Charlotte Harbor Super Boat Grand Prix - Team Gasse victorious

by Super Boat International on 16 Apr 2014 The Super Boat International season got underway in high gear with the first race taking place on the Gulf Coast of Florida at Englewood Beach with Team Gasse winning the Superboat Unlimited Class. With 30 boats competing in the inaugural Charlotte Harbor Super Boat Grand Prix event, the fans and teams were wowed by the turn out and excitement of offshore racing.

Super Boat’s season opener normally starts in May but it came early this year as the teams were out in full support of the new event and venue. Team Gasse Racing came back strong this year with owner, Tor Staubo and throttleman, Johnny Tomlinson maintaining second place most of the day, then as team CMS ran out of fuel, Team Gasse surged ahead for first place and victory in the first race of the year. 'What a great day. I am so excited and proud of our team for what we accomplished here today. This race site and all the local people are just so awesome,' comments Staubo.

Team STIHL took top honors in the Superboat Class with team Broadco, WHM, Cleveland Construction, and Auto Nation Racing For Cancer rounding out the field in finishing order. JR Noble of Team STIHL remarked, 'We are very excited with our win and, what is even more exciting was, racing next to Broadco deck to deck. That was so much fun! I am really looking forward to the next race. I think all the Superboats are excited about the season.'

The Superboat Vee class saw Team Snowy Mountain Brewery with owner / driver, Dr. Michael Janssen takes first place in a competitive field. Janssen also commented on the excitement this inaugural event brought to teams and fans. 'It looks like everyone is having a great time. The local promoter with over 300 volunteers and, of course, Super Boat… they all have really done a great job with this event. This was a great first stop on the 2014 circuit. I’m proud of my team as they really put a great boat together and we are all pleased with the results.'

The Stock Class, an always-competitive group, showcased veteran competitors The Hulk vs Top Starz Energy Drink fighting it out with The Hulk taking the win. All the boats in the class are very evenly matched which makes for an exciting class to watch.

The next race on the Super Boat circuit is the fifth Annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, May 16th – 18th. Join us in Cocoa Beach, Florida and, if you cannot make it, watch it live online here.

Results Top Three:
SBI Port Charlotte Grand Prix Results (Complete List click here)

Superboat Unlimited
1. Gasse
2. CMS
3. Lucas Oil / SilverHook

Superboat
1. STIHL
2. Broadco
3. WHM

Superboat Extreme
1. Instigator

Superboat Vee
1. Snowy Mountain Brewery
2. Sun Print
3. Phantom

Superboat Stock
1. The Hulk/Redline Oil
2. Top Starz Energy Drink
3. Porta Products

Manufacturer Production 3
1. Black Pearl
2. second Amendment
3. The Developer

Manufacturer Production 4
1. Rum Runners
2. In Tone/Crazy Chicken
3. Two Cruel