Point Pleasant, NJ - (Sept. 7, 2007) – For more than three decades, fans of power boat racing have bid farewell to summer while watching world class races on Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. This year the tradition continues. Fans will fall off their seats with excitement when they see the show promised by Miss GEICO, whose record-setting performances and fan friendly outreach have set her apart as the “Team to Watch” in 2007. “The season’s been good to us,” said Team Owner John Haggin. “We set several aggressive goals for 2007 and from unparalleled performance to promotion of this great sport – we’re achieving them!”
One of the team’s most important goals this year focuses on community outreach. Throughout the season Miss GEICO’s talent has taken to the towns hosting their races to spread happiness and hope to those who may otherwise be unable to enjoy the excitement of the weekend. In Point Pleasant, that meant a stop at Children’s Specialized Hospital in the neighboring town of Mountainside. “We had a special day at Children’s Specialized,” said Marc Granet, Miss GEICO’s driver and seasoned veteran of the extreme sport. “The smiles our visits bring to the children we visit sets a tone for a successful weekend of racing. No matter what happens over the next three days – our crew knows that our visit with these kids already delivered a winning weekend for us.”
Other community outreach for the team has included visits to children’s hospitals in Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg, Florida and sessions with veterans in VA hospitals in Long Island and Biloxi. “In our efforts to be a dynamic team setting the standard and example for our sport, we believe strongly in our commitment to give back to the communities that host us,” Haggin said. “Reaching out to those whose circumstances prevent them from getting out and enjoying the excitement of the weekend’s races makes a difference for us as much as it does our fans. I’m proud of our team – they’re champions in more ways than one.”
“Champions in more ways than one…” – Miss GEICO’s gladiators, Granet and Throttleman Scotty Begovich, work and play hard to keep Haggin’s words true. A collection of checkered flags hangs on the team’s headquarters wall in Florida to prove it. “We’re coming off a great performance in Long Island, a sensational showdown in St. Clair – now we’ll bring summer to a close with some serious action on the Jersey Shore,” Begovich said. “This season just keeps getting better.”
The Point Pleasant powerboat races off the Jersey Shore have long been a fan favorite that race watchers across the country count on to signal the last leg of the season. The beaches will fill with fans for a weekend of family-friendly excitement. “We love coming to Point Pleasant,” Haggin said. “The crowds in Point Pleasant include generations of race fans. There will be kids there watching us kick up a wake for the first time this weekend - it’ll be the spark for their dreams of racing one day. And, we’ll see some fans that haven’t missed a race in 35 years. Point Pleasant brings all the best elements of this sport – tradition, innovation and adventure together. This weekend Miss GEICO will make memories. We’re revolutionizing racing - that’s what it’s all about.”
To schedule an interview with Haggin, Granet, Begovich or other members of the Miss GEICO team, call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108. |