Conor Daly’s brother wins JET SKI WORLD CUP in Thailand

Christian Daly

In what can only be described as one of the most dramatic showdowns of the year, Indiana's 21 year old Christian Daly won the Pro Sport GP World Cup today in Pattaya city, Thailand. After winning the first two motos on Saturday, Daly held a 14 point advantage over fellow American, 20+ time World Champion Chris MacCluggage, as they lined up for moto 3 on Sunday.

Half way around the first lap, Daly's boat suffered an electrical failure and dropped a cylinder. MacCluggage went on to win with Daly struggling home to finish in a distant 3rd place. Daly's lead going into the final deciding moto was now only 2 points. The final moto would be winner take all between the two Americans.

"I couldn't believe that a coil failed-and at the worst possible time" said Daly. "I looked over at TJ on the beach (engine builder, Tim Judge) and he was saying just keep going, by waving his hands. By sheer chance I brought an old coil as a spare and TJ fitted it for the final".

Daly knew he had to beat MacCluggage in the final moto. They both got a good start with Daly slightly ahead. They battled flat out for the first four laps when MacCluggage suffered a driveshaft failure leaving Daly to roll off the final laps to claim the $15,000 first place check and the prestigious Kings Cup.

"I knew Mac was one of the very best and I had to be perfect at the start. I could see him right behind me in the early laps and then he disappeared" commented Daly. "What a day, what a year – It was a proud moment for me to hear the American National anthem on the podium"

The Thai Airways Jet Ski World Cup attracted riders from 24 countries with five countries, Japan, Malaysia, England, Thailand and the USA represented in the Pro Sport GP class.

This weekend capped off an amazing season for Daly who is now a three time world champion of closed course sprint racing, and Pro Rookie of the Year in P1AquaX Enduros.

"I had a lot of people help me this year" said Daly. "The two Tim's – Judge and Neff – did so much all through the year to get me going fast. Jeff Lingenfelter at Lakeview Marina provided me with a boat for the Enduros. When I needed just that little bit more handling for Thailand, our local Indiana expert engineer, Jeff Hasty (KA Racing), made me a custom set of sponsons that I used – just so many people helped – and to think that we built this boat in our garage at home".

Daly is the brother of Indycar driver Conor Daly and youngest son of former F1, Indycar and television broadcaster, Derek Daly.