SARASOTA, FL - (June 27, 2008) – For more than two decades, the world’s offshore racing fans have converged in Sarasota to watch the world’s fastest powerboat racing teams challenge one another off Sarasota’s shore. Steeped in tradition and considered by many to be the best race of the season, this industry standard is the oldest and most prestigious race of the sport. July 4th weekend, the best race will get even better when Miss GEICO, one of the world’s fastest offshore teams, turns it up a notch.
“Sarasota is a crown jewel,” said John Haggin, visionary owner of the Miss GEICO team. “The biggest and best boats will come out to race here. This is where the season gets serious and the best walk away winners. We’re ready for that walk.”
Much has changed in both the coastal city of Sarasota and the industry of offshore powerboat racing since the first days of the Sarasota Offshore Grand Prix 24 years ago. A hallmark race where veterans earn their stripes, this preeminent race has seen its host city and participating teams follow suit in the quest for offshore excellence – none more than the winning turbine performance Miss GEICO team. “Our winning formula is especially showcased in the Sarasota race,” said Miss GEICO Driver Marc Granet. “Sarasota now hails as the performance boat capitol of the world, replacing North Miami’s Thunder boat row as the greatest concentration of high-tech manufacturers. That means that the audience most appreciative of our innovative advancements in the arena of performance and speed will be on hand to watch us wake up Sarasota’s shore next weekend. We can’t wait to give them a show that exceeds all expectations.”
Miss GEICO’s ever increasing investment in the latest go-fast technology, combined with more than a century of cumulative experience in the crew and cockpit, topped off with an unwavering drive to win usually equates to a checkered flag for the 44 and 50-ft., turbine-powered marine monsters that’s been known to hit speeds higher than 200 miles per hour in seconds. But for the world’s preeminent powerboat racing team, this weekend’s performance means far more than winning – it’s about the continuing evolution of the industry.
“All the greats of powerboat racing have competed here. Much of the hallmarks in the history of our sport happened right here,” said Haggin. “The classic showdowns, titles won and lost, seasons made…our quest this weekend is not only to win, but to add to those annals of history with a memory-making performance.”
Haggin will realize his quest. Word is out about a classic showdown between Miss GEICO and Bud Light’s performance team. Miss GEICO’s twin turbine engines and space-age technology will take on Bud Light’s piston engines to prove the future of offshore lies in the ever-growing turbine and performance class as more teams are building boats to keep in step with the Miss GEICO model. Sure to be a heated race right down to the finish, look for Miss GEICO’s edge to make the difference that matters. A local race for Driver Marc Granet, he spends weekends running the course’s waters. Paired with the unparalleled expertise of Throttleman Scotty Begovich, Miss GEICO will tweak tradition, giving it a healthy appetite for speed, and collect its latest and perhaps, greatest checkered flag of the season.
For an interview with the experts behind Miss GEICO, call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108.
24th Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix, Sarasota
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
July 3, 2008 (Thursday)
7am-1 am - Dry Pits Open: Centennial Park
4pm - Staging for parade – Centennial Park – 10th St.
7pm - Festival Parade of Boats Main Street, Downtown Sarasota
6pm - Sarasota Reds host Baseball / Fireworks Night, Ed Smith Stadium $5 Gen. Admission / $6 Box Seats
8pm-12am - Downtown Block Party and Powerboats on Main Street, Downtown Sarasota
July 4, 2008 (Friday)
9am-5pm - Information Credentials, Hyatt -1000 Blvd. of the Arts.
9am-5pm - Registration: Hyatt
9am-10pm - Dry Pits/ Powerboats by the Bay - Centennial Park 10th St.
9am-5pm - Inspections: Dry Pits: Centennial Park
8pm-1am - Worlds largest Offshore Party – Hyatt Ballroom $15.00 per person
9pm - Fireworks Spectacular!!! Sarasota Bay Front
July 5, 2008 (Saturday)
9am - Mandatory Driver’s Meeting – Hyatt Ballroom
10:00am - Meet & Greet Who’s In the Drivers Seat Reception – Hyatt Ballroom - $10 per person Kids 10 and under free
10am-5pm - Registration: Hyatt
10am-5pm - Information Credentials: Hyatt
10am-5pm - Inspection: Centennial Park – 10th St.
10am-10pm - Dry Pits / Powerboats by the Bay: Centennial Park 10th St
10am-5pm - Launching: 10th Street Centennial Park
12pm-4pm - Dunker Test - Hyatt pool
8am-5pm - Fuel Available – 10th St.
10am-5pm - Testing: As Per Rule Book
9am-5pm - Wet Pits:
July 6, 2008 (Sunday)
7:30am-8:30am - Physicals: Hyatt Ballroom
8am-5pm - Launching & Recovery: 10th St at Centennial Park
8am-1pm - Fuel Available – 10th St.
9am-12pm - Wet Pits: TBA
9am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting: Hyatt Ballroom, Registration: Closed
10am-6pm - Dry Pits / Powerboats by the Bay – Centennial Park 10th St.
10am - FAA Pilots Meeting: Jones Aviation (941) 355-8100
10:30am - Boats of Race 1: Parade To Milling Area
11am - Start of First Race
12:30 - Boats of Race 2: Parade To Milling Area
1pm - Start of Second Race
5pm - Awards Ceremony: Centennial Park 10th St.
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