RACE DAY VIDEO & STILLS - Gold Coast UW Grand Prix

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The race is coming in just a few days with the kick off party Friday night. The event was highlighted in the Sunsentinel:

"Underwater racing set for Sunday
Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix more racer and spectatorfriendly

By Steve Waters, Staff Writer

4:10 p.m. EDT, July 26, 2011
Several changes have been made for the second annual Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix that will appeal to those who race diver propulsion vehicles in the event as well to those who want to watch the competition.

The race is 9 a.m. Sunday on a course around the wreck of the Copenhagen, which is in 30 feet of water off Pompano Beach. Last year's race was in 70 feet, which made it hard on the racers and the spectators.

"We think it's going to be a lot better," said Jeff Torode of South Florida Diving Headquarters in Pompano Beach. "Last year we had issues. Some people were running low on air."

In 30 feet, racers and spectators using scuba gear will be able to stay down longer. In addition, Torode said, snorkelers will be able to watch the racing from the surface.

Also new this year is a kickoff party that is open to the public Friday night at the Wyndham Sea Gardens Resort in Pompano Beach. On Saturday, divers and snorkelers can go out on one of the practice boats leaving South Florida Diving Headquarters at 1 p.m. and take a demo ride on an underwater scooter around the race course and along a reef.

On Sunday, spectators can go out on a dive boat or on a private boat to watch the racing. Torode expects anywhere from 20 to 30 racers from as far away as California, including defending champion Dave Ulloa. Divers who have their own DPVs are welcome to compete.

"Run what you brung," Torode said. "We'll have categories for all different types of scooters, so a $400 scooter won't race against a $5,000 scooter.

"It's a great thing for people who buy scooters and then put them in the closet because they have no one to go with.""

Continued at:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/o...,4511520.story

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