WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
POKER RUN PRESENTED!
Saturday June 17, 2006 at High Noon

Immediate Release:        
June 17, 2006:                                    

 

The NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT
POKER RUN DAZZLES THE CROWD!!!

    The mighty Hudson River glistened with sparkling OUTERLIMITS Powerboats, FOUNTAIN Powerboats, VELOCITY Powerboats and an armada of additional brands as they paraded up the river at hi-noon on Saturday, June 17th with a majestic escort of 4 Coast Guard/New Jersey State Marine Police at their side. A total of 81,555 horsepower was entered into this 10th Anniversary Celebration of the NATIONAL POWERBOAT ASSOCIATION’S production of this world-class show. SAFETY was the paramount issue of the day due to the intense commercial traffic in the lower basin and a swim-race simultaneously going on that circumnavigated the island of Manhattan. Superior SEAMANSHIP was exemplified by all of the patriotic participants that flew their American Flags during the march to the George Washington Bridge.

     By not having a race to the Tappan Zee Bridge this year did not mean that these speedboats took their leisurely time getting there…once the Green Flag was dropped from the Official Pace Boat, a 42 OUTERLIMITS, “Silent Sam”, owned and operated by Dr. Sam Singer, we accelerated to 107 MPH and never looked back! Bill Pyburn showed exemplary skills as he piloted his new 47 Outerlimits GTX powered by Merc 1075 HPs, direct from Lake Cumberland Marine in Kentucky. Another star of the speedsters was Joe Lupo in his 42 Fountain, labeled officially as the fastest poker run model out of the North Carolina’s manufacturing plant. Pete Mazzo was a crowd pleaser in his, “No Discipline” a special edition 46 OUTERLIMITS with Merc 850 HPs galloping along at over 100 MPH. Robert Doohan impressed the fans with his “Up and Over Roofing” OUTERLIMITS with Merc 600 HPs and a colorful crew to assist in entertaining the folks on land. Charlie Amorosi in his new 41 Velocity, “Tsunami”, with Pro-Roc Power and Konrad Outdrives stayed with the leaders along with Greig Lutz in his 35 Fountain, “Makin’ Friends”, with Pro-Roc Power also…both crafts at over 100 MPH too. John Ruggieri in his 100+ MPH 40’ Activator, “White Lightning” with JAZE Engine Power was right in the mix of things, proving and upholding his reputation as the world’s fastest plumber…on the water! 

 

     A special attraction and feature of this event was the first outing for the newly formed, “Historic Offshore Race Boat Association” headed up by Charlie McCarthy of the Banana Boat Company fame. Ron Polli jumped in with “Dry Martini”, an original 35 Cigarette racer from the 70’s and Dave Bennette gave support with a land display of the original “Inferno”, later named “Outrageous” and presently named, ”Notorious”. This 30’ Sutphen was a World Class Offshore Champion from the late 70’s on through the mid 80’s. As the momentum builds, hopefully more historic race boats will be restored and brought to events like this to educate the fans as to our true origins and to please the crowd with this classic “eye-candy”. The website for this group is, www.historicraceboats.com.   

 

     Over 500 spectator boats were anchored at the Tappan Zee Bridge to witness these water rockets at speed along with the 1,000 plus fans lining the shores…and they were not disappointed.  Just 5 miles north of the TZ Bridge on the eastern shore was checkpoint number 1, Ossining Boat and Canoe Club. With a fireboat shooting its water canon and the Coast Guard using Jet-Skis to escort the participants into the card lanes, the huge crowd of spectators got an eye full as the poker runners picked up their cards at the balloon arched dock at the head of the club’s dock system. Traveling northwest for 5 miles brought the contestants to Checkpoint number 2, Haverstraw Marina, where the boats dazzled the awaiting crowd again with their brightly dressed crews and thunderous sound of thousands of horsepower. 

     With just 40 miles left to the run, the OUTERLIMITS Team grouped 6 of their spectacular speedsters and garnered the attention of the helicopters that were filming the event for a special segment that will be featured on the TV SHOW.

As the lead changed many times amongst the group, it is hard to say who was the “KING” of this group, but it is safe to say it was an OUTERLIMITS!

     Thinkfast Films captured the event with 14 cameras positioned in various locations, from the tops of the Palisades Cliffs, the shoreline of the Hudson River, atop the George Washington Bridge, aboard various boats, and of course in the helicopters. This production company has brought this event to National and International TV viewers, thus we had a fan come from the Netherlands the past 2 years; Michelle Van Norden. He was presented with the award for the “Furthest Traveled”. The furthest traveled participant in the event was Frank Barbarino from Chatsworth, California in his 47 OUTERLIMITS named “Fire and Ice” speeding up the Hudson River at 109+ MPH.

     Chuck Bick and Ron Barrette entered their recently restored Cat named “MAXXED OUT”, which ran under the name of “MIXED EMOTIONS” during our 1997 event under the ownership of Dr. John Golia from New Haven, Conn. This boat ran in our 1st NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT POKER RUN and appropriately ran in our celebrated 10th Anniversary of this event, and still proved to be one of sleekest crafts on the Hudson as seen on the helicopter’s camera/video footage. This footage was obtained only after “MAXXED OUT” slowed down so the helicopter could catch up to her…she has more speed now that she did 10 years ago. Great job guys!

     The Big Winner of the day was Robert Leider, a first time player in his brand new 30’ Velocity, “Jagged Edge” that pulled 3-5’s that earned him the $5,000.00 Grand Prize.

The “Best Looking Boat” Award went to Joe Lupo in his 42 Fountain, “Relentless”.

The “Best Looking Crew” Award went to Robert Doohan and team with their 39 Outerlimits, “Up and Over Roofing”. 

The newly created “MVP” Award went to Mark Jameson for all of his tireless efforts in helping insure the land displays were spectacular.

The “Spirit of the NPBA” Award went to John Ruggieri in his 40 Activator, “White Lightning” because he represents what these events are all about…to continually have a good, exciting time with your friends!

The King SEAMAN Award went to another newcomer to out NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT POKER RUN, Bill Pyburn of Florida; by demonstrating hi-speed safety skills and navigation in his 47 OUTERLIMITS GTX.

 

Additional Awards were given to:

Ian Hawkins, Ilmor Marine Engines

Kevin Skiba, Mercury Racing

ThinkFast Films, Official TV Producer

Ossining Boat and Canoe Club, Official Checkpoint No.1

Liberty Landing Marina, Official Host Award

OUTERLIMITS POWERBOATS, Sponsorship Award

FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS, Sponsorship Award

 

And many thanks to the SPONSORS that make this all possible:

OUTERLIMITS POWERBOATS

FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS

GLASSWERKS

VENDETTA RACING.COM

ILMOR MARINE ENGINEKS

MERCURY RACING

MARINER’S COVE MARINE

TOTAL MARINE

JAZE ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES

LAKE CUMBERLAND MARINE

MYCO TRAILERS

CUSTOM MARINE, INC

MANHATTAN MOTOR CARS

HUBER MARINE, LLC

FLOAT-TECH LIFE JACKETS

OCEAN PERFORMANCE

VELOCITY POWERBOATS

MARK JAMESON CHIMNEYS

BRUCE V. SCHNEIDER MARINE INSURANCE

ARNESON INDUSTRIES

DAVID CLARK COMPANY

PARK AVENUE MOTORS

DOUBLE TREE CLUB SUITES BY HILTON

 

The fun continues this summer on July 22nd for the MANHASSET BAY GOLD CUP POKER RUN and then on August 26th for the GLEN COVE HI-STAKES POKER RUN; both events taking place on Long Island sound.

 

     We look forward to seeing you all next year, June 16, 2007, for the GREATEST POWERBOAT EVENT ON PLANET EARTH…

THE NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT POKER RUN!!!


The New York City Powerboat Poker Run, The Manhasset Bay Gold Cup Powerboat Poker Run and The Glen Cove Hi-Stakes Powerboat Poker Run and Radar Run are produced by the National Powerboat Association.

The National Powerboat Association is a company dedicated to the advancement of powerboating in America through event promotions and productions as a purveyor of powerboats, powerboat equipment, videos, and sportswear.

Conceived in 1976 with regional events and upgraded in 1982 to national events, the N.P.B.A.'s boating experience assures premium shows and quality products.

For more event information call:
The National Powerboat Association at 203-532-1312

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