HydroDrags headed to Alabama

First non-Florida event takes place in August

WaterTop Unlimited will bring the RIVA Racing HydroDrag PWC drag races and speed event out of Florida for the first time with the APBA Summer National event taking place in Wetumpka, Ala. Aug. 1 to 2.


The Coosa River will be the venue in Wetumpka, 10-minutes north of Montgomery, and will play host to the fastest PWC racing event in the world. The HydroDrag Summer National event will follow the biggest boating event in the country, Aquapalooza, taking place in nearby Lake Martin the weekend prior.


The RIVA Racing HydroDrags have become one of the world’s premier showcases for extreme PWC speeds with Julio Rivera making history at the Spring National event by be the first to ever break the 100 mph mark on a PWC. The Summer National event is expected to draw more racers from the heartland of the country and some from Texas as Montgomery is within 500 miles of over 50% of the US population.



Fans will be able to see riders on the fastest PWC in the country race head-to-head on the 1/8th mile track utilizing the unique “Launch Pad” starting system creating an explosion of water at every start.


“We are very excited to bring the RIVA Racing HydroDrags to Wetumpka and the great state of Alabama.” says WaterTop event producer Tim McKercher. “Mayor Jerry Willis and the people of Wetumpka have certainly shown southern hospitality as we look forward to having a fun and exciting event on the beautiful Coosa River. We could easily see more records fall and are guaranteed to see some great racing in this new form of PWC competition.”


Dan Okeefe will be competing in multiple classes but with special focus on the HydroUnlimited class. Okeefe was the Spring Nationals winner in the premeir class aboard a Turbo powered Sea-Doo RXP and is the current overall points leader for the first ever HydroDrag National Champion. Stan Hightower will attempt to protect his double class lead in the HydroLimited and HydroStock classes aboard his Sea-Doo RXP-X watercraft and Eric Lagopoulos will try to grow his lead in the HydroVintage class aboard his Sea-Doo SPX watercraft.


WaterTop will also institute the Grudge Match Call Out Drags for the first time where individuals can challenge their friend or foe in a best of three race to earn bragging rights. The Grudge Match Call-Out Drags will follow racing on Saturday afternoon.


The Riva Racing HydroDrag Summer Nationals event will take place adjacent to Gold Star Park on the East side of the Coosa River near downtown Wetumpka. Russell Marine will be on site showcasing the new line of Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats and Montgomery Harley Davidson will also be on hand with supporting the event. Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday with a practice session on Friday afternoon prior to event registration.  Admission is free.


“The City of Wetumpka is excited to have the RIVA Racing HydroDrags coming to our backyard.” says Mayor Willis. “We look forward to showing the HydroDrag racers, family, and friends a great time and look forward to being outstanding hosts and can’t wait to see some exciting PWC racing.”


For full event information visit WaterTopEvents.com.


Related Reading
100 mph barrier falls at HydroDrag Spring Nationals
Sea-Doo racers shine at HydroDrags

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