Snowmobilers make summer splash

MARTINSBURG — It didn't happen often, but when the first snowmobile sank Saturday into the man-made lake at Flat Rock Inn during the inaugural two-day Labor Day Watercross, it created a ripple effect.

At least half a dozen participants sank their sleds in the event's jumps and drag and oval races, but they did not let the sopping-wet recreational vehicles win.

Instead, the dozens of participants raced heat after heat, vying for first- and second-place trophies, as well as some prize money.

Aaron D. Petteys, Albany, did not place well enough to win a prize, but said he would participate in the event win or lose.

"It's fun, and about sportsmanship," he said, after he finished a drag race heat with three other people. "I just got a third place. Definitely, I'll do it next year because it's a lot of fun."

During his first watercross trip this year to Flat Rock Inn, 4107 Centerville Road, he took home a first-place prize.

This time, he brought his two children to cheer him on. Eric T., 17, said he participates in snowmobile hill climbs with his father each winter and would like to make his way into watercross competitions. His sister, Kaitlin R., 10, said she would rather just watch.

Labor Day Watercross drew a smaller crowd compared with other events at the inn, but that was to be expected, according to Gordon J. Yancey, inn owner and event organizer. Mr. Yancey said he wants to make the Labor Day Watercross an annual event for his business around the September holiday because he recently installed full-service hook-ups for campers at each campsite.

"It'll get extremely busy over time," he said.

An avid snowmobiler with 32 years of riding and racing time, Mr. Yancey said only fellow enthusiasts understand the adrenaline rush associated with watercross.

"From a racer's standpoint, the adrenaline rush is euphoric," he said. "The guys — they just love it."

Salvatore Mancuso said that feeling is what keeps him involved in the sport.

"It's a G-force of adrenaline, and you're in control of something out of control with four or five other guys," the Long Island resident said. "We took second in the 600 modified drag, and a third in the 700 modified drag."

Races were separated by operator experience and sled engine size.

Mr. Mancuso, who brought his father along for the weekend, said that although he faired well in the drag races, he is more passionate about ovals in which participants skim their snowmobile on the water while circling the lake.

"You're just in the water for a longer period of time, and it's more oriented to the drive than the speed of the sled," he said.

Labor Day Watercross continues today. Practice begins at 10 a.m., while racing begins at noon. Admission fees are $15 for adults 16 and up; $12 for children ages 12 to 15, and $5 for children ages 8 to 11. There is no fee for children 7 and younger.