New York Grand Prix - Team ‘Spirit of Qatar’ wins with new 50’ Mystic

by Super Boat International on 12 Sep 2013 Super Boat International race teams put on a show on the Hudson River in New York and The Spirit of Qatar came out on top with an uncontested win in the Turbine class. The successful debut of the new 50’ Mystic showed what months of preparation can do. Driver of the NO. 96 catamaran, his Excellency, Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al Thani, along with accomplished throttleman Steve Curtis were very pleased at the conclusion of their run.

'The water was very tricky here with all the swells and things,' comments Curtis. 'We started to get the feel of the boat and ran some good hot laps at the end of the day. The Sheikh was really happy to be here and we are eagerly looking forward to Clearwater… this is why we were here, to give the boat a good shakedown.'

Even with a shortened day, Team Kilt, with owner/driver Tony Canale and driver Richard Davis in the Manufacture P3, class took home an uncontested victory. Canale comments on his good, but frustrating day. 'We were riding around enjoying life and the boat has never run better until we broke a gear box. It’s just very frustrating, but what can you do, we still got first place.'

Fans watching the Superboat Class saw a very exciting turn of events play out in New York with Team STIHL taking a win and moving closer for a chance at the National Title. Driver of Team STIHL, JR Noble, comments, 'It was a great race, but a little disappointing that WHM broke. We always like racing against them and I know they are frustrated about their day in their hometown. We had the perfect setup; the boat was fast and I was really looking forward to a big race against Billy [Mauff]… but we won and we are off to Clearwater. The Qatar Superboat ran very fast, so it was nice to see them up there and racing hard,' comments Noble. 'With a first today, we are back in the points race. John Carbonell always makes the Nationals a double points race, so in the Superboat class, it’s now going to be winner take all. You will have to race to win.'

President of Super Boat International, John Carbonell, was pleased with the day’s outcome. 'We had a good field of big boats here and it was great to see the Sheikh’s new boat run. We shortened the course a little and added a few laps to make it more enjoyable for the fans. You could see the teams holding back a bit as the water was a little choppy out there and the course had a few hidden holes. I just appreciate everyone who raced here this weekend and everyone who came to watch. We saw a couple of new boats, Team Broadco’s MTI and the new Fountain, Absolutely Not, Superboat Vee. We had some great racing from Cleveland Construction and Team Instigator in the Extreme Class, so it was a real good weekend,' comments Carbonell.

There is hardly a more exciting skyline than New York City and this is why teams like coming here and racing. Teams know this is a great place to shake down their boats and prepare for the National Championships. If teams can leave with good results and no damage to their boats from debris floating in the water, then they are set for a championship dual.

Superboat officials were retrieving large logs and debris from the course during the race as it can always ruin an outdrive or prop if they come in contact with each other. No teams received any damage and they are all ready and looking forward to Clearwater at the end of September.

Reality shows are everywhere and now their eyes are on Super Boat. Recently in New York, film crews followed the teams and got a glimpse of what makes this sport so exciting and fan-friendly. After three days of filming, the next stop for show producers will be Key West, Florida. Stay tuned for more information coming about this on Superboat.com.

Other class winners were: Superboat Extreme Team Broadco and sole entries in the Superboat Unlimited and Superboat Vee classes, Team Sceduria Cazzani Racing and Team Absolutely Not respectively.

The next Super Boat International race will be in Clearwater, Florida the weekend of September 27th – 28th. The fifth Clearwater Bright House Super Boat National Championships that will showcase the world’s fastest boats. The launching of the boats will be in Coachman Park, where fans will get a close-up look at their favorite Super Boat website