By PWCOFFSHORE
Pictures by http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

The July 18, 2010 APBA Offshore National Championship by Hot Products and SeaDoo in Long Beach Ca., USA. aka “The LB2CAT”

TAD Racing Tyler White with Doug White Looking on

Chris MacClugage

TAD Racing Texas

The intensity in the air on race morning was palatable. World class Racer Macc was off stretching in the grass by himself. One could see his racing mindset coming to the surface as Macc prepped himself and his craft. Craig Warner had his entourage from Kawasaki staging gear next to the Kawasaki Monster Energy Drink Van. World famous racer and safety instructor Ms. Shawn Alladio and the crew from www.K38WaterSafety.com were doing final gear reviews with www.liquidmilitia.com Clothing close by filming the events and supporting the offshore racers. KMG Racing was in force with Looter and Dave and Dawn Fekete leading the charge. Other classes had close to stock craft that were also highly tuned and racers that had been training for nearly a year in preparation fiord the race. Legendary offshore racer and PWCOFFSHORE Hall of Famer Billy Womack was in the parking lot shaking hands and encouraging racers. Yes, that Billy Womack, the man who played a huge role in taking our sport to the next level, and a pure class act to boot. Former LB2CAT Champion John Anick was there to support the scene. There was history, legacy racers and talent everywhere.

The Line:

Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises announced at 8 am “we have a green light, we are good to go.” The smell of race gas permeated the ocean air as over 40 craft with racers in full performance and safety gear made their way to the line for a 9 am start time. The vibe in the air was just plain intense. Many had their eye on Craig Warner and Chris MacClugage as they made their way to the line; this would be the first time in history that the two would battle for a prestigious Long Beach to Catalina and Back Championship. Many had anticipated flat water; however this would not be the case. There was discussion around ‘five footers’ outside the break-wall, and so it would be. Yes, there appeared to be a glow on the face of many of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing’s Sponsored Racers, this is the sea state they seek out and train in. They appeared to be beaming in recognition of the possibilities. Notably Robert Carreon and Mark Gerner almost simultaneously making the sign of the cross and pointed looking up in the sky as they approached the line. So much had gone into preparing for this race; time, training, injuries, healing, countless hours by technicians working on the craft, mechanicals, decisions regarding setup, rebuilds – the sea state was up and it was time to produce results!. Hard Core Offshore was the theme of the morning, it could not be denied, and apprehension was in the air. Anticipation and soon, disappointment and rewards awaited those who stayed the course.

The Start:

Carreon

The PWCOFFSHORE.com film helicopter appeared. The orange flag went up and was quickly followed by a green flag. Over 10,000 horsepower roared to life as these craft rocketed across the water behind the Long Beach harbor break-wall. Those who have done this race before will tell you that the true race doesn’t start until you exit the harbor gate and encounter the Pacific and her potentially unforgiving channel between Long Beach and Catalina Island. Heartbreak: Many noticed that Macc was not there; after all of Macc’s preparation, he had an unfortunate mechanical that kept him from starting. Soon, others would follow and become part of the chain reaction that led to the victory of the second wave.

Mark Gerner

Carreon

Instantly there were two distinct race packs. The high horsepower modified PRO OPEN craft in front walking away and the stock (or close to stock) craft in a separate following pack. This year was unique; none of the racers could remember having this much capable talent and impeccably tuned powerful craft on the line. As the first pack of PRO racers exited the break-wall the racers encounter big ocean swells and sweeping fog. Nobody backed down or backed off the throttle. It was quite a sight to see. The higher horsepower craft launched through the air at 70 mph plus with skilled offshore racers putting on an incredible demonstration of riding prowess, skill and raw power. This race hasn’t seen this potential in years, if ever. Many of the craft were getting enormous air as the large swells outside the gate met the racers head-on; it was captured by the www.pwcoffshore.com helicopter tracking overhead. The first few miles looked like a war on the water. But, there would be a price to pay for this, by some of the competitors.

With the fog growing thicker, Mark Gerner Pictured on the right
stayed on the throttle racing his heavily modified Kawasaki ULTRA250X and built a two-mile lead of the field and was first across the channel to the turn boat off Catalina Island. His turn boat time was 32 minutes, ahead loomed a faster return pace running with the swell. Unfortunately for Gerner, about a mile into the return leg back to Long Beach and with an impressive 2.5 mile lead, Gerner too would fall victim to a supercharger belt. His craft broke and he was out of the race.

It was utter destruction for many in the PRO Class. The PROS were holding heavily modified race rockets wide open in big water and it took a toll. The entire class minus two racers had issues. This is a testament to a number of things 1) The power these modified craft are now producing 2) The degree of intensity the PRO Pilots were pushing their craft in heavy water 3) How some of these racers were pushing the envelope with both the throttle and their modifications.

Kim Bushong

Kim Bushong

Kim Bushong has been racing watercraft for well over a decade. A world class athlete, Kim is a former top ten finisher in the Kona, Hawaii ‘Iron Man’. It should be noted that he led his Iron Man race for the swim through the bike ride, after the marathon he still finished top ten. Kim started off on an old Tigershark Jet Ski and laughs about bouncing across the channel to Catalina Island back in the 90’s. He has well over 100 cross channel transits and is known to have a great deal of stamina, tolerance for pain and rough water riding capability. Bushong was in the top three at the LB2CAT a few years ago and blew a belt on his ULTRA and was out of the race, last year he finished 4th overall and now has taken the Championship!! There have been many hours of training and sweat equity from Kim over the years. What is unique about this year’s race is that Kim was on hiatus to pursue his latest venture which is international paddling competitions. Bushong has been traveling the globe for the last six months in pursuit of championships. Add the LB2CAT to the List Kim, you did it and you deserve it. After the race Kim said “You cannot control what others do, or how they are doing, no matter how bad you are doing, or perceive you are doing, or how bad you feel, never give up, fight to the end, If you put all you have into it, good things will happen, never, ever, give up. “ Amen to that Kim.

Tommy Kolleck of Southern California took the Amateur Open Class on his Kawasaki ULTRA 250X with an injured wrist. “Dynamic conditions” said Tommy. Brian Largarticha took the Superstock Limited, a new class that Brian himself initiated. He won racing his SeaDoo IS. Warren Frank won the Challenged Athlete Class on his Kawasaki ULTRA260X. Warren is an amputee that did this race on a prosthetic, quite impressive. Warren would also go on to win the PWCOFFSHORE.com Award for Excellence later in the day. Sean Conner took the PRO OPEN Class with one of the last remaining PRO boats running. Of course Kim Bushong won the Vet/Master Class. And the standout of the day was Brian Steeves, brand new racer, brand new to offshore, first race and he takes the podium and wins the Sportsman Class!

The field was also honored to see legendary Water Skier Mike Murphy on the course racing in the Vet Master Class. Mike Murphy is an inventor and groundbreaker in water sports. Anyone that knows waterskiing knows Murphy from winning the Catalina Water Ski Race to setting world speed records to his Fosters Beer Commercial to his world travels. This man has done it all.

For the new racers out there or the racers that don’t want to invest the time and money in a full on race craft, you too can win this race and or be in the top three on the podium! We believe that two of the three podium boats were essentially 100% bone stock! Never again should it be spoken that “your craft is not fast enough” to win this race or participate in the LB2CAT Race! There are many dimensions of this race that make it possible for anyone to win on any give day.

Next Race of the TCO is in September from Dana Point to Oceanside and Back – be there!  http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for information.

The race footage helicopters were all forced to turn back due to the increasing fog layer only a few miles into the race but were still able to get some fantastic pictures.

The little video we did get from the helicopter was hardcore!”

Kawasaki now has the greatest number of LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Titles, taking that away from Polaris.

Racer Quotes / Interviews Following the Race:

Ms. Shawn Alladio: ‘The LB2CAT was everything that a hardened offshore racer could ask for. Except for the fog conditions. It is a shame all the top fueled race boats fell away in the race. There is no honor in a race that takes out the best, I know folks say ‘that’s racing’ and to some degree it is. For me to see or hear about a real race challenge being earned across the line is my personal dream of this event. That challenged was handed down to the next tier level of racers who did just that. They stepped it up and stayed the course. Kim Bushong is not a surprise for the win, he’s a focused and driven competitor. Anyone could have won this race in those conditions with the navigational and mechanical issues, on July 18th, it was Kim’s race.’

Mark Gerner: “That was a race! I was so pleased about the sea state; this is water that I thrive in. I love the intensity of the rough and was eager to get the race started and not miss what appeared to be tough water outside the gate, that was a true offshore race and what we wish for! I felt the zone in this race, pushed the envelope, put the mouthpiece to good use, lost a GPS while hammering through a five footer at 65 mph, and have a few bumps and bruises, perfect. Just the way we like it. To be candid, it’s difficult to have a mechanical when you have that far of a lead and at that stage of the race. But that is racing, you have to finish to win it and this was not an uncommon story today. I would have loved to see Shawn Alladio on a Kawasaki ULTRA260 out there battling in that sea state, this is her kind of water also. I feel bad for Warner, Macc, Tyler White, Andy Wise, Carreon and all of the others that also worked so hard and had mechanicals, some barely got the opportunity to compete. That is racing and on any given day anything can happen. I would have enjoyed seeing everyone keep their craft rolling and truly battle it out in that sea sate for the entire race, epic. There was so much talent out there. I will go home tonight, have a glass of Merlot, wake up Monday morning and start the process of preparation for 2011. I will be even more motivated to win, I will be ready again. I will also continue to do all I can to support this truly fantastic event and wonderful community of offshore racers. All of which are like extended family to me. He / she who cross the line first is the Champion that is the bottom line. I am happy for my good friend Kim Bushong, Kim has worked so hard for over a decade in pursuit of a win here, it was his day and on an almost stock boat to boot! LB2CAT Platinum Club for the year 2010, Kim Bushong. You have to love it. Given that Kim is a world class athlete, he is incredibly humble down to earth and just a great guy – he deserves this. I am so very proud and happy for Kim. I am also very happy to see the number of new racers we have on the course! See you next year!”

Warren Frank: “Well I just think as a team that trains in fog and rough water, the conditions were absolutely ideal for us. To me the conditions defined “offshore racing” compared to the three other races I did which had flat water and clear visibility. Even for the top racers in the sport other than our team or riders that train in those conditions, I’m certain it messes up their game to navigate with a GPS while their hull is slamming up and down thousands of times in the race compared the going WOT on flat water with the ability to see Catalina very clearly as they exit Long Beach Harbor. Just the fact that I’ve trained in the past with Mark Gerner and Shawn Alladio in very thick fog going WOT made me feel comfortable. Even with 2 dead GPS’s I didn’t panic and did what I thought would be best to finish the race as fast as possible even though I did mess up a little. But without my training in those conditions, things could have got a lot worse. Also in the past three races I totally over-trained on the water. I beat my body up to where I was aching in every joint non stop. I think for me personally its better to train on the water once a week and cross train with other activities like weights, stair climbs, swimming, mountain and spin bike. In previous races I kept my whole body weight back with my arms extended and if I hit a big bump Id hit the face portion of my helmet on the bars and my shoulders, elbows, forearms and hands would fatigue within 15 mins. This last race I positioned my upper body over and in front of the bars and taking much less strain and not getting nearly as fatigued as before. A few times when I took a big hit, I slammed my chest into the bars. I’m not sure if this position works for everyone or even if it’s good for the pump to hookup best but it worked for me. Endurance racing is not always about top speed WOT, it’s about keeping a good fast pace while riding as efficient as possible going in the straightest line possible.”

John “The Master of the Channel” Belton who has over 600 cross channel transits on a PWC: “This was probably the most difficult race I have ever done. Visibility was horrible along with an inconsistent swell pattern which made for a difficult ride”.

Legendary Water Skier Mike Murphy: “It was a great race, I need to learn how to more effectively utilize my GPS System, I need to be able to better navigate in this kind of fog. This year there was nobody to follow really in the fog due to limited visibility on parts of the course. It was so fun! Shawn Alladio sacrificed her race to tow other racers and to just help other people, she knew there was a more important role for her and she made a sacrifice and I think that is just great. I thought that was really cool.

Robert Carreon: “This was the offshore race that would prove Man & machine would need to be as one. For some it was all that, For Kim Bushong, he proved that sometimes it’s not a horsepower race, but steady wins the race. The water was big, the fog was thick, in the end, The Iron Man from www.Pwcoffshore.com came out on top. I was hoping for rough water, as the Ultra does well in that type of water. The winds were up in the morning. My ski had been running good. It felt strong, and was running as quick as ever. I told the scoring boat, just before they pulled out from the dock, Look for #21, I’ll be the first guy to cross the line…And I was.But I was the first guy to break and cross the line. I’ll be more specific next year. (true story, ask Arnold’s wife).”

Ryan Levinson:  “I was on track to finish slightly ahead of my time from last year when I hit a random double up chop within sight of the final turn buoy and was ejected hard. On the first bounce I was ripped from the ski and landed mid way on my back across the seat hyper extending on the initial impact. At this point the ski turned violently and relaunched while throwing me laterally. On the second impact I landed hard on my left glute on the gunwale of the port side foot tray missing my tailbone by less than an inch. Then I hit the water at near WOT speed. I took a second to assess myself and ensure there were no major injuries then swam back to my craft which ended up at least 25 meters away. I remounted and rode the final 1/2 mile or so to the finish.  As for results, if you factor out the time lost during the ejection I did fairly well. Like mentioned above, without the crash I would have finished on pace with last year despite the more challenging conditions and my choice of a lighter ski with a smaller engine and a hull less well suited for rough water. Until the crash I was set to finish with the same margin of time behind Warren (1st in my division) who was riding a rough water ski with literally double the horsepower. For the most part I am pleased with my effort and thankful that I was able to push myself and my boat harder than ever before. This is largely due to foundation of training provided by Shawn Alladio, Mark Gerner, Mike Arnold, Hopper Frank, and the other racers who I was able to ride with and learn from over the year. In the end I made a mistake and I own it (along with the physical pain it brings). I could write more on what I “would have done” but what matters is what I did. I got careless as the finish approached and started thinking I was home free. In other words, I lost focus at the point in the race where there was maximum fatigue. Recipe for disaster. For 99% of the race my mantra was “Relax. Drive your boat.” Right before the crash it was a mix of planning how I’d tell the story of the crossing, thinking about how stoked I was on my performance, trying to beat my time from last year, and hoping everyone else was safe. The next instant I was in the water. Lesson learned…  Special thanks to Mark, Ross, and Shawn for spearheading the efforts that welcomed us into the sport. To Warren and Fekete for stepping up to compete. To all the competitors for pushing me, inspiring me, and teaching me. And to mother nature for the good times, worthy challenges, and important life lessons. ”
Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157624535737000/