Mercury Sponsors Ski Racing Championships

The championships are the most significant water ski racing event in the world in 2007 with more than 70 elite skiers from a dozen countries expected to tear up the water on Lake Taupo and Lake Rotorua.

"Becoming a sponsor was an easy decision to make," Mercury Racing product manager Guy Williamson said.

"We firmly believe in supporting the people who support Mercury Racing, so we're very happy to give back to the sport in this way. The world championships are going to be fantastic this year and we're more than pleased to be associated with such a tremendous event."

Established in 1973, Mercury Racing is known worldwide for its production of high-performance marine products, including outboards, sterndrives, propellers, parts and accessories.

Mercury said their involvement at the championships is going well beyond a corporate presence.

Its new 300 XS OptiMax outboard has dominated qualifying in the F2 class, in both the men's and women's divisions, while the Merc Force boat, with Mercury Racing's 1075 SCi sterndrive, has qualified in number one place for both the Open Men's and the Open Women's competition. Mercury-sponsored 19-year-old Lauryn Eagle, the former Miss Teen International and current women's world waterskiing champion, is moving up into the Open Women's competition and qualified in  number two position.

"Mercury's racing pedigree is going to be well and truly on show in May," Williamson said. "But above all, let's hope there's some fantastic ski racing we can all enjoy."

Competitors will be able to access a full-range of spare parts and accessories from a centralized site, operated by local Mercury high performance dealership Marine Works.

For more information visit www.mercuryracing.com