Contact the American Watercraft Association
PO Box 1993 | Ashburn, VA 20147 | p. 800.913.2921 | f. 703.777.1566
PO Box 1993 | Ashburn, VA 20147 | p. 800.913.2921 | f. 703.777.1566
| Jim Walker 2009 LB2CAT National Amateur Champion |
| Written by Shawn Alladio - K38 |
| Thursday, 23 July 2009 01:33 |
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LB2CAT 2009 National PWC Offshore Championships
Interview with AWA Member , Socal Watercraft Club- Hard Charger Jim Walker Post LB2CAT 2009 LB2CAT National Amateur Champion Name: Jim Walker Age 44 Race Boat Make/# 2007 Seadoo GTX / 951 Class Amatuer open Time for the race: 70:38 after a 5 minute penalty Placing for the Race 6th bumped to 8th  Why did you choose the class you raced in and what does it mean to you? I raced sportsman last year so I'm just moving up the ladder. Your position as best you could determine on the start? Near the far left side What did you do the day before, any preparation? Haha, did a few test runs. Ended up pulling the pump & impeller. Was bending the impeller on Johnny Annicks vise. Had dinner with the wife & kids. What were you thinking of the night before? Why can't I sleep?! Why did you choose the boat you raced? My RXP was down & Ralph Perez offered his GTX. What time did you wake up! 5:30 am 2 Hours out of the race, what were you doing? Had lunch with family & Ahmed Hamade. 1 Hour out of the race what were you doing? parking in the grass area meeting up with my mother & family What was your first thought when you picked your position in the lineup for the start? What were you looking for? This is good....Wait, why is everyone getting on my left again? Cleaner water. As the start went off, and you passed the Queens Gate (harbor mouth) What was going through your mind? Here we go!!! How was the first 10 miles of the race for you? It was easy, smoother compared to my RXP When you came to the turnaround boat, how were you feeling? How was your boat doing in those conditions? I was feeling relieved but still strong. The boat was flawless the whole race! Half Way back did you hit a psychological or physical wall? How did you overcome it? I hit that wall just before the turn boat. I just told myself to "relax" before I knew it I had the second wind at the turn boat.  Any mechanicals failures? How did you deal with it? No failures Did you have any 'Battles' during the race with other competitors you especially enjoyed? Kim Bushong and I from start; he hole shot me at the turn boat & we battled for several miles after that. Sponsors: www.Impros.com www.SocalWatercraftClub.com www.AWAhq.org What advice would you give to recruit other racers to this event? Get a reliable ski, get some friends with the proper safety equipment & make a few trips to Catalina. Dock, eat brunch, head back.. now imagine HAULIN' ASS THERE & BACK! Anything else you want to comment on? I'm looking forward the next years race!! And the 2009 LB2CAT DVD |
