ABW Dec 2023-1

Flying Mercado sisters
leaped into action, placed the wounded rider on a floating
board, and brought to high ground. A team of paramedics
and an ambulance were standing by. This rider was lucky,
only minor injuries, after a thorough going over by the
paramedics and a bit of rest he was back
up on his feet. I talked to one of the
leading lady riders, Julie Kiener, who was
sitting this one out due to a past racing
injury but was eager to get back on the
water, all part of the game.
We can be proud of our Filipino riders
who will compete internationally at the
Lake Havasu, USA races. Seven Filipinos
included the famed “Flying Mercado
Sisters” Kayla and Kristine. Making a
magnificent “come back after a successful run in the 1990s,
Ira Kiener will go head-to-head with the younger racers at
Lake Havasu. After the Havasu races, they will compete
in Thailand for the King’s Cup, celebrating the birthday of
As in any action
sport, there is a
presence of danger,
flying across the
water on a rocket has
an element of risk.
the King. Filipino racers have also victoriously competed in
France where Louie Buhisan won his category at the grand
prix of Vichy, pro runabout 1100 open.
Along with many long-time experienced
racing veterans emerge the Flying Mercado
sisters, Kristen Kay and Kayla Marie. The
sisters only started racing last year but have
already found a place of dominance and
a vast following in the racing world. Fans
love to see the two sisters race against each
other, only to remain as close as sisters can
be after the race.
Sisters racing against each other, married
couples, young riders, and entire families
from beginners to veteran experts, this is a sport open to
all. One seasoned rider told me a used entry-level boat can
be bought in the 300,000pp range whereas as new 1100cc
open class will run 500k to one million. This is a fraction of
36