Memorial set for Feb. 23

Fourth anniversary of 300 mile endurance race honors racer Mark Hahn

The fourth annual Mark Hahn Memorial, the longest continuous personal watercraft race, will take place on Feb. 23, 2008 in Lake Havasu, Ariz.

More than 100 teams are expected to enter the 300 mile race, which is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA). John Belton and Tracy Mallan set the APBA endurance record of five hours, 23 minutes in 2007 aboard a Kawasaki Ultra 250.

Held in the memory of endurance racer Mark Hahn, the team format features two riders for runabout entries and up to three riders for stand-up craft. Solo riders can race aboard either style of boat.

“The 10 mile course we have approval from the Coast Guard for will pit all the teams against the wind, rough water and long runs that this event has become synonymous with,” says co-promoter Jim Russell.

Besides the weather and water conditions, riders will also have to make fuel stops without spilling any fuel and make rider changes several times during the race.

A total of six different classes will be competing simultaneously, with all racers competing for the overall title. Each class-winning team will be crowned APBA Endurance Champion for their respective class.

“We’re gearing up to make this year’s event outshine what we did last year by getting more giveaways and even better trophies for the massive awards banquet at the London Bridge Resort that will far surpass what we did last year,” says executive producer and co-promoter Mike Follmer.

Follmer, who owns R&D Yamaha Team Follmer, entered two teams in the event that will be race on the new Yamaha FX SHO Wave Runners. This event will mark the first time that the new FX SHO Wave Runner has been in endurance competition. Follmer will be riding the team’s primary entry in the Pro Am 4-Stroke Open Class and will be sharing riding duties with Tony Beck.