Andrew Vo Makes Waves in World Jetski Series Debut

The opening round of the World Jetski Series WGP#1 was located in the
beautiful city of Osaka, Japan.  This race marks a milestone for young
Andrew,  who recently turned 16, graduating from the 13-15yr
Four-Stroke-Lites class.  Moving from the junior class to the amateur
class is almost like moving up 3 tiers on the international stage.
Andrew now competing against really talented adults, and even some
full-time racers. To say the least, this would be Andrew’s toughest
race so far.

The journey to Japan was rough, but the Vo family is no stranger to
overseas competitions. The Vo race family flew from Dallas, Texas, to
Seattle, Washington, Taipei, Taiwan, and finally, Osaka, Japan. After
35 hours of traveling, the Vo family had made it.  A longtime Jettribe
family friend, Derek C. met the Vo family in Japan, flying in from
North Carolina. Derek has been a part of the Jettribe family for over
20 years, traveling with the team across Europe and Asia. After 6
hours of sleep, the team decided they were ready to drive the streets
of Osaka. They rented a micro van, giving them freedom to travel and
explore. Andrew and his family made it to the race site, meeting their
Japanese racing team. Despite the language barrier, they made a strong
bond with the team. The Vo/ Jettribe family cherishes the
relationships made with people all over the world.

Competing overseas has its own unique challenges, but it’s all an
experience worth having,  from the obvious financial commitments, to
the constant fatigue, to riding new skis.  International racing has so
much to offer, and Andrew is so grateful to be able to experience
Japanese culture.

Andrew went from a junior kid riding Team Flamingo’s spare ski to
lining up beside their top adult riders. For Andrew it’s a dream come
true to be on the same starting line as the racers he’s looked up to
for years. This is way beyond nerve-wracking for Andrew, as this is
his first international race in the Amateur class matched against some
of the most experienced riders in the world.

We are so grateful for our supported ski built with Japanese care and
precision. Though it may not have been the fastest, it was still a
competitive PWC . Luckily, for Andrew, the water conditions were
rough, so horsepower was not the deciding factor to the race. The name
of the game was survival. The rough conditions acted as an equalizer
for all of the riders.

In Andrew’s first moto, 3 riders collided, sending spectators into
shock. To our relief, Andrew was seen around the first buoy in his
neon orange Jettribe wetsuit. After 7 more laps, Andrew stayed steady,
and earned himself a 2nd place for the first moto.

Andrew battled it out in his second moto, fighting his fatigue and
mental strain. Andrew’s second moto had smoother water conditions,
resulting in him getting overpowered. He took 5th place.

The last moto on the 3rd day had similar weather conditions as the
first day, being rough and windy. Andrew came in 4th, giving him a 3rd
place overall finish.

But, the team celebration was short-lived. Due to some mistranslation
from the IJSBA rule book, the Japanese ski had a small tab on the
hull, and was ruled to be illegal. The boat was disqualified. The Vo
race family respect the ruling by the race officials. Ultimately,
Andrew was disqualified for that round, giving him a 5th place finish
for the weekend.

Walking away from the weekend. Andrew learned a lot, and grew so much
as a person. He completely understood the ruling and took it like a
true champion.

Around the race site, the most heartwarming aspect was that so many
race fans, fellow racers, including the officials, congratulated
Andrew on a good race and his riding. Many of the race teams have seen
Andrew struggle and grow since his first season.  This weekend Andrew
had proven himself that he can be a contender among some of the
fastest riders in the world. But, most of all he has gained additional
respect and admiration from his peers. This is not from being a fast
podium rider, but for being mature and professional person, when a
well earn podium spot was denied.

The Vo family have always taught Andrew that jetski racing is a sport
that is a privilege in which to participate. How an athlete performs
on the track is only 10% of what matters. The other 90% is being kind,
professional,  passionate, and approachable on shore off the
racetrack.

There is such gratitude for all of Andrew’s supporters and sponsors.
A big thank you goes to: Blowsion, BNJ Parts, City National Bank,
Cometic Gasket, Dale’s Jetsports, Deans Team Racing, Freedom Racing
Thailand, Flamingo Jetski Team, Ignite Racing Fuel, Sulphur Springs
Veterinary Clinic, and VK Composites.