Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix - Action hits Cocoa Beach May 16

by Rodrick Cox on 11 May 2013 Super Boat International (SBI) is preparing for the second stop on the National Points Series racing circuit May 16th through 19th in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Some of the world’s fastest and most recognizable offshore powerboats will be battling in what is expected to be a very fast race event. The new Superboat Class is growing and the fourth Annual Space Coast Grand Prix will include a new international entry all the way from the State of Qatar.

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, owner of Team Qatar Racing and throttleman Steve Curtis have purchased a boat and a new set of motors for the new Superboat Spec class. 'We have been working really hard to prepare the boat and installing new motors. We are excited about the new class and are looking forward to racing in Cocoa Beach,' comments Curtis. The new 700+ hp class recently saw team STIHL win the season opener in Mississippi.

Founder of SBI, John Carbonell comments, 'We enjoy coming here to the Space Coast area and looking forward to putting on a great race for the fans and spectators, as everyone here is so enthusiastic. Over the past year, we have worked to combine classes to make it easier for the fans to understand the difference in the classes. Also, having fewer classes improves the competition among teams, which gives the fans even more exciting race action.'

This year the Superboat Extreme Class and Super Stock classes should again display some very exciting competition and great action. Fans should anticipate seeing some of their favorite teams in the Dry Pits this year, with the opportunity to get up close and meet their favorite drivers. Over the years, fans have flocked to the beaches to watch this event. One team, that will be returning for sure, is Team Instigator… fresh out of retirement. Peter Meyer is returning with a new driver (Travis Lofland) and is excited to be back racing again. Meyer comments, 'I don’t think I will be competing in all the races this year, but the ones that I do make, one thing is for sure… I’ll be giving it my all.'

'We always love coming here to Cocoa Beach. The people are so nice and the local producer, Kerry Bartlett, along with John Carbonell, work very hard to make this a great event and every year it seems to grow,' comments JR Noble, owner/driver of Team STIHL Offshore Racing. Last year at this time, it was Noble, along with the owners of JD Byrider and WHM Motorsports, who got together to develop the new Superboat class and, since then, it has brought in new boats.

Teams will start to arrive to The Cove (Dry Pits) in Cape Canaveral on Thursday May 16th and stage their boats and equipment. Fans are encouraged to come to see their favorite teams throughout the weekend. Teams will test on Saturday from Noon to 5:00 pm, where the rules-of-the-road applies. Teams will be expected to return to the crane promptly, with the last boat to be craned out and placed on their respective trailer by 5:00 pm. Sunday, teams from their respective classes will race at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Fans can watch along the beach from The Pier to Lori Wilson Park.

This year, the event will be streamed here so you won’t miss any of the action. Fans can stay connected with us at Super Boat. The Super Boat schedule is posted through 2013 with races coming up in Orange Beach, Al; Sarasota and Miami, FL; Michigan City IN; New York, NY; Clearwater and Key West, FL.
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Thursday • May 16, 2013
3:00pm	-	11:00pm	Power Boats on Parade - The Cove - Port Canaveral "Meet the Racers" Food & Drinks

 

Friday • May 17, 2013
9:00 am	-	6:00 pm	Powerboats and Race Teams in Dry Pits : Race Village
11:00am	-	5:00 pm	Press Credentials: Race Village
3:00 pm	-	11:00pm	Cocoa Beach Party Block Party - Meet the Racers Minuteman Causeway
6:00 pm	-	10:00pm	VIP Party: Meet the Racers - Coco Nut's on the Beach, Cocoa Beach

 

Saturday • May 18, 2013
9:00 am	-	5:00 pm	Powerboats and Race Teams In Dry Pits: Race Village Flounder Dr.
10:00am	-	5:00 pm	Registration: Race Village
10:00am	-	4:00pm	Wet / Hot Pit VIP Viewing
12:00pm	-	5:00 pm	Launching: Bluepoints Marina
12:00pm	-	5:00 pm	Testing: As per the SBIP Rulebook
12:00pm	-	10:00pm	Live Music : The Cove
7:00 pm			Bikini Contest: The Cove
6:00 pm	-	10:00pm	VIP Party: Meet the Racers -Blake Wise Concert

 

Sunday • May 19, 2013 - Race Day
9:00 am	-	4:00 pm	Launching : Bluepoints Marina
9:00 am	-	4:00 pm	Powerboats in Dry Pits: Race Village
11:00am	-	3:00pm	VIP Hospitality Tent @ the Pier
11:00am	-	3:00pm	VIP Hospitality Tent @Lori Wilson (Beach Side)
11:00am	-	3:00pm	VIP Hospitality Tent @Shepard Park (Beach Side)
12:00pm			Start of 1st. Race
2:00 pm			Start of 2nd Race
5:00 pm			Awards Presentation: The Cove