ENTER!!

Shawn mingling at the XXL's

Shawn Alladio has been involved in the water rescue efforts of many big wave events around the world. When Shawn can attend (if here busy schedule will allow) this years invite to The Billabong XXL awards she was able to make it!! here are a few pics from the big day ENJOY!!

Brian at the Billabong XXL Awards

The Hoovers at the XXL

Liquid Militia riders Chris Macclugage & team mate “Flyin” Brian Smith of Macc Racing are in Lake Charles, LA for Rd 1 of the 2013 IJSBA National Tour. It’s been what seems like a short winter with these two as they have both already begun their season with Chris coming off of a overall win at the 2013 Mark Hahn 300 race teaming up with Jean Bruno Pasterello. Brian is coming off of a strong finish in the IRONMAN Ski Class as well.

Brian Smith

Chris broke his wrist a few weeks ago while riding his mountain bike and set him back just a little in his training on the ski, but with the experience he has it will be like he never had a layoff. Chris had a tough recovery to get himself ready for the 2013 Closed course season & he is entering the season in some of the best shape in his career.

Chris MacClugage feeling good and looking forward to the 2103 season

Brian hasn’t had the best of luck either with a ligament injury in his ankle and had to be in a boot for a few weeks which set him back as well. He has been pushing very hard and training to be ready for the 1st round.

Brian Smith been cross training to get ready for the 2013 season

Macc Racing looks to make 2013 full of top podium finishes all the while having a great time.

Chris would like to thank the following sponsors… Monster Energy, HT Moto, Macc Racing, Jet Pilot, Liquid Militia, Tech 1, Bullett, Ada, Ryno Power, All sport dynamics, Alpina, Oakley , Hot products, Bell Helmets, AP Designs.

Macc's Competition Killer

Brian would like to thank… D.C. Lites, Macc Racing, Liquid Militia, my Wife, JetPilot, Ryno Power, Tech 1, Riva, XBrand goggles, Bullett, SPY, Monster Energy, FREEGUN, Waterworks Repair, Alan Woods, Plano cycle, ProRider.

If your in or around Lake Charles, LA come see the Liquid Militia riders from Macc Racing and say hi!

Macc Racing doing work this weekend

Watercraft Superstore Cover

We just received the 2013 Watercraft Superstore Annual Guide. With that being said you will find on page 073 a full page of our products that you can purchase from them. If you head over to their web site www.watercraftsuperstore.net and click on the apparel section you will see a full range of our products most that are not shown in the annual catalog. Please take some time to browse the site they have EVERYTHING YOU NEED!!! You can also get a free copy of this Annual Guide by signing up to there mailing list here

Liquid Militia Spread in the apparel section

Jeff Bolte scored a full page in the catalog also page 88

Where to start?

2012 ended with a bang. Amateur runabout moto 1. 3,2,1 go….I got caught with my head down and blew my line. I wasn’t timing the turn of the card correctly.

Amateur runabout Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), the band snaps. Nice holeshot, but this time I’m forced inside and was pushed into a buoy. Together the boat and I take flight. I was knocked off like a bucking bronco.

Mike Mendez 2012 IJSBA World Finals

Treading the water I see my race boat clearly off the track. And then it gets run over by another racer. Tough day.

Major fiberglass damage, plastics are cracked, and dash is completely destroyed. I am not willing to throw in towel. I have worked too hard and have come too far to quit now.

I am introduced to a gentleman, by the name of Jeff Vetter at Havasu Auto Body. He is convinced he can have me back on the water in time for Pro Am event. I found some parts at miscellaneous shops and we began to repair damage.

With two late nights of hard work we were able to repair the damaged boat with new fiberglass; sanded and primed and we actually zip tied dash back together. Boat was ready. I was ready. Blood was pumping.

fiberglass work in full swing

At this time my father and friends had made the trek from Phoenix, Arizona to watch. I wasn’t planning on disappointing anyone.

Staged on the line for the Pro Am class. The starting band snaps and I took the hole shot. Made it around the giant sweeper and was turning 1st hard 90 degree turn and spun out on the aftermath of the hole shot wakes. I was directly facing 19 boats head-on. Two other boats crashed in the turn and the red flag was thrown for a restart.

I of course was singled out and was forced to start dead engine. I was upset with the call and was told by staff if I wasn’t going to control my boat I had to start dead engine! Result was I had to race the LCQ.

Mike Mendez in action at the 2012 IJSBA world Finals

Pro am LCQ. Band snaps, I am a bit more conservative at this point. I believe I was running in 5th position when from behind an opponent chopped a buoy and ran directly into my boat. At this point I’m thrown into the water within an instance.

I’m not even sure the exact point of impact but I’m definitely in pain. I notice I can’t tread water because my right arm was broke. We are told to have our arm held up so a rescue boat can come sweep you up. Well at this point I can’t tread or hold my arm up.

Over and over I’m being roosted by competitors’ boats water spray. I’m kicking to stay above the wakes.

Within seconds that felt like hours a rescue boat had come to bring me to shore. We reached the shore and I walked into the medical hut.

Mike Mendez Broken arm

Everyone was pretty disgusted by my compound fracture and wasn’t too thrilled to see my bone sticking out. I was rushed to the ambulance with my last remembrance being Chris MacClugage , fellow Liquid Militia team rider peaking in and giving me the thumbs up and telling me ‘things will be okay’.

I believe the hospital is only 3 miles away from race site but that was a painful trip. After I made it to hospital meds finally kicked in. I was immediately rushed in to have my wound addressed.

Mike Mendez Huge Gash

Because of the lake water I was informed it was mandatory I had to have immediate surgery and was required to have this wound flushed out completely. 24 hours later I was released to make my 12 hour drive home.

My best friend and pit chief Clay Olsen offered to drive me home, where I was to have my final surgery. Big thank you is in order to Clay Olsen and Jamie Eddie. Both worked my race pits but also packed me up and got me home. Two world class friends!

Two plates and a bunch of screws later I am on my road to recovery.

Mike Mendez plate and screws gnar, gnar

In my off time I have completely rebuilt the 300x in anticipation of the 2013 season. Steve Friebe from Fresno is an amazing mechanic and jet ski racer. Team Clawson Motorsports can handle any job large or small. Jet skis, quads, dirtbikes, and side x sides. The 260 also got a rebuild last year from Team Silva, so I am confident I will have a reliable season in 2013.

It’s going on six months now and I have completed physical therapy and have had the okay by my doctor to race. I have been training and been trying to get as much seat time as possible.

Djsa had a hot lap’s session in Tracey which was a great day of hitting buoys and practicing the track. I really look forward to getting out there and representing my sponsors and the sport.

Thank you Liquid Militia, Hydro Turf, HT moto, Spy, ODI, Amsoil, Dk1 Design, LML Properties, Ski Clinic, and Uneek.

My family has been really supportive throughout this whole episode. My fiancée Kelley really stepped up by nursing me back to health, sponge baths and all. I was pretty useless for a while between surgeries. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. Thank you Kelley, I love you.

My son James just turned 7 years old on April 7th. There isn’t a race that goes by that he’s not asking for a jet ski of his own. He’s about ready.

My 15 month old son Cruz has definitely brought a whole new perspective to life. He is a ball of energy whom will definitely leave a standing impression.

With the season upon us I anticipate racing closed course as well as some endurance races. I plan on attending DJSA, RPM, and IJSBA sanctioned events.
Mike Mendez

Jeff Bolte New Stickers and Gear arrived

Since most of you know we are totally capable of providing our team riders with anything they might need for any equipment that need’s to get a face lift. (We basically are, our own sign shop and frown on anyone reproducing any of our images). I guess you can call it a “PERK” of being sponsored. With that being said Jeff hit us up saying he was in need of bigger LM stickers for his ski for the upcoming event he’s attending WaveDaze. We ended up going with 18″ long as per Jeff’s request (GO BIG OR GO HOME) new style LM decals. This was our first attempt of doing a 3 color decal and since we are pros at all trades wink, wink… We pulled it off with no issues. So here is what the final outcome of what Jeff’s new stickers look like on his new Rickter. Pretty sick I must say!! Jeff is getting ready for the WaveDaze Freeride taking place this weekend in VA. Expect a re cap from Jeff on all the wild things that went down.

Jeff Boltes new Stikkasssss

Ian Roberts 2nd and Brock Austin 3rd Overall Pro Ski GP

Ian Roberts pit set up

Saturday Ian had a bit of a rough run he Holeshoted moto 1 then crashed and finished 4th. Was leading going into the first corner in moto 2 when Rius center punched him and took him out, finishing 8th.
 
Sunday was another story ‘Ian took 2nd in Pro Ski GP almost taking 1st for the overall,’ said Chris MacClugage , who was at the event watching the whole thing go down. Ian holeshoted moto 1 and won it. In the second moto he had a close race with Warner who ultimately was able to hold Roberts at bay for the win. Leaving Roberts with a 2nd overall for the weekend.

Ian Roberts awaiting his next race

Brock Austin's Line up for 2013

Brock Austin also had a great run this weekend as the kick off for the West Coast Jet Ski Racing has officially started. Brock ended the weekend with an solid 3rd in Pro Ski GP.

Pro Ski GP

Ryan Decker Am Ski Open 1st Place

Ryan Decker had some issues Saturday he broke in both of his motos pretty much taking him out that day but when Sunday hit he redeemed himself by taking 1st in amateur Open, now that’s what I call a come back!!

New "System" 2' X 2' Banner's are in!

New “System 2′ X 2′ Banner now available>> $24

-Quality 2′x2′ Liquid Militia banner, made to last.
-4 sturdy grommets
-Double stitched hem
-Designed and Printed in the U.S.A.

Ian Roberts DJSA Round 1 & 2

Here are Ian’s results from Rds 1 & 2 of the DJSA series. I won 8 of 10 moto’s with a DNF and a 2nd in the other two. First overall in Pro-am Fast stand up both rounds and a 3rd and a 2nd in Expert 850 stand. Ian main competition was fellow Liquid Militia team rider’s Brock Austin & Pete Zernik He also had some good runs with Memo Gidley. Next stop for Ian is at the Blue Water Resort and Casino in Parker AZ for the JetTribe West Coast Nationals this weekend April 20-21 2013.

Ian head to head with Pete Zernik