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Miami, Fla., March 8, 2000
 She's not part of Miami Vice, doesn't even carry
a Swiss Army knife, and doesn't come from mean city streets. In fact, she's Canadian by birth, South Floridian by choice, and an integral part of what keeps the APBA Offshore's safety
teams in the air. Diane Barrington, who brokers helicopters for the racer's safety divers and race media, is "The Blade Babe."
The nickname evolved when Barrington first became involved in the Florida APBA circuit while working for a Miami-based helicopter firm. The APBA STARS rescue team uses
helicopters for every race, a variety of sponsors and corporate VIP's like to view the race from the air, TV cameramen and photographers need
aerial footage, and since many of the independent race teams prefer having their own safety divers with them during the races, a connection for the
"helos" became a race necessity. Not only are they essential at the races, but choppers are a favorite part of the spectator race action as well.
Ever-present and hovering over all practice runs and race courses, the buzzing helicopters add to the viewer excitement - especially when they
make low-flying sweeps over the viewing piers or beaches!
Barrington left her job marketing helicopter services for another opportunity,
but didn't want to leave the race circuit in which she had become ensconced. She saw the opportunity to expand the "blade" service beyond
Florida, by independently brokering helicopters across the country for the entire race schedule. She assumed the nickname as her corporate identity, and Heli Broker was formed.
Media, VIP's, photographers and safety teams all rely on Barrington's ability to schedule helicopters through various firms across the country and nearby
islands. She supplies the logo decals for the choppers, and makes arrangements for photographers, pilots and safety divers when needed. She
can also arrange limo or Hummer limo service for clients on request.
Barrington's network of helicopter-related people and services is expansive,
and she has worked with prestigious teams like Ragamuffin, Drambuie On Ice, Alcone Motorsports, Ocean Spray, and Fountain Powerboats.
A single Mom of a 4 year-old son, Connor, who is already a powerboat race aficionado, Barrington divides her time between the APBA, a marketing
position with a direct mail firm, and the little boy who thinks helicopter and Hummer Limo rides are a part of everyone's life. For information on more
services or to see the 2000 race series from a new perspective, visit www.bladebabe.com or call 305-793-4720...
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