UWP NEWS Release
NEWS Releases are listed IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

PERFECT WEATHER GREETS THE TOYOTA WATER JAM IN ROCHESTER, NY

The weather this weekend at the Toyota Water Jam couldn’t have been better and the conditions on Lake Ontario made the racing interesting all weekend long.  We were at a new venue this year and it turned out to be a great place to hold the races.  This was the fourth of six stops on the UWP-IJSBA Pro Watercross National Tour and a couple of favorites found their way back to the top of the box. 

In the Pro Am Runabout Open class Ermino Iantosca went wire to wire in all three of his motos to claim another first place finish this season.  The course was big and with the calm conditions Iantosca was able to put his big Judge Motorsports powered Kawasaki to good use, topping 80 mph on the long back stretch.  His tuner, Tim Judge, spent the better part of Saturday afternoon and evening rebuilding the pump to make sure it was rock solid for Sunday’s motos and his hard work paid off.

Tim said, “Now that we have the boat back together we think it is producing between 380 and 400 horsepower.”   Eric “The Outlaw” Lagopoulos was able to find his way back onto the podium after a couple of weeks finishing outside the top three.  Eric said, “We are still putting together our big boat and it should be ready for the last two stops, but in the meantime I just wanted to stay consistent and keep earning points to stay in the hunt for the championship.”  However the best moves of the weekend happened off the track and it was the National Guard team that proved once again what makes our sport so unique.  The Judge Motorsports team truck broke down in Pennsylvania and Trey Frame and crew answered their SOS, picking up Iantosca and Judge along with their tools and boats.  Frame’s National Guard, Blackstar-racing.com #21 was only able to muster a 3rd place finish this weekend but Trey was proud to be such a big help to our winner Iantosca.  Frame said, “I want to win the championship, but doing the right thing is more important to us and we were glad to lend a hand.”

In the Ski GP class Rob Flores was looking to make a statement this weekend after a tough run at our last stop in Racine, WI.  The Las Vegas native did just that aboard his Walt’s Motorsports, raceski.com rig, winning two of the three motos.  Rob said, “I think I have all the mechanical issue worked out so hopefully I can stay the course and keep winning.”  Jimmy “Eats World” Wilson did win moto two and was putting the pressure on Flores in the final moto.  Rob made a little sketch in the final turn and opened the door for Jimmy, unfortunately Wilson had a bobble at the same time and was unable to capitalize on the opportunity and had to settle for a 2nd place finish.  Jimmy told us, “I was watching Rob in front of me and when he made that mistake I thought ‘this is my chance’, but unfortunately I got a little shaky and couldn’t get by him.”  A new face found his way to the podium this weekend in the form of Carmine Colangelo.  This was Carmine’s first race of the season and he took advantage of a bad moto by Rick Sherker and was surprised to find himself in the winner’s circle.  The New York native said, “This was a good weekend for me and it feels good to get out here and just compete.  Making the podium is a nice bonus.”

We look forward to coming back to Rochester next year and want to give a special thanks to the Rochester Area Toyota Dealers for all their support.  Stop by our Facebook page and make us a friend or go to our website at uwpinc.com for the latest news and up to date standings.  We will see you on the sand August 14th and 15th when the IJSBA Pro WaterCross tour resumes at Lake Hartwell in Georgia for the Triple Crown of WaterCross.  


Check out RealRacine.com for things to do!

ROCHESTER, New York (June 14, 2010) – Racine, Wisconsin will be the site of tour stop # 3  of the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National tour on June 19-20, 2010. The IJSBA National Tour was last seen on Lake Michigan in 2000 in Zion, IL. Racine, WI matches Zion’s big waves and beautiful sand beaches and is located just north of the Illinois border.

This event will be one of the most exciting tour stops as USA and Canada will be bring their top pros to battle it out on the rough waters of Lake Michigan. Racine’s North Park has one of the most beautiful beaches and it’s all FREE, just show up with your beach chair, cooler and enjoy the action of top PWC Freestyler's and racers on the waves of Lake Michigan.

The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix of Watercross will offer over $15,000 in cash and prizes for the winners of select Pro-Am and Expert classes.   

In more news from the PWC world, UWP has moved forward with proposed “Tour Point Champions”. This will affect all non-tour classes as points will be gained through

attending the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour, allowing competitors to drop one round in accumulating points for the tour. The “Tour Point Champions” will be based on rounds 1-6, but the title of “National Champion” will be based solely on the National Championship race in Charleston, West Virginia.

Finally but certainly not least; Tim McKercher director the Sea Doo Bounty program contacted UWP last week with the surprising news that the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour and National Championship race in Charleston, WV has been elevated to the next level, matching the APBA National Tour and Championship. UWP is very appreciative to Sea Doo’s continued support and the acknowledgement of our hard work.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions is known for a superior quality in it events, providing quality family fun with high degree of racing. UWP-IJSBA National Tour travels throughout the country during the summer months and showcases the country’s top professional watercross racers. Each tour stops has a guaranteed $12,925 purse, making the UWP-IJSBA National Tour worth over $150,000 in cash and prizes. These prestigious events hold significant merit to the United States and Canadian racers and will identify some of the nation’s top riders when all is said and done. 

For more information about the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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Weekend of sports planned for Panama City Beach

By JOSH WEINFUSS | News Herald Writer

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Panama City Beach has taken the first steps in developing an annual sports festival by hosting five events during a weekend in mid-May.

A professional volleyball and a watercross event will join baseball and softball tournaments at Frank Brown Park and the NPC Southern USA Classic bodybuilding competition as events being held in the city during May 14-16.

Read more...


Watercross to provide boost to area economy

By Mark Hynds, Sports editor

A.J. Handler with Upstate Watercraft Promotions toured the Big Oaks Recreation Area site recently and was impressed with what he saw. Read more...


UWP honored as one of more than 50 event planners

Rochester, NY (January 31, 2010) – Upstate Watercraft Promotions was honored as one of more than 50 event planners and destinations selected for SportsEvents Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.  UWP was chosen out of thousands of potential candidates who have exhibited a high level of professionalism, creativity and excellence in hosting sports events.  

The article will contain, “50+ Planners & Places to Watch in 2010,” in the January issue of SportsEvents Magazine spotlights industry professionals, destinations and venues from across the country.

“When we put the call out to readers to nominate sports planners and sports-friendly destinations and venues for SportsEvents Magazine’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked them to recommend only the best,” said J. Talty O’Connor, publisher of SportsEvents Magazine. “We believe our select group of planners, destination marketing organizations, and fields and facilities not only meet but exceed the high demands of producing successful sports events today.”

In addition to being profiled in the “50+ Planners & Places to Watch in 2010” special feature, UWP also received a certificate with a special “Sports Event Planning Excellence” seal to commemorate their award.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions is known for a superior quality in its events, providing quality family fun with high degree of racing. UWP-IJSBA National Tour travels throughout the country during the summer months and showcases the country’s top professional watercross racers. Each tour stops has a guaranteed $10,000 purse, making the UWP-IJSBA National Tour worth over $150,000 in cash and prizes.  These prestigious events hold significant merit to the United States and Canadian racers and will identify some of the nation’s top riders when all is said and done.

For more information about the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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UWP in Panama Beach City for 2010 National Tour

 

Rochester, NY (January 17, 2010) – Upstate Watercraft Promotions will launch the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour on May 15-16, 2010 in Panama Beach City, FL at the Boardwalk Beach Resort.


The “SuperCup of Watercross” is to be held on one of the most stunning beaches in Florida. The Boardwalk Beach Resort offers unique family attractions - mixing sports with family fun, the watercross racing will be paired up with the EVP pro volleyball tour for action on both the land and water, along with vendors and other activities. The resort’s award winning dining, sandy white beaches provides some of the best attractions around, this event will attract participants and spectators of all ages.

 

In addition to the day’s events, an athlete’s party is being planned for both the watercross participates and volleyball pros on Saturday evening.


This will be the first event of six in the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour that travels throughout the summer months and showcases the country’s top professional watercross racers. The Panama Beach City event and all other tour stops will carry a guaranteed $10,000 purse, making the UWP-IJSBA National Tour worth over $150,000 in cash and prizes. These prestigious events hold significant merit to the United States and Canadian racers and will identify some of the nation’s top riders when all is said and done.


For more information about the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.


Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions. 


UWP-IJSBA looking to be in California for 2011

ROCHESTER, New York (January 22, 2010) – After intense negotiations with a prospective host city in California, UWP regrets that there is not enough time to coordinate a national tour race for the 2010 race season. UWP along with IJSBA managing director, Scott Frasier will continue to work towards a non-tour race for fall 2010. This race would be used as a gauge for 2011 national tour and bring the tour back to the west coast.


For more information about the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.


Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ~ ROCHESTER  UWP-IJSBA NATIONAL TOUR STOP

The Toyota Water Jam former held at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester New York will be moving its venue to Durand Eastman Park, in Rochester, New York on July 10-11, 2010. 

AJ Handler stated that this venue will not have the algae problem that Ontario Beach Park has – Durand Eastman is more racer friendly and will bring the racers closer to the beach. UWP is working with Monroe County Sports Commission to build a festival atmosphere bringing in vendors and additional sports. This is a positive change for this event, great beaches, clear water, close hotels, an amusement park within 5 minutes of the event, miles of paved walkways and nature trails – basically there will be a lot of great things for families to do.

2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour Dates Released!

The following are confirmed race date for the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour. We have just confirmed one more site in Florida which brings our total prize money to $70,000 for the 2010 UWP-IJSBA National Tour.  Press releases for the TBAs will be release in the near future announcing the locations, but I wanted to be able to get the dates out to our athletes, in order for them to make travel plans and time to write their sponsors. 

May 15-16: Panama City Beach, FL - "SuperCup of Watercross"
May 29-30: Syracuse, NY - “Toyota US Open of Watercross" 
June 19-20: Racine, WI - "US Grand Prix of Watercross" 
July 10-11: Rochester, NY - “Toyota Water Jam" 
August 14-15:
Lake Hartwell, GA - "Triple Crown in Georgia" 
August 20-22: Charleston, WV - UWP-IJSBA Nationals & SportFEST 2010 

UWP staff is working on one more site for April 24-25 in California – we will keep you up to date. Once this happens we will reach $80,000 in prize money for the tour to be given away to our athletes.

Major Announcement – UWP date set for Rochester NY, July 10-11, 2010

November 24, 2009 (Rochester NY): Upstate Watercraft Promotions (UWP) in cooperation with the Monroe County Sports Commission would like to announce the 2010 Rochester Sports and Music Festival and the IJSBA National Tour stop in Rochester NY July 10-11, 2010.  The watercross racing will be held in conjunction with a number of sporting activities including Sand Wrestling, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis and Sand Soccer. The $10,000 purse committed for this event brings the total IJSBA tour purse to $60,000 in cash for the top competitors!

Prior to this press release it was determined that the date of this event is, regrettably, in conflict with the APBA National Tour event being held in Harbor Beach MI.  The staff of UWP has gone to great lengths in an attempt to coordinate a date change for this event so as to prevent the conflict. Meetings were held with representatives of the Monroe County Sports Commission and of Harbor Beach to discuss the viability of adjusting the dates for these two excellent events. Hammertime Promotions, the promoter for the Harbor Beach event, has also been contacted concerning this issue. Due to the number of other activities that are part of the Rochester Sports & Music Festival the logistics encompassed too many details that could not be altered.  Harbor Beach’s annual festival which includes the CAN/AM Cup also encompasses details that prevent any change in the date of the event.

It is understandable that many concerns exist due to this conflict. We sincerely regret the conflicts in the schedule and want to recognize the commitment and hospitality of both Harbor Beach and Monroe County in supporting our sport. All of the parties involved in organizing these events, UWP, IJSBA, APBA, Hammertime Promotions, Monroe County Sports Commission and the City of Harbor Beach understand the complexities of scheduling these events and have committed to working together in the future to prevent schedule conflicts. We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding from all of those involved in making these events successful. This includes the promoters, racers, spectators and PWC enthusiasts.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful race season.

If you have any questions or comments regarding any detail of the IJSBA National Tour please contact UWP at aj@uwpinc.com.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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Goodbye to 2009...

UWP and the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau signed a three year contract today to hold one of the largest watercross racing events in the country.

ROCHESTER, New York (November 5, 2009) – Looking forward to a promising future Upstate Watercraft Promotions (UWP) and the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau signed a three year contract today to hold one of the largest watercross racing events in the country. The Toyota Governor’s Cup UWP-IJSBA National Championship is part of the SportFEST 2010 which also includes Extreme Volleyball Pros, and the Firefighters Combat Challenge.

Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau Patty Pitrolo president / CEO stated today that these three events have an impact of $2.1 million during the press conference. The contract was revealed during a press conference held at the Convention & Visitors Bureau in Charleston, W.V., SportFEST 2010 and the Toyota Governors Cup will take place August 20-22 on the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia.

UWP’s AJ Handler stated today that “we are very excited with the signing of the contract and look forward to a long relationship with the City of Charleston – Charleston has a lot to offer our athletes and the enthusiasm that the Charleston CVB brings to the event only makes it better. ”SportFEST 2010 will be fun-filled event weekend aimed at entertaining people from sun up to sundown with watercross racing and pro volleyball taking place throughout the day. The firefighter challenge will begin in the late afternoon in front of the host hotel at Charleston’s amphitheater on the Kanawha River.

UWP-IJSBA and the Toyotas Governors Cup will offer $30,000 in cash and prizes for the winners of select pro-am and expert classes. Cash prizes will be based on the overall results for the weekend event, competitors must race both Saturday and Sunday in the première classes.

For more information about UWP-IJSBA National Championship and the Toyota Governor’s Cup visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742. Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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TOYOTA GOVERNOR'S CUP ~ UWP / IJSBA NATIONALS IN CHARLESTON, WV BRINGS THE LARGEST PURSE IN THE USA...

Charleston, WV (Wednesday, July 22, 2009) Upstate Watercraft Promotions in conjunction with the Charleston Visitors Bureau and the help of Trey Frame and Black Star Racing Team are excited to announce details of the 2009 Toyota’s Governor Cup. The three have paired up in order to create a race tailored to the needs of watercross racers across the nation.

Upon arrival racers will check-in at the Charleston House the host hotel for the event. Racers will receive a gift welcome bag which is a nylon bag filled with deals, coupons and information on the event.  The hotel is within in walking distance of the race site which will allow for families to come and go with ease not having to worry about parking. There are no parking fees, park admittances or hidden fees of the event.  Parts of the streets will be shut off in order to allow for secure parking of trailers. Guest may bring food/coolers in and out of the park as needed, there will also be vendors available if guests wish to purchase food.

Along with payouts each winner will receive their award, a fleece champion’s jacket, and a backpack. Other prizes include; Optima Racing will be sponsoring prizes for the top three in each of the following classes Vet Ski Open, Novice Ski Limited, Novice Ski Stock. First place will receive a Fly Kinetic Helmet, second place will have a choice of a Fly Pullover or Front Buckle vest,  and Third place will receive F-16 Gloves. Mountaineer Offroad will sponsor the top first place finishers in the three junior classes. The winner of each of the three classes will have their entry fees paid for this event. Classes include: Junior Ski Lites 10-12, Junior Ski Lites 13-15, Junior Ski Limited 13-15. Black Star Motorsports

Below is a list of sponsors that have contributed to the event thus far. 

  • UWP has committed $10,000 to the event payout

  • Quaker Stake and Lube has committed $1,000 to payout for the event and will be catering “The Night of Champions Gala”

  • Daniels Electric, Inc. has committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Dolan & Kakaskey Orthodontics has committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Gutter Pro has committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Kent Boggess with Old Colony Realtors signed on for $1,000 event sponsorship

  • Mountain State Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Hidden Trails ATV committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Fibernet committed $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Al Marino, Inc. $1,000 to payout for the event

  • Frame Inc. General Contractors has signed on for $500

  • M&L Electric Co. has signed on for $500

  • Bossie Electric has signed on for $500

  • The Law offices of Johnson and Lopez has signed on for $500

Toyota Water Jam ~ Rochester, NY ~ Saturday, July 18, 2009

Rochester, N.Y. (Saturday July 18, 2009) – The waters were still as racers equipped for a day of fierce competition and vigorous riding conditions this early morning for Upstate Watercraft Promotions annual Toyota Water Jam at Charlotte Beach.  As the day progressed waves came to maximum of three to four feet and speeds up to 70 miles per hour as watercross racers sped across the finish line.  

Some of the today’s highlights include the Pro-am Ski GP class as watercross participants challenged each other for their share of the $ 10,000 purse.  Rob Flores of Las Vegas Nevada completed the day on top of the GP Class aboard his 1100cc powered Kawasaki SXR.  Jimmy Wilson of Hebron OH was runner up followed by Rick Sherker of Doylestown PA.    Today’s race was the first of the three motos to be completed by the competitors on their way to determining the event champion.

Freestlyists entertained spectators with their crowd pleasing display of their acrobatic talents on the water.  Josh DeSantis’ impressive foray of back flips and barrel rolls earned the Phoenix NY resident first place in today’s event. Second place was awarded to Doug Wdodwiak of Ware MA, with local competitor Eric Wilbert of Webster NY taking third.

The Pro/AM Runabout Open class saw the Northwest riders being challenged by a host of riders from Florida.  The winner for the day was Dustin Farthing of Port St. Lucie FL in his national tour debut. Following Dustin was Erminio Iantosca of Naples FL.  Trey Frame and Billy Dearman are still in good position for an overall national title in the class.  All of this will play out tomorrow in the final 2 motos of the event. This is one of the closest title races that has been seen in many years. The national title will come to an exciting climax at the last round of the tour next month in Charleston WV.

IJSBA Announces Multiple Entry Rewards Program for Upstate Watercross and Great Lakes Watercross events...

IJSBA is pleased to announce a reward program for those racers participating at the following IJSBA sanctioned events: Upstate Watercraft Promotions and Great Lakes Watercross Promotions.  All persons who complete more than seven individual class entries will receive a copy of either the 2007 or 2008 quakysense World Finals DVD.  This inventory will be on-site with the promoter so that it can be given to the eligible riders once their entries have been completed.  Competitors participating in the entire series of either promoter with an average of two or more entries per event will receive a $10.00 credit towards their 2009 quakysense World Finals competition participation.

For more information, including the establishment of a rider reward program for your event or series, please contact the IJSBA by emailing info@ijsba.com or by calling +1-(714)-751-8695 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 9:00AM PST to 5:00PM PST.

2007 quakysense World Finals - DVD

Upstate Watercraft Promotions to promote races independently February 18, 2009

February 18, 2009: Upstate Watercraft Promotions, Inc (UWP) is proud to announce a restructure that will allow UWP to focus on developing racing in the United States. UWP has been the leading US promoter in innovation and racer pay-out.  UWP believes that promoting races independently will allow them to focus totally on developing their circuit for the racing community and as a host for national level events.

UWP is an independent organization but will continue to promote personal watercraft racing and will follow international rules and guidelines set by the IJSBA as well as work with other associations so that competitors will be able to enjoy easy integration into UWP events.

While this does signal a departure from the relationship with the APBA racing establishment, UWP recognizes the value they have provided in forwarding the sport and wishes them continued success in their endeavors. UWP supports racers attending all races and events produced by any safe and professional organizer.

AJ at UWP stated today, “This is a win for our racers in offering new opportunities and for UWP to take our business in new directions.” AJ further said that “we have to be more innovative in how we produce and market our sport during these difficult economic times – we at UWP are looking forward to racing into the future with the exciting new developments!”

A new membership package will soon be announced.  This membership will include numerous benefits- including membership in the American Watercraft Association (AWA).

UWP believes that this is an important part of our sport and encourages all PWC enthusiasts to join the AWA and their fight for your right to ride! This will also be a continued indication to the OEMs that we take all PWC issues seriously and will encourage the manufacturers to increase their support for grassroots racing and propel the sport into the next level.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grassroots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrow’s world champions.  For more information about the UWP and grassroots racing, visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

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THE ROASTING OF THE CHAMPIONS January 29, 2009

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (January 29, 2009) -- Get ready to hear the “real stories” about your fellow watercross racers at the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross Roasting of the Champions. The event will honor the 2008 winners and their accomplishments of the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross that took place in Syracuse, New York. Promoter AJ Handler stated “There will be a whole evening of festivities aimed at honoring the champions, encouraging team building, and implementing new traditions to further the sport. This is a great honor for racers to be acknowledged as the best in their sport”

The Roasting of the Champions will take place at the Wingate Inn in Syracuse, N.Y., on Friday May 29, 2009 that will kick off the 2009 Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross. Three premier classes will be recognized with a distinguished award to honor the 2008 champions in the following classes; Jason Stoyer – Freestyle, Jimmy Wilson – Grand Prix Ski, Scott Wilk – 1200 Runabout Open.

The awards will be unveiled in the city of Syracuse in March, 2009 and from there will be showcased at the City of Syracuse’s Visitors Bureau, Burdick Toyota, and Ingles Performance. At the conclusion of the 2009 Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross, the new champions will have their pictures taken with the US Open Cups. Afterwards, their names will be added to the perpetual trophy, and then the Cup will be relocated to the International Jet Sport Boating Association (IJSBA) Hall of Fame in Pompano Beach, Florida until the following year’s competition.  The Cup will also be displayed at the annual IJSBA Hall of Fame Ceremony held during the World Finals at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

The Roasting of the Champions will commence at 8 p.m. with a blessing of the event, presentation of cups to the three recipients Jason Stoyer, Jimmy Wilson, and Scott Wilk. This will be followed by speeches from guest speaker Bill Haig, and a Syracuse city official.  Then the Roasting of the three champions will take place and will be intertwined with a Grog ceremony. Throughout the roast, complimentary food will be provided to the attendees through the generosity the Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant. An after-party will continue after the ceremony at the Steak & Lube. The event will be free to the attendees, but pre-registration for the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross is required in order to attend the Roast. Non-racers attending the event must be sponsored by a racer through the pre-registration process.

For more information on the Roasting of the Champions, the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross and UWP visit, www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.     

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UWP announces the Toyota Governor's Cup in Charleston, WV

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (December 28, 2008) – Get ready to race into the New Year because Upstate Watercraft Promotions (UWP) has just announced its latest addition to their 2009 Watercross Race Season. The Toyota Governor’s Cup will take place in Charleston, West Virginia, to offer personal watercraft racers a chance to win over $30,000 in cash and prizes. This prestigious national event will be one of the two largest events on the east coast bringing racers from all the U.S. and Canada.

UWP in cooperation with Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced that the Governor’s Cup will take place on August 1-2, 2009 on the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia. Promoter of UWP AJ Handler stated “At UWP, we strive to push the sport to a high level of professionalism. With that in mind we felt that Charleston’s Magic Island Park is great location, a fun atmosphere and substantial purse would entice riders from all over North America”

The $30,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the pro-am and expert classes with the potential to earn additional money with full race lines.  Cash prizes will be based on the overall results for the weekend event, competitors must race both Saturday and Sunday to qualify – this only applies for the classes listed below.

The two premier classes will have the highest payout are; Pro-Am Ski GP and Pro-Am Runabout 1200 Open. Additional classes eligible for cash prize will be; Pro-am ski stock, Pro-am Runabout 800 open, Expert ski ltd, Expert Runabout 1200 ltd, Sport modified, Freestyle            

For more information about UWP and the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.     

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UWP launched a channel on YouTube...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (November 9, 2008) – Accelerating into a time of change, Upstate Watercraft Promotions (UWP) has launched a channel on YouTube.  “The channel will allow watercross fanatics to access videos including the hottest races and interviews from their favorite racers with just a click of a button” said Jennifer Handler vice president of UWP.

UWP’s YouTube channel is currently broadcasting and more videos will be uploaded as the upcoming race season unfolds.

“The channel allows UWP to generate a page where watercross racing videos can be found easily, without the hassle of searching through thousand of videos on YouTube” said A.J. Handler President of UWP.  The page is hoped to bring greater unity to UWP, it’s sponsors and it’s racers. The site is virtually accessible to anyone and future content will allow for all of the racers to share their favorite moments of racing with each other.  

Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.youtube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.

The UWP YouTube channel can be found at www.youtube.com/user/UpstateWatercraft and a link can also be found on UWP’s website www.uwpinc.com

For more information about UWP and the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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SYRACUSE PLANS WATERCROSS RACING  FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS
September 26, 2009

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Sept. 26, 2008) – Upstate Watercraft Promotions (UWP) signed a two year contract with Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau  to host the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross.  The watercross racing will be one of the year’s most coveted racing events bringing in national and international competitors.

The events are scheduled to be held on May 30-31, 2009 and June 5-6, 2010 at Onondaga Park on Syracuse’s Onondaga Lake.

The 2008 U.S. Open awarded over $20,000 in cash and prizes. UWP plans on matching and even raising the amount of cash and prizes in 2009 and 2010.

 

“The Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross is deemed to have one of the largest purses of any of the other sanctioned watercross racing in the U.S. including those of the American Power Boat Association or the International Jet Sport Boating Association” said the race promoter A.J. Handler.  

This year UWP plans on bring a substantial increase is contingency money and prizes as the event grows. Their goal is not only to grow the sponsorship but to add additional events to the venue.

For more information about UWP and the Toyota U.S. Open of Watercross visit www.uwpinc.com or call A.J. Handler (585) 330-0742.

Upstate Watercraft Promotions was established in 1995, and has been the grass roots to racing providing today’s racing for tomorrows world champions.

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Region 8 UWP Sport Spec Class for 2009 Season Fall 2008

At the final two rounds of the 2008 Toyota/Sea Doo US Regional Championship Tour, the racers and promoter decided to add a Sport “WaveBlaster” Limited class. This decision showed immediate returns – racers from all over the East Coast turned out giving full lines to the Sport Limited class on both Saturday & Sunday. Since then, there has been an overwhelming response to this class. With this, we are thrilled to announce that for the 2009 Season UWP will offer a new class - Sport Spec.

The Sport Spec class is intended to provide a low cost class for anyone who would like to race during the 2009 season. While at the Lake Anna Rounds, this class was limited to Waveblasters only. We have decided to change to a ‘spec’ style class for 09. It is our intension to make all Sport watercraft eligible to be as even as possible. To do this, each individual type of Sport boat will be allowed a certain amount of modifications to reach a level playing field. Below lists the boat eligible and the modifications allowed.

Click here for eligible PWC for the Sport Spec Class:

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