PASCO, Wash. (Nov. 2, 2009) The Amercian Boat Racing Association (ABRA) on Monday announced they have hired Tampa Digital Studios to produce and broadcast live the inaugural Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, Nov. 19-21 in Doha, Qatar via the hydroplane racing series’ web site, www.abrahydroplanes.com.

The ABRA has been working in concert with the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) for months to bring unlimited hydroplane racing to the Middle East region and this partnership with Tampa Digital will allow fans across the world to see the World Championship live in streaming programming on the Internet.

Mike McKown, Director of Broadcast Management at Tampa Digital said, “We are very excited to have the opportunity to give hydroplane racing fans a look into the future of Internet coverage of major sporting events. I know fans are going to be very pleased with the quality and coverage we will bring them from the Oryx Cup.”

The coverage will include multiple high definition video cameras,, interviews, and play-by-play audio provided by veteran hydroplane public address announcer Steve Montgomery for each qualification heat and the winner-take-all final. The coverage will have unlimited broadband capability, designed to grow with the number of users logging on.

Sam Cole, Chairman of the ABRA said, “The majority of hydroplane owners have stepped up to the plate in arranging this coverage. They want to make sure fans across the world see what a terrific race his Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of QMSF has provided.” Cole added, “This is the start of the future for us.”

Sheikh Hassan said, “This is a break through for the marine sport to go live on Internet and it will give more exposure to the sport. This will allow all who love the sport to be able to see it live anywhere around the world. I do believe it will take hydroplane racing to a new level.”

In addition to the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, the ABRA’s National Championship for team and driver will be decided among the ten hydroplane teams with the presentation of the Martini and Rossi National Champion Trophy.

Leading into the event, Steve David (Lighthouse Point, Fla.) and the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison team has a 216 point lead ahead of the U-5 Formulaboats.com and driver Jeff Bernard (Kent, Wash.).  Dave Villwock (Auburn, Wash.) in the U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus follow in third place -- 944 points behind Steve David, the defending ABRA National Champion; 680 behind in team points.

The live broadcast will begin Friday, Nov. 20 at 11:30 am UTC (3:30 am EST/12:30 am PST) and end after the podium presentations scheduled for 3:10 pm UTC.  Coverage for Saturday, Nov. 21 qualification heats will begin at 11:01 am UTC (3:01 am EST/12:01 am PST).

The Oryx Cup UIM World Championship winner-take-all final is scheduled for 4:00 pm DT (8:00 am EST/5:00 am/) Nov. 21.

Three commercial sponsors, Five Axis Industries (www.fiveaxisind.com), Formula Boats (www.formulaboats.com), and Oberto Sausage Company (www.obertosausagecompany.com) will be featured in the streaming broadcast.

For further information about the ABRA: Owen Blauman, Oryx Cup UIM World Championship Media Relations, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further media information about the QMSF: Neil Perkins, NDP Publicity Services, Mobile: + 44 7831 123153, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) - The American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) is the exclusive promoting organization of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing by the American Power Boat Association. Founded in 2005, ABRA is responsible for overseeing all marketing, administrative, racing and technical aspects of the sport. It is governed by an elected Board of Directors and a Chairman. Under the event sanctions issued by American Power Boat Association, the ABRA conducts the events in its series throughout North America and internationally including the prestigious American Power Boat Association Gold Cup which has been contested for 100 years and is the oldest known motorsports trophy in all of racing. (www.abrahydroplanes.com)

Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) - The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) was formed in 1922 and is the world governing body for marine motorsport and is recognized as such by both the General Association of International Sports Federations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). (www.uimpowerboating.com)

Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) - Established in January 2000. The attention given by the federation to marine sports stems from the generous support of Emir, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the sponsorship of Heir Apparent, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Harnad Al Thani. QMSF seeks to develop the sports of power boating in the state of Qatar under the able leadership of its president, Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al Thani, who is the driving force behind this emerging new activity. The vision of QMSF is to be the leader and the primary organizer in all water sports and host world-class competitions. To achieve our goal QMSF has prepared long term plans for all of the water sports under the Federation’s umbrella, which clearly highlight the necessity of encouraging youths in different ways. (www.qmsf.org)

Tampa Digital Studios - Tampa Digital Studios was an idea that began more than a decade ago with a small staff. Today, our professional, diverse staff has grown to more than 30 people. We have become one of the largest digital media, video and film production companies in West Central Florida. And, we serve digital media production needs nationwide. We have editing suites equipped with the latest HD technology, an expanding and creative graphics/animation department, a web programming team, and an in-house production studio and staff. Our nearly 15,000-square-foot facility is in historic Ybor City, considered by many as Tampa’s creative center. (www.tampadigital.com)