General Race Information
The Great Lakes Watercross Tour is sanctioned by the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA). All participants must be a current IJSBA competition member and present proof of a valid membership in order to compete. IJSBA competition membership are $55.00 per year.
Participants can join at the races or may obtain a membership application by calling the IJSBA or registering online at www.ijsba.com. Participants must be 16 years old to compete at IJSBA sanctioned events except for the Juniors Ski Stock class where riders can be 10 to 15 years old. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign an IJSBA Minor Release form.
In the interest of safety, IJSBA rules require that all watercraft receive a complete safety inspection before being allowed on the water. All watercraft must have an approved rubber nose bumper, properly working lanyard, bow eyes removed, approved intake grates and sponsons, all fuel lined zip-tied and no loose handle grips. In addition, all participants must have an approved full-faced helmet and life vest in order to compete. Wetsuits, protective footwear and eyewear are highly recommended.
Race Numbers
All riders must have two sets of race numbers with the correct color backgrounds on their boat - one on each side in the front of the watercraft. Go to the IJSBA web site for info on back ground colors. The numbers must be black, at least 7 inches high,, and spaced 1 inch apart. Standard numbers without shading or outlying must be used. We will no longer try to score you if your race number is not easily identifiable. If we can not read your number, you will not be scored. Race numbers and backgrounds are for sale at the registration area if you need them.
Event Sign In
Whether pre-registered or not, every participant is required to check in, sign the waiver and release, and get a wrist band, This includes all racers, holders and mechanics. See Race Day Info Page for check-in times. Please be in line at least 15 minutes before check-in closes or we will not be able to allow you to register.
Rider's Meeting
It is Mandatory that all participants attend the published rider's meeting each day that you will be racing. The rider's meeting normally takes place at the published time each morning (see race day schedule). Roll call will be taken to insure that everyone' smiling faces will be seen bright and early each morning. If you do not attend the Rider's Meeting, you will not be allowed to race that day.
Pre-Race Safety Inspection
Every participant is required to have his/her boat tech inspected. Tech Inspection is from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Tech inspection is to check to see if your boat is safe to go on the water, not to see if it is legal for class participation. Please bring your boats to the beach along with your tether, helmet and PFD. You must be with your boat for it to be inspected. Have your hoods open, handle poles up or seats removed. Your boat must be tech inspected before you will be allowed to practice. Here are some of the things we are checking: grips secured and do not turn, battery cables secured, zip-ties on all fuel lines, bow eyes removed, bumpers in place and approved helmet and PFD. We also will check to make sure that your tether works properly.
Post-Race Tech Inspection
Every participant who finishes the race and receives the checkered flag must immediately proceed to the tech inspection area and submit watercraft for inspection. Failure to submit yourself and your personal watercraft for inspection may cuase you to be disqualified.
Course Flags
White Flag
The white flag is displayed when there is one lap left in the race. This flag will remain displayed until the race is completed.
Checkered Flag
The checkered flag signals that the race is completed. All riders should report to the technical inspection area.
Black Flag
This is the consulting flag. Riders are to report directly to the Race Director.
Red Flag
Waved after a bad start or if an injured rider is blocking the course and can not be safely removed from the course. Riders should stop racing and return to the starting line.
Yellow Flag
The yellow flag warns of safety hazard on course. Riders are to continue racing, but proceed with caution.
Blue with Yellow Stripe Flag
This flag signals that a rider is being overtaken and lapped by a faster rider. The slower rider must make way for the overtaking rider to pass safely.
GREEN FLAG
Race is underway.
Watercross Racing Divisions
You will see many different brands and models of personal watercraft competing on the tour. For racing purposes and parity, the IJSBA separates watercraft into three racing divisions.
Ski Division
Ski division water craft are designed for one person to stand on. Skis are steered from the front with a moveable hand pole rising above the tray area that directs a rear jet. Watercraft currently fitting into the Ski Division include several Kawasaki Jet Skis (SXR, SXI Pro), Polaris Octane, and Yamaha Super jet models.
Sport Division
Sport Division water craft are designed mainly for one passenger and include a seat and fixed handlebar that direct a rear jet. Sport Division watercraft weigh more the 300 pounds and have a hull width that ranges from 26 inches to 38 inches. Watercraft currently fitting into the Sport Division are the Sea-Doo HX, Yamaha Waveblaster, Polaris Hurricane and Kawasaki X-2.
Runabout Division
Runabout Division watercraft are designed for one or more people and include a seat and fixed handlebar that direct a rear jet. Runabouts have a hull width greater than 38 inches. The IJSBA separates the Runabouts into separate divisions: 800cc and 1200cc. Many Bombardier Sea-Doo, Honda, Kawasaki Jet Ski, Polaris, and Yamaha Waverunner have models that fit into both class.
Skill/Experience Levels
Racers are also separated by their skill or experience level. No matter what your experience or skill level is riding or racing watercraft, the Great Lakes Watercross Tour has a class for you. There are seven basic skill/experience levels.
Beginner
The beginner class is provided as an entry class for new riders to experience the fun of watercraft racing. First time racers can race in either the Beginner or Novice class or both.
Novice
The Novice classes are where riders learn about racing and improving their racing skills. Most riders usually race in the Novice ranks for a few seasons. Once a rider feels they are ready, they may advance to the Expert classes. Novice riders, men or women, may be reclassified as Expert at the discretion of the Race Director if the rider is displaying obvious riding and racing skills well above other class riders.
Expert
The Expert classes are for riders with advanced racing skills. Expert riders have normally raced for several years and have advanced skills and equipment. Expert riders can be moved back to Novice if it is determined that the rider is creating a safety hazard.
Professional
Professional riders have substantial riding experience and have developed advanced riding skills. IJSBA pre-approval is required to obtain Pro status.
Veteran
The Veteran Ski classes are open to riders 30 years or older in the ski divisions and 35 years or older in the Runabout division.
Amateur
The Amateur class is defined as a combined Novice and Expert class.
Pro-Am
The Pro-Am class is defined as a combined Expert and Pro class.
Engine Classifications
Racing classes are then separated by engine size and the types of modifications done to the watercraft. The three basic classes are Stock, Limited and Open. Stock boats are basically stock with some handling changed allowed (steering, sponsons, ride plate, intake grate). Limited boats are allowed minor modifications (aftermarket pipe, head, impeller, flame arrestor, ride plate and intake grate) and Superstock boats are allowed even more engine modifications. Consult the IJSBA rule book for a more detailed explanation of the rules. www.ijsba.com.
