AMF Offshore Racing News

Miss GEICO's Speed, Style and Technology set to Start New Tradition at Classic Powerboat Race in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla., July 2 /PRNewswire/ — 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 have 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 - 10(th) 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 10(th) 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 - 10(th) St. 10am-10pm Dry Pits / Powerboats by the Bay: Centennial Park 10(th) St. 10am-5pm Launching: 10(th) Street Centennial Park 12pm-4pm Dunker Test - Hyatt pool 8am-5pm Fuel Available - 10(th) 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: 10(th) St at Centennial Park 8am-1pm Fuel Available - 10(th) St. 9am-12pm Wet Pits: TBA 9am Mandatory Drivers Meeting: Hyatt Ballroom Registration: Closed 10am-6pm Dry Pits / Powerboats by the Bay - Centennial Park 10(th) 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 10(th) St.

This Press release includes and is based on forward-looking information and statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on current expectations, estimates and historical projections about weather conditions and the performance of Miss GEICO Offshore Racing. Miss GEICO Offshore Racing undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or statements in the press release.

SOURCE AMF Offshore Racing

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