Speed record broken at HydroDrag Nationals event

The Greenhulk.net U.S. HydroDrag Nationals stop in Morgan City went off successfully, according to the event’s promoter, with an International Jetsports Boating Association record set during the weekend action.
Mike Young, the event’s promoter, said that the weekend went off without a hitch.
“There were no injuries, water cooperated and Mother Nature also smiled down on us,” Young said.
Young said the competitors loved Morgan City, and he is working with Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau Executive Director Carrie Stansbury on securing a possible three-year deal to bring racing to the lake.
Additionally, on Sunday morning, Maikel Gonzalez of Miami set a new International Jetsports Boating Association speed record in the Unlimited Class, clocking in at 112 miles per hour. He broke the previous record of 106 mph that was set by Rayge Sanchez in August 2013 in Taveres, Fla.
Earlier, Gonzalez posted a time of 108 mph in the RIVA Racing Unlimited Speed Alley competition before Sanchez, who also competed this weekend, hit 108 mph.
While Young said Sanchez’ boat had some problems and could not make a second run, Gonzales hit 112 mph for the new record.
Gonzalez’s Jet Ski had a Sea Doo Turbo Charge 750 horsepower motor in his winning run.
While Gonzalez said he just wanted to break the world record mark of 106 mph, after Sanchez hit 108 mph during Sunday’s event, Gonzalez pushed to go faster.
Gonzalez said without his crew’s help working on the Jet Ski, he would not have gotten the world record.
The Jet Ski went from 35 mph to 112 mph in 3.5 seconds, Gonzalez said.
“I was not expecting 112 mph,” he said. “I was probably expecting 108, 109 mph.”
When Gonzalez and his team tested the Jet Ski in Miami, it only went 104 mph, but that was with a full tank of gas.
He has been riding Jet Skis since age 14.
“Ever since then I’ve been in love with the sport,” said Gonzalez, now 36. “I wish I could make a living out of this.”
Gonzalez works as a truck driver but travels some to race Jet Skis, mainly in Florida.
Carlito De Valle, who owns CRT Racing Team, which Gonzalez races for, also topped 100 mph at 101 mph in his three-seat Sea Doo.
Young said it marked the first time three racers topped 100 mph.
Also, a new record was set in the Hydro Superstock by Brett Nance, who clocked in at 97 mph.
Young said that while some racers were skeptical about coming because of thinking Lake Palourde may have been a little too rough, he said that with the record being broken on the lake, he is hopeful that they may rethink that in the future and come down to Morgan City.
Young said 38 racers competed, including one from Morgan City, Rick Block, who competed in the Normally Aspirated division.
The next race will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., July 12-13. For more information, visit greenhulk.net.
Below are the results from this weekend in each class:
Hydro N/A
1. Clay Barbee
2. Rich Block
3. Tonito Lopez

Hydro Stock
1. Stan Hightower
2. Scott Rice
3. Brett Nance
4. Jose Gonzalez
5. Kristian Ichazo

Hydro Spec
1. Kerry Hibdon
2. Stan Hightower
3. Chuck Germany
4. Scott Rice
5. Brett Nance

Hydro Superstock
1. Kerry Hibdon
2. Stan Hightower
3. Brett Nance
4. Duke Zorn

Hydro Unlimited
1. Kerry Hibdon
2. Stan Hightower
3. Carlio De Valle
4. Julio De Valle
5. Duke Zorn
6. Raul Cue

RIVA Racing Speed Alley
Hydro N/A
1. Tonito Lopez, 71
2. Clay Barbee, 66

Hydro Stock Speed Alley
1. Scott Rice, 81, 80
2. Kristian Izchazo 81, 78
3. Carlito De Valle, 63

Hydro Spec
1. Ron Allision, 58 (broke)

Hydro Superstock
1. Brett Nance, 97 (new record)
2. Ross Niemoeller, 95

Hydro Unlimited
1. Maikel Gonzalez, 112 (IJSBA World Record)
2. Rayge Sanchez, 108
3. Carlito De Valle, 101