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SEA-DOO RIDER LAGOPOULOS CLAIMS SECOND CONSECUTIVE AQUAX CHAMPIONSHIP

27 Tuesday Oct 2015

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AquaX Champion, Eric Lagopouls

AquaX Champion, Eric Lagopouls

Eric Lagopoulos claimed his second consecutive AQUAX series championship on a Sea-Doo GTR 215.

The championship was not determined until the final moto of the final race of the six event series, a year where the GTR 215 was the most popular model of the 250 class, Lagopoulos piloted the #361 consistently to podium spots an ultimately his second AquaX title.

After dozens of titles from around the world, Eric Lagopoulos has little to prove other than he can still win and win riding a Sea-Doo taken from the showroom floor against competitive factory supported teams. Lagopoulos has been in the sport of watercraft racing for over 20 years yet carries the youthful enthusiasm and drive to compete at the highest level of professional watercraft racing winning on what is fast becoming the sport’s biggest stage. We caught up with him to get some insight on his 2015 run.

Eric Lagopoulos aboard the #361 Sea-Doo GTR 215

Eric Lagopoulos aboard the #361 Sea-Doo GTR 215

OnBoard: Can you describe your 2015 AquaX season in one sentence?

Lagopoulos: “It was an incredibly exciting season filled with ups and downs but when it  came down to who was destined to be on top the season ended in pure satisfaction with the X-TEAM’s second championship in two-years!”

OnBoard: Why was the GTR 215 your craft of choose for the 250 class?

Lagopoulos: “The Sea-Doo GTR 215 is nimble in the surf and great in the flat and handles both with precision while being forgiving at the same time. It’s fast too and the reliability obviously helped us finish every race up front which is what you need to win championships over a grueling Aquacross season.”

OnBoard: Does the GTR 215 have an advantage over competitor models in regard to AquaX?

Lagopoulos: “I’ve had so much success on the GTR 215 in regards to Aquacross because of the different conditions each round. I mean is good in every condition. The GTR 215 is good in the flat water, good in chop, and good in the big surf races. It’s a watercraft that you can ride hard no matter where its ridden.” 

bugOnBoard: What was the most memorable moment of the year, other than the last moto of the season?

Lagopoulos: “I had a really cool moment Sunday before the races as a ladybug landed on my arm and I knew it would be my weekend!”

Onboard: That isn’t exactly what we were looking for… so lets go straight to the dramatic moment Sunday. Can you tell us what was going on in your head in the last moto when you knew you had to beat one person to win?

Lagopoulos: “I really love the mental side of the sport, so knowing I had to beat one rider for the overall championship was really exciting! I pushed the entire race from the drop of the green flag to the beautiful checkered flag and my second Aquacross championship in a row! It was a tight race figuratively and literally. The GTR 215 simply proved it’s the better overall watercraft.” 

Onboard: What’s next?

Lagopoulos: “I’m considering some really cool new opportunities in racing that I will be announcing in the near future so be sure to follow me on Facebook and on Twitter @Lagopolous and Instagram @lagopoulos1!”

SEA-DOO GTR 215 RIDERS SWEEP JACKSONVILLE P1 AQUAX RACE

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

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ERIC LAGOPOULOS WINS THE JACKSONVILLE ROUND OF AQUAX ON HIS SEA-DOO GTR 215

ERIC LAGOPOULOS WINS THE JACKSONVILLE ROUND OF AQUAX ON HIS SEA-DOO GTR 215

Eric Lagopoulos continued his 2014 unbeaten streak in the AQUAX 250 class by sweeping all three mottos on his Sea-Doo GTR 215 taking his season total to six consecutive moto wins. Lagopoulos was joined on the podium by fellow GTR 215 mounted racers Sean Hagan taking second and Tim McKercher rounding out the top three.  The Sea-Doo GTR 215 is arguably the watercraft industry’s best keep performance secret as BRP‘s lowest price performance model that is fast with predictable handling yet very forgiving in unpredictable conditions. The GTR 215 model is proving itself as the ultimate mid-range performance watercraft.

The P1 AQUAX racing series continues to grow in popularity as the second round of the US tour took center stage near downtown Jacksonville, Florida in front of an estimated 10,000 race fans over the weekend. After the season opener in the surf of Daytona Beach in April the watercraft racers joined the Evinrude powered Superstock boats for a full throttle weekend of boating competition. The large 1.8 mile track on the St. Johns River provided a good arena for close handlebar-to-handlbar action in a series where the competitors compete on nearly out-of-the-box stock watercraft that places more emphasis on rider ability and stamina than other forms of watercraft racing where modifications play a more significant role.  Sea-Doo racers have extra incentive for top finishes at the AQUAX races with extra prize money available to them through the Sea-Doo Bounty racer contingency program, the program that will reward Lagopoulos an extra $250 from BRP for his win.

LAGOPOULOS IN MOTO 1

Lagopoulos on pace for a moto 1 win in Jacksonville on his Sea-Doo GTR 215

“The Sea-Doo GTR 215 compliments my riding style and is really fun to ride and race, plus its fast,” said Jacksonville winner Lagopoulos. “I’m looking forward to see if I ride my GTR 215 to the top of the podium at next months round three stop in Tampa, which is basically a hometown race being only 30 minutes north of my home in Sarasota.”

For more information on the Sea-Doo GTR 215 visit sea-doo.com and more information on the P1 AQUAX series visit their website or Facebook page.

IMAGES FROM P1 AQUAX

Lagopoulos and Runner Up Sean Hagan prepare for Moto 1

Lagopoulos and Runner Up Sean Hagan prepare for Moto 1

2012 Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty Program

30 Wednesday May 2012

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2012 SEA-DOO X-TEAM BOUNTY PAYOUT

Sea-Doo Watercraft Racer Contingency Program

Download the Sea-Doo X-Team Bounty Racing Contingency Racing Form Here 

Regular 2012 Season Program – Includes ALL IJSBA Sanctioned closed course races in the United States and Canada

Finish Position Expert RunaboutOPEN Expert Runabout Limited Pro-Am Runabout LIMITED Pro-Am Runabout STOCK Pro-Am Runabout OPEN
1st $  150.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 260.00 $ 260.00
2nd $  100.00 $ 100.00 $ 100.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00

TOYOTA/UWP NATIONAL TOUR

Finish Position Expert RunaboutOPEN Expert Runabout Limited Pro-Am Runabout LIMITED Pro-Am Runabout STOCK Pro-Am Runabout OPEN
1st $  150.00 $ 150.00 $ 200.00 $ 500.00 $ 600.00
2nd $  100.00 $ 100.00 $ 100.00 $ 200.00 $ 260.00
3rd $ 100.00 $ 100.00

 

TOYOTA/UWP NATIONAL TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP BONUS

Finish Position Pro-Am Runabout STOCK Pro-Am Runabout OPEN
Overall Points Champion $ 2,012.00 $ 2,600.00

 

IJSBA World Championship in October, 2012

Finish Position Novice Runabout Stock Novice RunaboutLimited Amateur Runabout Open Amateur Veterans Runabout Open ExpertRunaboutLIMITED
Champion $150.00 $ 150.00 $ 300.00 $ 260.00 $ 400.00
2nd $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00

 

Finish Position WomanRunaboutLIMITED Pro Am  RunaboutLIMITED Pro-AM RunaboutSTOCK Pro GP Runabout Pro Runabout  OPEN
Champion $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $    2,012.00 $   2,012.00 $   4,000.00
2nd $ 260.00 $ 260.00 $       500.00 $      500.00 $   1,000.00
3rd $ 100.00 $ 100.00 $       260.00 $      260.00 $      500.00

 

 

Offshore/Endurance Events – for Overall Finishing Position

Finish Position Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Long Beach 2 CatalinaJuly 17 & 18 All other sanctioned Offshore / Endur. events
1st $ 750.00 $ 500.00 $ 260.00
2nd $ 260.00 $ 260.00 $ 100.00

 

2012 SEA-DOO X-TEAM BOUNTY Eligibility Rules:

 

READ ALL APPLICABLE RULES BELOW TO QUALIFY

1. To be eligible for the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty contingency, racer must compete on an IJSBA/APBA eligible Sea-Doo watercraft in the specified class(es) described in the rules and contingency tables within the United States or Canada. Race events offering the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty are all those in North America sanctioned by either the IJSBA or the APBA.

2. ONLY racers competing on 4-TEC powered Sea-Doo watercraft qualify.

3. Racer must list “Sea-Doo” as the brand of watercraft raced and “SEA‑DOO X TEAM” as a sponsor on all entries.

4. The SEA-DOO X-TEAM BOUNTY logo decal must be clearly visible and legible on watercraft forward of the handlebars and above the waterline.  Sea-Doo LOGO decals must be clearly visible on both sides of the watercraft above the bond-line, forward of the handlebars – minimum of two (2”) inch tall lettering. Sea-Doo Bounty logo decal supplied by promoter or write to tim@look-marketing.com.

5. Racer is eligible for as many contingency payments as earned during an event.

6. Racer MUST compete against a MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) finalists in the class to qualify for contingency.

7. Contingency prizes will be paid for overall closed-course racing only. Slalom does not apply. In IJSBA World Finals contingency, only Overall Titles will be paid (which in some cases may include slalom).

8. For the 2012 race season, all claims must be sent in by the racer, within 10 days of the event, and postmarked no later than July 12, 2012 (for races taking place between February 23, 2012-July 2, 2012) September 13, 2012 (for races between July 4, 2012 – September 3, 2012) and October 21, 2012 (for the World Finals).  Claims postmarked after these dates will not be honored.

9. Contingency payments will be issued to racers from BRP only after the IJSBA/APBA and BRP have verified official results.

10. All claims must be signed by an event or sanctioning body official, if not, payment will not be made.  Racers have the responsibility to have the claim properly completed (providing all requested information) and mailed to the address above.  Please allow 5-10 weeks for processing of checks after the July 12, 2012, September 13, 2012, and October 21, 2012 cut-off dates.

11. Racer MUST provide a signed W-9 Tax form and supply images of the Sea-Doo watercraft raced WITH FIRST redemption submission, before any payments will be made by BRP.

12. BRP reserves the right to reject a claim not properly or fraudulently filed and reserves the right to cancel this program at any time.

13. BRP will NOT accept ANY responsibility for any DAMAGES or INJURIES, including DEATH that may occur during the above-described events.

14. Racers grant BRP the unlimited rights to utilize their name, their photograph, their person, and their performance in advertising and promotional efforts.

TO receive a 2012 Sea-Doo Bounty contingency redemption form e-mail racing@look-marketing.com

Sea-Doo, RXT-X, RXP-X and 4-TEC and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.

X-TEAM TUESDAY Profile: Eric Lagopoulos – Professional Sea-Doo watercraft racer

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

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SEA-DOO X-TEAM TUESDAY – January 24, 2012

BIO
NAME:       Eric Lagopoulos
SPORT:     PWC Racing
AGE:          34 years old
PORT:       Sarasota, Florida
FAMILY:    Single, Empty Nester

Eric Lagopoulos is a veteran PWC racer. The Floridian with Greek and French heritage has been a consistent figure at PWC races in North American as well as internationally for nearly 20 years. He has graced the pages of magazines in action shots and ads for BRP/Sea-Doo, he’s starred in videos but hasn’t hung his helmet on PWC racing alone. Lagopoulos is an active guy, competing in many forms of competition including marathons, celebrity soccer matches, setting world records, and competing in the business world. Lagopoulos is an everyday guy, active guy, who chooses to make his hobby professionally racing Sea-Doo watercraft.

Masterful self-promotion is a skill hard to find among the ego driven PWC racing community…believe it or not, but Lagopoulos has leveraged his on-track success arguably better than any other PWC racer. His ability to interact with fans, sponsors, media, and people in general has opened the doors to unique opportunities few will experience but do exist for those who look for them.

To use a tactic quoted from Sea-Doo PWC racing Legend Chris Fischetti “If you don’t win the race you better win the interview” could be applied to Eric Lagopoulos. Elevating your profile and building a fan base is sometimes the most valuable accomplishment in the long run.

ONBOARD: Eric, where did you grow up and how was your competitive spirit developed?
EL: I grew up in Sarasota, Florida (paradise USA!) My competitive spirit was developed from my dad who was a professional marathon runner. Racing just made sense, I love going fast and I love the water!

ONBOARD: What do you do away from the water to stay on the water? What’s your profession?
EL: I currently own and operate a seafood/steakhouse called The Waterfrontoo. It’s in Nokomis (Sarasota) Florida and I have been there for the last 11 years. It also has an awesome sports bar with 20 tv’s and tons of access to come by Sea-Doo!

ONBOARD: Eric, How were you introduced to water-sports?
EL: When I was kid, I was into all water-sports so naturally I ended up on a 300 cc stand-up and fell in love with riding. Eventually in the early 90’s I bought a Sea-Doo  and that’s all she wrote, I’ve been riding a Sea-Doo ever since!

 

 

 

ONBOARD: Since you began competing what are some of your accolades?
EL:
5X World Champ
7X National Champ
2X Guinness World Record holder
3X Sea-Doo Bounty Invitational Winner

Lagopoulos after his World Record ride on a Sea-Doo RXT iS

ONBOARD: Eric, you have some accomplishments on PWC away from the racecourse, can you tell us about those?
EL: Yes! On November 12, 2009 I was presented the opportunity to break the Guinness Book of World Records for 3 separate distance and speed records. It was an awesome chance to break the records on a Sea-Doo RXT iS and do it for a great cause, The Boomer Esiason foundation for cystic fibrosis. I ended up breaking 2 of the records including most miles on a pwc with 880 miles completed in 17 hours.

 

 

 

 

Lagopoulos with MLB MVP Jeff Kent

David Zayas and Lagopoulos at Brandi Chastain's Soccer Invitational

In Atlantis with Sea-Doo fanatic and Pro-Bowler Warren Sapp

ONBOARD: Your accomplishments riding Sea-Doo on the racecourse have opened some doors with some celebrity sporting events. How did this come about and what are some of the events you have been a part of?
EL: Riding a Sea-Doo definitely has had its perks. The latest event was being invited to play in Brandi Chastain’s retirement soccer match. It was an awesome event that included a mix of athletes such as Mia Hamm, Brent Jones, and Kristi Leskinen. Celebs that played included Judy Reyes and David Zayas who is on my favorite show “Dexter”!

I was also involved with the “Superstars” a made for TV event shot at Atlantis in the Bahamas that included some celebrities and 5-star athletes such as Lisa Leslie (WNBA), Brody Miller (skier), Terrel Owens(NFL), and Jeff Kent(MLB).

ONBOARD: Eric, Where is your favorite PWC race site?
EL: Pattaya City, Thailand! It’s an exotic paradise with some of the nicest people I have met!

ONBOARD: What is it about PWC racing that keeps you coming back?
EL: I can’t get away from the thrill! I’ve been racing since I was 15 years old and I enjoy today just as much!

ONBOARD: Eric, where is your favorite non-racing, riding location? Or what is your dream ride?
EL: I grew up riding at a spot called Bayside. It’s the northern tip of Longboat Key, Florida. It’s my absolute favorite spot to ride, it has rough water and flat water within seconds of riding. It creates a perfect training location with a perfect backdrop!

ONBOARD: What is or has been YOUR favorite part of being part of the Sea-Doo X-TEAM
EL: The Sea-Doo X-Team Bounty is a unique program that benefits any racer on a Sea-Doo. The program pays riders to get on the podium from novices to top pros. It also has cool incentives like the Sea-Doo Bounty Invitational that happens at the World Finals in Lake Havasu city, Arizona every year. It takes the top money winners for the year and gives them a chance to win an extra bonus check! I’ve been lucky enough to win 3 of them!

ONBOARD: Eric, what are you racing right now and what are looking forward to and who is supporting your 2012 efforts?
EL: I will be racing a 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260on the US National Tour and World Finals with the support of: Sea-Doo, Riva, Pro-Marine, Scott, Relaxzen, HydroTurf, Wamilton’s customs, Team Mean and Roaring Toyz.

BRP thanks Eric Lagopoulos for his time and dedication to the pursuit of PWC racing glory aboard Sea-Doo. You can follow Eric on his Facebook page.

IT’S LIKE THAT – “BUTTER” – Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 true tracking T-Hull with Pro Racer Eric Lagopoulos

18 Sunday Dec 2011

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The new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 features a new hull, The T3 hull. It is another revolutionary innovation from BRP, a literal, T-shape hull  With a narrow lower running surface that tracks through chop like nothing before it.  It is difficult to explain how well this new Sea-Doo watercraft handles chop.

 

BRP visited the restaurant managed by Pro Racer Eric Lagopoulos as he had an idea of how to show you what he thinks it’s like.

Eric Lagopoulos – IT’S LIKE THAT – the ALL-NEW Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 Watercraft T3 hull.

 

NEXT >>>> LIKE THAT #4 “Spinning Wheels” features Cody Hawkins and will debut Tuesday, December 20