole community and not just here. It should bring business to everyone around the lake.”
Dipert compared it to the Bassmasters Classic that came to Lake Hartwell in 2008. That event was based out of Portman Marina in Anderson, S.C., and the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C.
“Because it’s here,” she said. “It should be even bigger for us.”
