The American Power Boat Association (APBA) announced that Hot Products USA, a worldwide distributor of PWC performance racing and repair parts, has signed on as the title sponsor of the APBA JR Star Program for the 2009 season. Hot Products generous support will allow the APBA to organize a first-class program for the Junior racers as well as present some great awards to reward for their 2009 racing accomplishments.
“The Juniors are the future of our sport and we at Hot Products are pleased to be able to support the APBA JR Star Program,” said Ken Chu, sales manager for Hot Products. “The support of the JR Star program and the APBA gives us an opportunity to support the industry and our network of dealers across the United States.”
Started by professional racer Chris Hagest in 2006, the JR Star Program was created to help the Junior watercraft riders and families with the learning curve of PWC racing.
“The goal is to give back to the sport of watercraft racing and the JR Star Program is one way we can do this,” Hagest said. “We offer tips, tricks and how to be safe and smart on a personal watercraft. We’ve held free clinics at the events with some of the top pros joining us, guys like Chris MacClugage, Rob Flores and other top racers. We have been able to provide some great awards for our Junior racers thanks to some generous industry companies.”
While the details are still being determined, the APBA is recruiting additional industry companies to support the program as well as top racers to help with the planned Junior race clinics. The Hot Products support will allow the APBA to provide some cool prizes for Junior PWC racers. Awards will be tied into the APBA national high point system and presented at the Hydro-Turf APBA Watercross Nationals in Nashville in September. Special recognition will be given to the top Junior girl, most improved Junior racer and other special awards. In addition, all Junior racers will receive a free JR Star T-shirt and decals.
If you would like to join the JR Star Program, sponsor it or volunteer, please feel contact Patrick Mell at 586-598-2856 or send an e-mail to patrickmell@aol.com. You can also check out www.apbaracing.com for more info on the national tour.
