2024
DRIVING ACADEMY
SCHEDULE...
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TRAINING HOTEL
Holiday Inn Express
Powerboat Nationals
invites you to drive one of our Formula Light Powerboats!
You will learn to drive one of these race boats in a safe, enjoyable environment, at an affordable cost. Walk away with a ride of a lifetime and you'll be one step closer to racing as a competitor in an up-coming "Formula Light" event.
INSTRUCTORS AND ADVISORS
Your Driving School Instructors and advisors are current or former race boat pilots of the Powerboat Nationals Series. They will help to instruct you on how to drive the School Boat and the do's and dont's of driving a Formula Light tunnel boat.
Director - Dan Bunting
* Team Flex Seal
* Team Monster Energy
Director - Randy Partch
* Team Liquid Revolutions
* Outdoor Frenzy Adventures
Jim Robb
* Team Gulf Marine
John Edde
* Team Big Cedar Lodge
Kevin Davidson
* PBN Rescue Chief
Ricky Sober
* Team Liquid Revolutions
Driving Academy includes:
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Use of a Formula Light Race Boat
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Use of approved Safety Equipment
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Use of Communications Equipment
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Classroom and on-water Instruction
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Capsule Training & Certification
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Certificate of Academy Completion
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Weekend APBA membership, with option to upgrade
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Powerboat Nationals Formula Lights Racing License
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Ten entries into Formula Light boat give away raffle
ADMISSION IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED; SPACE IS LIMITED - APPLY TODAY!
Driving Academy is limited to 10 participants in Each Class
SCHEDULE
Friday 5pm - Registration, meet and greet @ the Host Hotel
Friday 6pm to 9pm - Classroom time @ the Host Hotel
Saturday 7am to 9am - Capsule Training @ the Host Hotel
Saturday 10am to 5pm - Water time @ the Branson Landing
SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY
We don't take safety lightly. You will use the appropriate safety gear designed for this type of racing. Most, if not all of it is the same gear your instructors use when they race.
During all parts of the course, Powerboat Nationals professional rescue team will be on-site. This team is made of highly qualified, Fire Fighters, EMTs and First Responders. All of which are experienced rescue divers with extensive knowledge of race boat rescue.
WATER SESSION
This is where the fun begins as it's your turn to drive! After a short briefing and safety equipment check, you will take the knowledge you learned during the classroom session and head out onto the water. During this time your instructor will guide you via radio, as you make laps around the race course.
Remember...You are not racing: you are learning to drive. On each lap, you'll gain confidence and skill.
CAPSULE TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
This portion of the course will be done in a swimming pool and lead by the Powerboat Nationals professional rescue team with the assistance of your instructors. During this time you will learn how to use an onboard air system, and how to safely and calmly exit a flipped boat.
Capsule Training is a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT to drive/race a boat. Upon successful completion of this exercise, this certification is valid for 2 years, from the successful completion date of this exercise. Capsule Training Renewals can be done through Powerboat Nationals.
CLASSROOM SESSION
The classroom sessions are lead by experienced Powerboat Nationals racers and are designed to teach the basics of tunnel boat racing. Topics that will be covered, during this portion of the Academy Training include General Rules, Required Safety Equipment, Navigating a Race Course, Terminology, and Tunnel Race Boat Anatomy.
MEET AND GREET / REGISTRATION
Open 1 hour before class starts. You will meet your instructors, other class participants, fill out paperwork, and register for a weekend American Power Boat Association (APBA) membership.
This course is an APBA approved event and membership is required. Annual membership is available and can be upgraded at time of registration for an additional cost.
