The Royal World Championships
JSSA PWC racing invades one of Europe’s oldest cities!
Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe has been around for over 7,000 years…the city is located between the River Sava and the Danube in central Serbia, which was the host of the Royal World Championships and European Offshore World Championships held on August 23-24, at Ada Ciganliga Park. Ada Ciganliga, which is located in the heart of this wonderful city, brought in tens of thousands of spectators, beach goers and race enthusiasts for this event. This city, which is full of beautiful churches, very friendly people, and my favorite…The Kalamagden Castle, also featured one of the finest race sites Team USA ever seen. Team USA consisted of Scott Frazier, Eric Lagopoulos, Mark “Chupacombra” Kracker, and me (Mikey)! We learned a couple new words, such as Givolee (cheers), Pivo (beer), and Rakia (fall down and go boom!), amongst others!! We also learned about a peaceful organization that was very accommodating to everyone from every country, in fact, there were over 10 countries represented! It was apparent that we all came from different areas of the world and that we had different cultures, but… the same values, and more importantly, a love of Watercross Racing!
There was Royalty in attendance, a real Prince! This was first ever event of its kind in Europe and at one of the most spectacular venues, that boasted a huge crowd during the weekend. On Saturday, the closed course championships were held, and there were plenty of very talented racers that were in attendance vying for their share of the awards given to those who made it onto the podium. The race was different than most, due to the fact that the promoters at the JSSA had 12 equally prepared Kawasaki 15-F’s with Riva Motorsports stage one kits for the Pro Class. For the first time in many years, a race, very similar the IROC race would take place with racers having to race two moto’s (one twenty minute moto and one ten minute moto), combining the scores for the Overall Royal World Champion. This race was produced by our good friend, Velko Sukalov, and the President of the JSSA, his wife, Dragana Tutoravic.
The first race began with Gimmi Bosio, of Italy, grabbing the holeshot, however it would not stick as he had a mechanical problem on lap #2 the second place rider, Lazlo Vass, of Serbia, then missed a buoy, which gave Team USA’s, Eric Lagopoulos, of Sarasota, Florida, the lead in which he was able to hold onto just in front of the nicest guy on the beach….Ali Al Shumali of Kuwait! However, moto number two was a different story, indeed. The starting procedure was changed to a “”running start”, due to the lack of holders. This time Ali Al Shumali was able to get the holeshot in front of the highly competitive “Outlaw” Lagopoulos and was able to hold on for the 2-1 moto placement and the overall win!
During Sunday’s Offshore Championship, Lazlo Vass was a winner in two divisions and he was the true “Ironman”, representing Serbia. Several other Amateur classes ran and were a treat to attend for all who showed. Our special thanks go out to our newfound friends Goran, Milan, and Alex as the event international hosts. For those of you, who did not make it; mark this international event on your calendar for next year! Along with some great racing, awesome weather, very good DJ’s, and one of the best venues we have ever raced at, there was also, great parties, awards ceremonies, the dancing Samba Girls, the umbrella girls, Yuba & the Real Aikido demonstrations, which made the ambiance incredible. All this, combined with the history of the city and the beautiful “people” who live there, made this one the most memorable event I have been affiliated with in my 20 years in this industry. Thank you to the JSSA and their staff, City of Belgrade, the international racers who attended, Serbian National TV, race officials, Jelen Pivo, Jat Airways (For getting me there two days ahead of my luggage), and to all the fans who attended! Mikey Young
Nice write up - GO LAG! 
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