BORGFIELD FINISHES THIRD IN THE WORLD IN JET SKI RACING

Tim Maevers (left), general manager at Save-A-Lot is one of Borgfield's many sponsors.

Tim Borgfield and his wife Lora with their dog Princess. Princess likes to ride on jet skis, too. She has her own life jacket.

Tim Borgfield at the 1996 World Championship at Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Submitted Photo

For most of his life Tim Borgfield raced motorcycles and he has a basement full of trophies to show for it, but now Borgfield has found the sport of jet ski racing to be more his style.

"Six years ago, I had never heard of a jet ski and had never rode one, but looking back, I can say, that I am right where I hoped I would be when I first started racing jet skis," Borgfield said.

He raced in the Florida Winter Nationals last winter and was the overall champion.

Borgfield took his act to the Midwest Watercross Tour and again he won the overall championship.

Then at the 1996 World Championship in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Borgfield was on the verge of passing the current world champion to take the lead and possibly the world title when he got caught up in the leader's wake and missed a buoy.

Borgfield's mistake would cost him a chance at first and as he circled the buoy he was passed by another racer and would wind up in third place.

Borgfield finished the race in third place. But it was a major improvement over last year's 10th place finish and Borgfield hopes to return to the championship next year.

"There is a lot of pressure at a race that big. Everyone is so fast and if you make any mistakes, it can cost you a lot of positions in a matter of seconds," Borgfield said.

"But, it's a good feeling to know that you are respected by riders from all over the country and that all the hard work and practicing pays off in the end," he added.

Borgfield will not compete in the Florida Winter Nationals this year while his back heals from a recent injury.

Borgfield and his wife Lora traveled 28,000 miles this year to compete at events in Florida, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Borgfield has had a lot of support for his racing. Along with the support his wife gives to him, he has numerous sponsors that give him the money needed to go to the races.

Also, Roy and Betty Meier let the Borgfield's practice in their private lake this year, which helped out tremendously, according to Borgfield.

Lora also rides jet skis, but so far she says that Tim will do all the racing in the family.