Records tumble as temperatures sizzle at 2009 Southern 80
Evinrude won three classes and broke race records in the 2009 Southern 80 Ski RacesTeam Evinrude Racing, driven by Tony Rowe and skied by Troy Arlow and Gary Croft, finished first in the SMOC Expert class with a time of 40 minutes and 46 seconds. Powered by the Evinrude E-TEC 250HO Tony Row said after the race, 'The torque of the big block Evinrude allows higher corner speeds, and in a race with 126 bends, it was the reason we won. The Southern 80 is one of the most challenging races on the calendar, so we are extremely happy to come out on top with a win."
Last year's winner in the SMOC Social class, Stalker Evinrude, broke the existing race record and again led a double podium finish with Team Evinrude second. Driven by Brad Groves, and skied by Michael Merchant and William Groves, Stalker Evinrude finished with a time of 39 minutes and 46 seconds. Following in second was Team Evinrude (42 minutes and 31 seconds) driven by David Armstrong with skiers Reece Middlemiss and BRP's Paul Armstrong doing the job out back.
In the MOC Social class, Evinrude powered Barely Legal, which also finished with line honours and broke the existing race record with a time of 38 minutes and 49 seconds. Six year old, Dani Altham, who for the second year in a row has been the youngest skier racing, competed in the Under 10's Tadpole division behind Tony Rowe's Evinrude Racing.
Over the weekend of the 2009 Southern 80 temperatures reached in excess of 50 degrees. The decision was made on Sunday at 1.15pm to cancel competition. Many of the classes were unable to race due to emergency workers and paramedics being called to help with the worst bushfires in Australia's history.
The 100,000 spectators and 2,200 competitors began a fund raising effort, instantly raising $1,475 by presentation time. Moama Water Sports Club pledged the remaining prize money of $8,000. Ski Racing Australia and Ski Racing Victoria both pledged $5,000 each. A total of $19,475 was raised to kick off 'The Southern 80 Bushfire Relief Appeal' which was donated via the Channel 9 appeal held on the 12th February 2009.
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