Aug 24 2010, 12:00 AM

Formula H20 Racing

Let me be one the first people to say that the Formula H20 Racing Circuit is an event not to be missed in the future. The circuit continued their inaugural season this past weekend on the wreck of the Tracy off of Pompano Beach. South Florida Diving Headquarters and Joe Weatherby of the Formula H20 and Wreck Racing League pulled off an outstanding event where 20+ racers in three different categories battled for the championship. This event attracted divers from all over the United States and racing rigs of all shapes and sizes were represented. As one of the designated underwater videographers I can attest to the excitement, adrenaline, and anticipation as the racers limbered up to the start/finish line and awaited the Green Flag. As the Green Flag dropped and the racers bolted out towards turn 1 it was clear these divers meant business and were in this to win. It’s a lot of fun but they give out awards for a reason. 5 laps around the wreck will determine a winner and racers knew there was only going to be one champ. From the get go it become clear that David Ulloa from Valeo Films was fast and a clear favorite. Dean Vitale, defending champ from the circuit’s first race on the Vandenberg, was right behind David and his expedition style rig. Racers fought for position and swapped paint around the turns. We even had two racers get entangled around turn 4 and this was getting serious.

Also participating was Performance Free Diving headed by Kirk Krack. This was a site to see. Kirk and his team of breath holders descended down to the wreck and lapped the wreck before ascending to the surface for the next team member to take their turn in relay fashion. They were sleek, fast, and in a category all their own. I call it the Super Human category. Did I mention that the wreck was 70 feet down!

Back to the race! As the divers completed 4 laps and raced for the checkered flag David Ulloa was holding the lead while Team Pegasus (Dean Vitale and Maritza Wiganowske; also known as Wiggy) furiously attacked. It was a frantic finished and David Ulloa cruised past the finish line to claim his first victory on the racing circuit.  He completed his accomplishment with a victory lap that included barrel rolls and fly-bys. Well-done David!! The race even had a gallery of fans positioned on the wreck. They cheered the racers on as they blew bubbles on a nice dive. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning. The whole time I kept on having a reoccurring thought. The race reminded me of Star Wars, Phantom Menace when Anakin Skywalker won the Pod race on the planet of Tatooine. There were a lot of characters in a wide array of propulsion devices racing their hearts out to the finish line. It was a site to see!! See you at the next event on October 2^nd in Key Largo.

Billy C.