MacClugage (1-2) and Warner (6-1) are best in Pro Am Open race at the American Power Boat Association’s National Tour opener in Parker, Ariz.
CORONA, Calif., (May 7, 2008) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki personal water craft racers Chris MacClugage and Craig Warner got off to a dynamite start recently on the American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) National Tour, both winning main events in the two-day APBA season opener in Parker, Ariz.
Both MacClugage and Warner were running the Monster Energy-branded Kawasaki Ultra 250s in the Pro Am Open class, with MacClugage striking first blood when a charging Warner broke a belt on his supercharger and lost power in the first moto. MacClugage was able to go on and win that moto, with Warner having to settle for a DNF.
But Warner would rebound in a big way in the second moto of the first day’s races, forcing the holeshot with an outside sweeping move and chopping everybody down in the second turn. From there he (Warner) pulled away from the rest of the field and lapped up to 3rd place – securing the second moto win with ease. End result: MacClugage 1st overall (1st -2nd ), Warner 6th (DNF-1st ).
The second day began with Warner opting for his back up boat, a Kawasaki STX15F. In the first moto he blasted out to a 2nd place start, but would bobble on the second lap while gunning for the lead. “On the next lap I let it all hang out and passed the 2nd and 1st place riders, then dominated the field and lapped up to 3rd place again for my second victory,” said Warner.
Warner set up much of the field in turn four at Parker. Confident with his efforts, he switched back to his Monster Energy/Kawasaki Ultra 250 and pulled the holeshot again – sweeping to the outside and splitting two riders for the lead. “I dominated the field by a half lap and lapped up to 3rd place again,” added Warner. “Chris MacClugage and I went head-to-head on very similar boats and it was a great battle for us. I came away with three moto wins and one DNF and was very happy with my performance. Thanks a lot to Monster Energy for backing us.” End result from Sunday: Warner 1st (1st -1st ), MacClugage 2nd (2nd -2nd ).
Up next for Monster Energy’s MacClugage and Warner is the June 7-8 APBA National Tour stop in Myrtle Beach , S.C.
