Lenny Rock
Special to the Sun

Perfect balmy weather greeted racers and visitors alike who came out to enjoy the 12th Annual Kern Valley Fundraiser and Personal Watercraft Jet Ski Races. Held Saturday and Sunday July 26 and 27 at the Lake Isabella Auxiliary Dam. The Southern California Edison employees and many local volunteers hosted the event.

Over sixteen serious Jet Ski Racers and families from as far away as Nevada, Arizona and Southern California came to do battle on the Lake Isabella water. And battle they did as fierce competition and close racing was the lead story for every single race.

Bill Hupp makes a splash during Sunday's Personal Watercraft Races.

Many racing families enjoy sharing the racing excitement as more than one family member races the same craft, but in separate classes to make it fair and competitive. All the racers spoken to said “Racing Jet Skis is a fun, healthy hobby and a perfect way for families to have great experiences together.” Just like Bill Miracle and his daughter Amanda Roren from Lancaster, Ca. Both were overall winners in their respective classes

Kristofer Ingram from Lake Havasu, Az won “Overall in the very competitive Stand Up Competition.” Ingram, one of the real serious guys said “This is not your typical run of the mill Jet Skis, these are one of a kind tricked out machines designed to do one thing – WIN!” Another competitor known only as “Momar” from Las Vegas was quick to state “Were all fast! It takes a good start, talent, fitness and style – you gotta have style.”

Festive like with the colored pylons in the water marking the demanding course, rows of RVs, good food, a two story scaffold where music blasted between the races and of course the enthusiastic announcer who call the race color with anxious commentary. “By golly, this is really exciting” stated on of the onlookers.

Randy Zurn, an SCE employee, organizer, volunteer and racer was more than pleased with the turnout for event. He said “This is so vitality important to the local Kern Valley Community. All monies made from the event are kept right here in the valley to fund Scholarships for the Kern Valley High School, Search and Rescue and Meals on Wheels.”