Scooter racing on the wreck of the USS Vandenberg

The second largest wreck, sunk as an artificial reef, for the 3rd time will be turned into a race track. On 18-20 May 2012, on the sunken vessel USS Hoyte Vandenberg, the annual diving scooter race will take place – the Vandenberg Underwater Grand Prix.

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Riders, using scooters of all shapes and sizes, will compete against each other on a track laid out around the wreck, which is 160m long! The competition is just one of the many attractions for visitors to Key West, Florida.

The whole thing will start with a meeting on Friday 18 May at 6.30am, at a venue with the much talked about name ‘The Rum Barrel’. In addition to the race itself, there will be scooter demonstrations, as well as test rides. Riders will have time to familiarise themselves with the track and complete a few test laps before competing.

The race proper, is scheduled for 8.30am on Sunday. The divers will race around the Vandenberg superstructure, submerged at about 14m. The competition will take place in a variety of classes, but the primary priority of the entire event will be the safety of the participants.

The distribution of prizes and honouring of winners, will take place immediately after the race, in the nearby docks.

The entry fee is $50 per person. For visitors to Florida, there will be discounts on stays at some hotels for the slogan “wreck race”. More detailed information on organisational matters can be found on event pages and profile H20 facebook page (race formula).

Source: wreckracingleague.com