For the first time since 2008, the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour returned to Acworth, Ga. today to host its 2010 season-opening event. The Pro Tour, which runs through Saturday, May 22, in Acworth at Dallas Landing Park, opened its first day of action with qualifying rounds for 35 riders.
Each of the 35 riders hit the water today, vying for one of 24 spots in tomorrows Round of 40, where they will be joined by last years top-16 ranked athletes on the 2009 Pro Tour.
Among the 24 riders advancing onto the Round of 40 from todays qualifiers is local wakeboarder Brett Lee of Jackson, Ga.
Its great to have the Pro Tour back Georgia and be able to have my friends and family watch me ride, said Lee. Tomorrow will definitely be more of a challenge, having the top guys riding, but as long as stick my run and have fun out there, it should be a good day.
The 22-year-old Georgia native finished third in his heat today, good enough to punch his ticket to tomorrows Round of 40.
Considering I was in the same heat as Shaun Murray, a legend in the sport, and Josh Palma, who has been on a recent hot-streak, I did pretty well today, Lee commented on his run. The best of the best compete on the Pro Tour, so if I want to go further in this contest, I need to step up my riding and stay focused.
Brett Lee and the rest of the pros competing in the Round of 40 will hit the water tomorrow, Friday, May 21, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The Jr. Pro Mens division will kick off the festivities tomorrow with their quarterfinals, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to all the action on the water; on land, fans will enjoy plenty of great food; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
Also be sure to pick up your share of $10,000 in free gift cards from the Overtons booth. As the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series, fans can also register to win a $500 Overtons catalog shopping spree.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at the gate for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).
To catch all the high-flying, rail-sliding, water-sports action of the Acworth Pro Tour stop on television, tune in to FUEL TV on July 20 at 8 p.m. EST.
For more information on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour, including news, daily schedules, tickets, photos, videos, athlete bios, results, standings and more, visit www.allisports.com.
