The 2016 offshore powerboat-racing season kicked off the weekend of May 14 with the 7th annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix in Cocoa Beach, with 23 boats from around the country registered to race. In addition to Miss GEICO, the CMS Racing two-boat team that dominated the Superboat Unlimited class was be on hand in the shadow of Cape Canaveral. Team CRC-Sunlight Supply had its Superboat Unlimited entry ready to go, and the lone V-bottom in the class, Lucas Oil Silverhook, was also on hand.
Four of the top boats in the Superboat class were also ready to go. Defending world and national champion WHM Motorsports entered, as did the new 38-foot Skater, Stihl; another 38-foot Skater, Cleveland Construction; and the lone MTI, the 41-foot Sailor Jerry Autonation. The 40-foot Fountain AH Construction Instigator ran unopposed in Superboat Extreme.
Six boats made up the Superboat Vee class, including Boatfloater.com, Phantom, Mr. Technology, Bandit, Sun Print and LSB Hurricane of Awesomeness. Three teams, Papa’s Pilar Rum, FJ Propellers and Reliable Services Group, were expected in the Superboat Stock class. Check the www.superboat.com website for a full entry list and race results.
The festivities kicked off with a VIP, media and sponsor reception on Wednesday, followed by a “Meet the Race Teams” party on Thursday. On Friday, the boats arrived in the dry pits at the race village on Flounder Drive. Fans got their first look at the boats on the water during testing on Saturday. On Sunday, the first race started at noon, followed by the second one at 2 p.m., with awards presented at Milliken’s Reef in Port Canaveral. Again, check out www.superboat.com for results.
