(Key Largo,FL) 15 subacquei hanno partecipato alla 3° edizione del Gran Prix categoria H2O, suddiviso in quattro classi dedicata a propulsori subacquei e PDV.

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(Key Largo, FL)  SCUBA divers racing on underwater vehicles competed in Key Largo over the weekend in Wes Skiles Memorial Shootout.  15 scuba divers raced in four classes of diver propulsion vehicles or DPV’s around the artificial reef Benwood.

The Wes Skiles Memorial Shootout was the 3rd stop on the 2010 Formula H2O racing circuit  honoring diving innovator and underwater photographer Wes Skiles. Formula H2O racing is the new action packed underwater sport born in Florida featuring divers racing around the superstructure of artificial reefs using diver propulsion vehicles.

Michael Vivona of Orlando completed 5 laps in the fastest time around the course winning the Expedition A category and was named the Grand Champion of the event.  Other first place winners in other categories: Modified Unlimited Class – Marissa Wiganowske, Expedition B Class – Rick Iossi,  Recreational Class – John Glodowski.

Vivona raced in the previous Formula H2O races in Key West and Fort Lauderdale and he introduced a high powered configuration to this race which was designed to maximize underwater thrust and minimize drag.

“One of the things I learned about the past few races is that it is all about drag.  There are things like in horse racing where it takes a small guy, I am a small guy and I think that it really paid off this time so that was a good thing,” said Vivona.

Marissa Wiganowske scored a second place finish in her first race in Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix in Fort Lauderdale in August.  Wiganowske says the sport of underwater racing which was born in Florida is evolving quickly.

“It has a huge potential, there is not really a lot of competition allowed within SCUBA diving because of there are obviously the safety limits but this allows everyone to be a fair competitor with tough competition but have fun at the same time so you can’t go wrong,” said Wiganowske.

David Ulloa, who is also known as the “Shark Whisperer” won the previous race with the best overall time in Fort Lauderdale.  Ulloa relinquished his championship belt to Vivona is an awards ceremony following the race and commented on how so many aspects of the sport make Formula H2O an exciting sport with many benefits.

“One of the things we have experienced over the last few races is different people winning and that is a beautiful thing.  What is happening here is that divers are improving their skill, their abilities, their equipment, they are practicing, they are enthusiastic and it is always exciting to see that passion come alive,” said Ulloa.

The three day underwater racing event also featured an underwater photo contest to honor Wes Skiles and his passion for underwater photography and to challenge and inspire underwater photographers.

For more information contact Natalie Oriente at              (239) 464-5932 or natalie@wreckracingleague.com.

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Wes Skiles Memorial Shootout Highlights

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