Marine
Mercury and MotorGuide Pro Kevin VanDam Finishes Third at 38th Bassmaster Classic
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 24, 2008) – At the 38th Bassmaster Classic, hosted in Greenville, S.C., two-time Classic winner and Mercury and MotorGuide pro angler Kevin VanDam, 40, finished third with a three-day combined weight of 43 pounds, eight ounces.
Four of the top 10 finishers and 32 of the 50 qualifiers at the Bassmaster Classic, recognized as the world championships of freshwater fishing, were powered by Mercury engines. Twenty-nine of the 32 Mercury anglers were also equipped with MotorGuide trolling motors.
Mercury and MotorGuide pros Greg Hackney, 34, finished fifth with a three-day combined weight of 41pounds, seven ounces; Jeff Kriet, 38, finished sixth with 40 pounds, 15 ounces; and Aaron Martens, 35, finished ninth with 40 pounds, seven ounces.
Alton Jones, 44, earned the Bassmaster Classic championship title with a three-day combined weight of 49 pounds, 7 ounces.
The Bassmaster Classic is considered the most prestigious freshwater fishing tournament in the world. This year's anglers competed for a total prize purse of nearly $1.2 million and faced off on Lake Hartwell with the final weigh-in taking place at the Bi-Lo Center.
Competitors endured what some are calling the most dramatic weather swing in Classic history. On day one, anglers braved rain and 30-degree temperatures. On day two, the sun shined and temperatures jumped into the 60s, allowing some anglers to change their fishing strategy. On the final day of competition, skies were overcast with 40-degree temperatures – while some had luck; others fell short.
Despite the weather, Classic anglers were met with record-breaking crowds – at the launch, at the expo and at the daily weigh-in.
Mercury Marine is an official and engine sponsor of the Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society (BASS) and the Bassmaster Classic.
About Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,200 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. In 2008, Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines" by J.D. Power and Associates for the third consecutive year. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.
CONTACT:
Abigail Walker
Manager – Internal & External Communications
Mercury Marine
Phone: 920-924-1360
Email: abigail.walker@mercmarine.com
