Racing and radar guns.

High-speed HydroCross history is on the line.  

The Jet Ski world record could be set along the banks of the Manatee River at the 3rd Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta.

“We’ve got a high-speed grudge match between Carlito Del Valle of CRT Racing and Uva Perez of Uva Jet," said Mike Young, H2X racing promoter and Regatta announcer.  

"Uva has the current world record at 114.7 mph.  Carlito’s not too far behind with a 113.7, but yesterday he posted on Facebook he had a 115.8, but that is unofficial."

"I can’t even imagine going that speed and I race," said HydroCross driver Kevin Sullivan from Orange Beach, Alabama.  "I have a boat that’s an 85 m.p.h. stock class boat.  115 is crazy."

"I’ll tell you what," said Young.  "That’s one you’re gonna wanna put your seatbacks and tray tables in their upright and locked positions because this party is ready to take off."

The drivers will be competing for the annual Mayor's Cup along with world records.

F-2 powerboat racing will once again rock the river, fighting for the Florida Championship.  There will be 14 pilots, or drivers.  It's the largest fleet of F-2 Superleague boats to race anywhere at the same time in five years.  

"We call it dancing on the water," said F-2 pilot John Ludwig.  "We’re running 110-120 mph on the straightaways."

“For anybody whose never witnessed boat racing up this close, this is as close as you can get," said Regatta event manager from ISM/USA, Mike Dongilli.  "These are the fastest inland boats in the world."

This race kicks off the 2017 Superleague circuit. 

“It’s really important to place high here to get your (first) points for the season," said Ludwig.  "The first race you really want to do well."

No stranger to doing well is the Rinker family of Riverview.  Regatta racing royalty as back to back defending champs.

"They are the team to beat," said Ludwig when asked if the Rinker named was comparable to the Yankees in the late 90s.

“I believe we’re gonna have a couple challengers here that are really gonna give them a run for their money this year," Dongilli.

For a schedule of race and festival events click here

 

 <SOT MIKE YOUNG>

“We’ve got a high speed grudge match between Carlito Del Valle of CRT Racing and Uva Perez of UvaJet.  Uva has the current world record at 114.7 mph.  Carlito’s not too far behind with a 113.7, but yesterday he posted on Facebook he had a 115.8, but that is UNOFFICIAL.

 

<SOT KEVIN SULLIVAN>

I can’t even imagine going that speed and I race. I have a boat that’s an 85 mph stock class boat.  115 is crazy.

 

<SOT MIKE YOUNG>

I’ll you what.  That’s one you’re gonna wanna put your setbacks and tray tables in their upright and locked positions because this party is ready to take off.

 

 <SOT MIKE YOUNG>

“We’ve got a high speed grudge match between Carlito Del Valle of CRT Racing and Uva Perez of UvaJet.  Uva has the current world record at 114.7 mph.  Carlito’s not too far behind with a 113.7, but yesterday he posted on Facebook he had a 115.8, but that is UNOFFICIAL.

 

<SOT KEVIN SULLIVAN>

I can’t even imagine going that speed and I race. I have a boat that’s an 85 mph stock class boat.  115 is crazy.

 

<SOT MIKE YOUNG>

I’ll you what.  That’s one you’re gonna wanna put your setbacks and tray tables in their upright and locked positions because this party is ready to take off.

 

 <SOT MIKE YOUNG>

“We’ve got a high speed grudge match between Carlito Del Valle of CRT Racing and Uva Perez of UvaJet.  Uva has the current world record at 114.7 mph.  Carlito’s not too far behind with a 113.7, but yesterday he posted on Facebook he had a 115.8, but that is UNOFFICIAL.

 

<SOT KEVIN SULLIVAN>

I can’t even imagine going that speed and I race. I have a boat that’s an 85 mph stock class boat.  115 is crazy.

 

<SOT MIKE YOUNG>

I’ll you what.  That’s one you’re gonna wanna put your setbacks and tray tables in their upright and locked positions because this party is ready to take off.