Making Waves

Rumors are running rampant concerning a new late 2004 release from Sea-Doo, scheduled to be unveiled at an invite-only press introduction early this month.
While many industry observers continue to claim the intro will be for Sea-Doo’s long-awaited stand-up model, a more plausible craft just may be a stand-up/sitdown hybrid based loosely around the former Sea-Doo HX.

Patent drawings of just such a craft, registered recently by the company, have been circulating on the Internet in past weeks, showing a craft with an HX-like hull, but featuring a unique fold-down seat design which would apparently allow the craft to be ridden as a sit-down or stand-up model.

Patent drawings are often far removed from the final product, but the drawings would certainly seem in keeping with recent comments emanating from the company in regards to re-igniting the Gen X/Gen Y market.

Whatever the case, company officials have been uncharacteristically quiet in regards to the new model, playing their hands close to their vests in hopes of unleashing a big surprise.

DENNIS KIRK ON EBAY
Those looking to score a deal on Dennis Kirk products may want to check out online service eBay, where the company maintains a “Scratch and Dent” store. Featuring items that are slightly outdated or mildly damaged, the store currently has a collection of Slippery watercraft covers available, in addition to an expansive list of ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile parts.

BUDWEISER TO SPONSOR CAN-AM CUP
Budweiser has signed on as the official sponsor of the 2004 Can-Am Cup, a Michigan-based race that draws novice, expert, and pro-level riders from both Canada and the United States.

Promoted by Jacques Bryant’s Hammertime Promotions, the Can-Am Cup will be run in conjunction with the Harbor Beach Maritime Festival. This is the third year that Budweiser has chosen to support the race, which has become the second-largest spectator event in personal watercraft racing in the U.S., second only to the World Championships in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

FARTHING RACING TO EVENTS
Despite not yet knowing what sanctioning body its races will fall under, Farthing Racing has pushed ahead with its 2004 schedule, unveiling six races that will take place across the states of Florida, Mississippi and Georgia.

The company is also promoting several poker runs, run in conjunction with events in Biloxi, Miss., and Macon, Ga. An additional stand-alone poker run is scheduled for Fort Pierce, Fla. Details are available at www.farthingmotorsports.com.