Chris Manthos serves as executive director of the American Watercraft Association. When not riding, he dedicates his time to educating regulators and other officials on the realities of personal watercraft, in contrast to the fantasy world of the no-access crowd. He mows his own lawn, washes his own truck, served his country, pays his taxes, picks up trash on public roads, opens his own beer bottles, reads books, hunts, feeds his own dogs, doesn’t need government to tell him right from wrong, and deplores sanctimonious hypocrites, bullies, and know-it-alls, particularly the political kind.

Wiley Russell Jr. is the dealer coordinator of the AWA and works closely with personal watercraft dealers nationwide, promoting PWC access for all enthusiasts, as well as promoting dealerships. He is a Virginia native and enjoys riding PWC as much as possible.

John Donaldson is not the longest serving PWC government relations guy, but he’s close. He had been in the power sports industry for over a decade when his then employer decided his gift for gab and ability to write completely confusing letters were a perfect match for dealing with politicians and legislators. Since the course change in his work history, Donaldson has worked for two of the biggest PWC manufacturers as well as having a turn at running the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. Donaldson says that these government relations experiences have helped him understand that it sure isn’t the government one learns about in a text book. Further in Donaldson’s past was his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and a few years as owner of a major power sports dealership in Southern California. This diversity of government, manufacturer, and retail experience qualifies Donaldson to help keep AWA members and others informed on the latest activities of government impact on the use of PWC in the PWC Nation.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

PWC Nation descends on Arizona
posted by John Donaldson

The mere mention of Lake Havasu resonates with a level of mystique for many members of the PWC Nation. When someone says “Havasu,” perhaps you are one of those who imagine the roar of 20 PWC race engines blasting off the starting line, or can just about get a whiff of race gas. Or you can hear the conversations in French or with heavy British or Australian accents, or marvel at the team attire of the various privateer race teams from Thailand or Serbia or Japan. Indeed, the spectacle of the IJSBA World Finals.

In all my years in the PWC nation, I find the annual Fall World Finals (WF) in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., to be unique and just plain fun. There is virtually nowhere else you can go where everyone you encounter will have a smile on their face when you explain why you are in town. The thousands of visitors who descend on this small city are generally welcomed wholeheartedly by the locals and by the local businesses. It is a great feeling to be there and to feel like everyone accepts you and your particular form of recreation.

One of the aspects of WF I find so rewarding is seeing so many of my acquaintances in the PWC industry from all around the country. With the gathering of all the racers as well as the aftermarket race and apparel companies, there are many, many of the long-time industry executives, personalities, and former world champions who attend. Just walking through the vendor area, you would likely encounter half a dozen of the former champs, their sponsors and their legendary tuners – a real who’s who of racers and industry veterans.

The IJSBA has made great strides in developing a consumer fair in addition to the racing activities. This element of WF attracts dozens of vendors of products ranging from T-shirts and temporary tattoos to new race boats. It is a happening place for not only the race fan but for those looking for performance parts or just the right new logo beach or casual wear.

You can see that I love the event. If you are a WF regular, I hope to see you there next year. And if you are a die hard in the PWC Nation and have not been to WF, get your fellow tribe members together and get to Havasu for WF next year.

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