MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour Returns to Acworth: Local Rider Advances Past Qualifiers

Acworth, Ga. – 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 tomorrow’s Round of 40, where they will be joined by last year’s top-16 ranked athletes on the 2009 Pro Tour.

Among the 24 riders advancing onto the Round of 40 from today’s qualifiers is local wakeboarder Brett Lee of Jackson, Ga.

“It’s 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 tomorrow’s 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 Men’s 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 Overton’s booth. As the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series, fans can also register to win a $500 Overton’s 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.

The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: MasterCraft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Mona Vie, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t, Epiphone, City of Acworth, Cobb County CVB, WakeBoarding magazine, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.

About MasterCraft
MasterCraft is the exclusive tow boat for the Pro Wakeboard Tour, as it has been since the tour’s wakeboarding events began in 1992. Indmar Marine engines will provide the power for MasterCraft’s X Series line of competition tow boats.

About ROCKSTAR
ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in thirteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, and Recovery. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.

About FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross, and wakeboarding. Through its original and commissioned series and specials, short-form content, films, and prestigious event coverage, the channel features action sports athletes, emerging musicians, celebrities, and breaking news. FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes. FUEL TV has networks in Australia (FUEL TV Australia) and Portugal (FUEL TV Portugal) and its content is viewed in more than 50 countries around the world.

Thursday, May 20 – Day 1 PWT Results:

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #1
1. James Hindes            71.67
2. Jimmy Trask             60.00
3. Alex Brown                46.67
4.  John Rodriguez          36.67

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #2
1. Bob Soven                   81.67
2. Zane Schwenk           56.67
3. Anthony Hollick       48.33
4. Matt Dettman             10.00

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #3
1. Nick Jones                 78.33
2. Phillip Aslinger        71.67
3. Andrew Shearer       51.67
4. Nick Weinacker          43.33

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #4
1. Danny Burnstein      66.67
2. Joey Bradley              56.67
3. Lewis Link                 43.33
4. Derek Grasman           38.33
5. Andy Milovanovic    30.00

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #5
1. Shaun Murray           76.67
2. Josh Palma                71.67
3. Brett Lee                    66.67
4. Lachlan Burgess        46.67

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #6
1. Kirby Liesmann        71.67
2. Marcelo Giardi          58.33
3. Glenn Valentine        41.67
4. Keith Lyman               33.33

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #7
1. Kyle Rattray              70.00
2. Erik Ruck                  61.67
3. Brad Spencer            53.33
4. Terry Bailey                33.33
5. Paul Hernaez               20.00

Pro Men – Qualifying: Heat #8
1. Tony Carroll              71.67
2. Danny Thollander     66.67
3. Jason Bannatyne      60.00
4. AJ Racinelli                 50.00
5. Vinny Knapp              38.33