JACKSON RACER READY FOR NEW CHALLENGE; AFTER DOMINATING CLASS, BORGFIELD WILL GO PRO

Tim Borgfield has nothing left to prove in the Novice Veteran jet ski division. The lifelong Jackson resident is moving up to the professional class for 2000, seeking new territory to conquer.

Borgfield, a 1980 Jackson High School graduate, owned the Novice Veteran division in 1999. Out of 40 races, he took first place 30 times, second six times, third three times and fourth the other time.

He took first place in overall season-long competition in his class and capped the season at the International Jet Sports Boat Association Skat-Track World Finals in Havasu City, Arizona, where he took first place in slalom, third in closed course and second place overall. He had finished third place overall the previous year."It's been such a phenomenal year," Borgfield said. "I feel fortunate to have made it to where I am. We'll see where we stand this time next year."Borfield's goal is to at least be in the top 10 nationally next year -- ideally in the top five."We've been successful; now we're anticipating the next goal," he said. "We've worked hard at it to accomplish what we've achieved. We're ready to take it to the next step."Borgfield does not race alone. His wife Lora and 2-year-old daughter Macie Raye accompany him to all races -- including the 27-hour one-way trip to Arizona. Many of his sponsors also attend races, in addition to supplying funds and products."I can't do it without them," Borgfield said. "Without our sponsors there's no way I could go do it. My job is to bring home championships and promote my sponsors."Borgfield is sponsored by Hansens Energy, Amsoil, First General Baptist Church of Jackson (where he attends), Cometic Gaskets, Fieffe, FTZ Performance, Express Cycle, Motorpsorts Unlimited and Missouri Sign Art Studio. He noted that it costs some $700 a race, including all expenses, and sill be over $1,000 "to pull out of my driveway" in the professional class.

Lora, meanwhile, does more than share the driving to and from races. She keeps an unbiased and experienced eye on both Tim and his opponents while he focuses on the task at hand."She'll tell me if someone is faster than me in a certain area," he said. "It may not be what I want to hear right then, but I need to hear it. She's pushed me to this level."Borgfield started out in motocross racing as a 14-year-old in 1976. After winning numerous trophies on the dirt track, he turned to jet skies as a hobby only in 1991."I didn't even know they raced jet skis," he said. "Later I found out that if it has an engine, somebody races it."Borgfield considered the A & W root Beer St. Louis Nationals July 17-18 his most nerve-wracking meet."I've performed in front of thousands of people all over the country," he explained, "but I didn't know any of those people. This was the one opportunity people had to see me, so most of my friends were up there to watch me. Our church youth group brought about 50 kids. I was kind of nervous."Despite his nerves, Borgfield made his fans proud, dominating in both the Veteran and Superstock class.

Borgfield, who has worked for Royal Crown Cola in Cape Girardeau since prior to his senior year in high school 21 years ago, has a nearly full-time job in maintaining his Yamaha craft. His garage is stacked with spare parts, oil, fuel and two back-up jet skis -- once which doubles as a bed for the Borgfield's dog, Princess. Much of the stock is hauled with them, to prepare for all emergencies."The last thing you want is to drive all night, then get knocked out of the race when something breaks," Lora said.

Borgfield, like any good competitor, refuses to rest on his laurels. Out of trophy space for the moment, he keeps his 1999 medals in a large plastic zip-lock bag, inside a metal can."I don't like to look at them," he said. "Each weekend is a whole new world. Each race is a new race."The year 2000 will be a whole new race for Team Borgfield. It is one Borgfield intends to hit in high gear.