At the 1998 Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Races in Sarasota on July 4th, the Team Hustler Factory II class boat was forced out of the race due to a mechanical failure.

Mike and Chip were very disappointed, not only because they couldn't race, but also because they had applied the new Aurora VS721 on their boat and were anxious to test them under race conditions. Prior testing showed a 1 mph speed increase. Rather than quitting, Mike and Chip applied to the APBA and received permission to race in the Super Vee class the following day. They knew that they would be badly out classed. Their boat only had 1,000 hp and they would be racing against 7 other boats running up to 2,700 hp. Anything other than dead last would be a victory.

Steve Kildahl from the Scott Free team graciously loaned them the part they needed and with the help of friends and family they worked through the night in a parking lot to get the boat race ready. In 2 to 4 foot waves, the Hustler was in 3rd place at the end of the first lap. To everyone's amazement, they held that position against the much faster boats, to the finish line. Chip Fendt, the throttleman, credits this incredible performance to the new hull design and strength of the Hustler and to the increased performance gained from the High Performance VS721.

“The other boats had to reduce speed when they came off a wave to keep from being blown over backwards, while the VS721 on the hull allowed the Hustler to shear the wind so we didn't get bow lift. The VS721 released the friction on the hull so it didn't grab at the water. We ran flat and steady and kept our speed up.” “What an incredible ride,” said Mike Carravetta, the Driver, “we just kept stabbing one wave after another, after another. VS721 will make all boats perform better and safer.”

As sponsors of the Team Hustler boat, the entire staff of Aurora Marine Industries Inc. wish to congratulate Mike and Chip for their true Sportsmanship and Valor and would like to thank Steve Kildal of Creek Marine in Sarasota for his kindness and generosity.

Richard Kittar
President, Aurora Marine Industries Inc.

World's Fastest Bottom Coat Whether you're gunning for a new world speed record, racing to win, running in a poker run or just jumping a few waves with some friends, Aurora Marine's New High Performance Waxes with VS721™ will give you that critical advantage at the top end that makes the difference between winning and just finishing. In addition, VS721 is proven to increase acceleration and average speed on the race course, reduce kiting and crashing, reduce fuel consumption and give you a softer ride which reduces stress on your boat. The VS721™ polymer makes your boat so slippery that it cheats the friction caused by wind and water. Throttle control is also less critical since porpoising is reduced, making you look good on the water. Aurora High Performance VS721 is quick and easy to apply, affordable, and ideal for trailered boats. For boats that are kept in the water, it will stop barnacle and zebra mussel attachment and seal the bottom to prevent osmosis blistering. And let's not forget the beautiful UV protected shine that makes your boat look like a jewel on the water.

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