PWC – Watertop Unlimited Takes Reins of Florida Rally Series
After three successful years under the guidance of Glen Perry’s Perry Performance Group, the popular Florida PWC Rally Series will be produced by WaterTop Unlimited in 2005. A newly formed company founded by long-time industry veteran Tim McKercher, WaterTop will produce a three-stop series similar to that enjoyed by a multitude of enthusiasts in year’s past, hip-hopping across some of the most popular riding locations in the state of Florida.
McKercher, who previously handled public relations and marketing duties at Sea-Doo, was instrumental in the formation of the FRS, developing the original tour with Perry four years ago with the goal of providing PWC owners a watery variation of Daytona’s infamous Bike Week. Over the years, the FRS has attracted over 1000 participants. In 2003, Powersports Business’ sister publication, Watercraft World, named the series its “Aftermarket Product of the Year.”
A MIX OF OLD AND NEW
The 2005 variation of the Florida PWC Rally Series will continue to build upon the elements that have made the series a success previously.
According to McKercher, “fun” will be the underlying theme for this year’s string of events. Locations will again be popular Florida locales that offer a family-friendly riding environment, including St. Petersburg (April 15-17), Sebastian (May 6-8), and Jacksonville (September TBD). Riding areas promise a mix of scenery, with conditions that welcome both the experienced, as well as the novice rider.
As to the event itself, participants can expect the return of many of the tour’s trademark events, including a Saturday guided tour of the host area, Sunday poker run, Perry Performance Group’s Speed Alley radar challenge, and the ever-popular evening cookout that gives riders the opportunity to socialize and meet new riding partners. On-water demos of the latest personal watercraft models will also return. New trademark events include the All My Crazy Friends freestyle show, a rider vs. the clock “Hot Lap Showdown,” movie night, and a vendor mall.
“The Florida PWC Rally Series is the country’s premier recreational event series and has brought a new avenue for watercraft owners to enjoy their passion,” said McKercher. “The FRS is also the perfect venue for new owners to meet new people, to learn about the sport, and to see all that is it has to offer.”
WATERTOP EQUALLY BIG NEWS
McKercher’s formation of WaterTop was partly in response to Sea-Doo’s decision to centralize its communications efforts in Canada, a decision that left many Florida-based employees with tough career decisions. McKercher will keep WaterTop based in Melbourne, where the company will offer a wide variety of services, including public relations and event marketing, special event transportation, mobile
floating billboard advertising, and both editorial and photography. According to McKercher, WaterTop will be a “catalyst for expanding brand amplitude through efforts that produce far-reaching affects.” While there is widespread speculation that McKercher may continue to play some form of role for Sea-Doo in Florida, as of press time no announcements had been made to that effect.
For more information on the Florida Rally Series or WaterTop Unlimited, contact McKercher at mckerchertim@aol.com, or call 321/409-0519.
