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February/March 2009 Issue

FULL SPEED AHEAD

2/2/2009 2:03:33 PM by SBIP John Carbonell

SBIP/APBA Offshore has an exciting season planed as the sleek, fast machines return to Miami for the 19th year to race in the Atlantic Ocean from the Clock Tower to 57th Street, race date is April 19th.

The tour continues next to the Heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon, with its unique race course, as boats race side by side passing under both the old and new 7 mile bridges on May 17th.    The third stop is off Fort Lauderdale’s glistening beaches where thrill seeking spectators can watch the boats launch from wave to wave on June 7th. SBIP / APBA Offshore is honored once again to sanction the next race on the schedule, the 25th Annual Suncoast Offshore Super Boat Grand Prix race that is held each year over the 4th of July weekend in Sarasota, Florida. The efforts of the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped festival proceeds have resulted in the construction of more then $14 million in facilities for their charity.

Michigan City, Indiana is a new site that was added to the schedule this year. The race date is August 9th; spectators will have an awesome view along Washington Park on the southern shore of Lake Michigan.   Continuing on to the High rises of New York City on September 6th and then off to the Crystal Coast of Morehead City, North Carolina on September 20th where the spectators can line the shores and watch the boats up close. Then return once again for the 29th year to famous Key West for the World Championship race the week of November 8 – 15.   This race draws competitors from all over the world for a week long event, with three days of racing (nine races take place within a four day period) bringing in tens of thousands of fans.

Super Boat Racing is not just about the sleek and fast machines, but about the thrill seeking souls who get behind the helm of the 4,800 HP monsters. The f

ans will get to see horsepower at work on the sea as the nation’s biggest, fastest offshore powerboats and top driver race toward a National Championship title in the Super Boat Series. The race courses on an average are 5.5 miles on Sunday afternoons with the start and finish line directly within a close viewing range. The events are held on the beautiful waterfronts of the host cities and have attracted not only the fans but anyone wanting an excuse to spend a day on the water. Families organize picnics with their loved ones, friends meet up for a beach party, company owners organize picnics for their employees, and boat owners get an excuse to take their boats out for a front row seat.

The excitement of the day does not stop after the race on water ends, but only begins as the teams are given their awards at the dry pit area. Fans are welcome to join the race teams on the Saturday’s before race day where they can get up close to the racers and their machine as they display their equipment.

The Super Boat designation says it all. They are some of the fastest and largest offshore Power boats in the world. With a maximum length of 50 feet, F-16 jet canopies and equipped with up to four engines producing, these boats can reach record breaking speeds upwards of 200 mph. Imposing as they may appear, they are finely tuned machinery incorporating the most advanced space age technology. They provide the ideal platform for the installation and testing of equipment under some of the most punishing conditions possible.

2009 continues a new era for Super Boat International Productions. It is the 19th Super Boat International Race Series and 33rd year for John Carbonell as a racer and offshore powerboat race promoter. “Our organization has developed over the years. We will be in our fifth year of a ten year license with APBA Offshore. As the memberships increase the fans attending our

events are also growing. Our current host cities have signed contracts for multiple years, demonstrating the growing interest in the sport”, said Carbonell, President. Super Boat viewers are thrill-seekers who are passionate about life and commit themselves completely to everything they do. Our viewers get out and experience what they have seen. SBIP / APBA Offshore is committed to providing events that are authentic, entertaining and inspirational, and leaves these young male viewers satisfied but hungry for more.

Superboat Unlimited and Superboat Vee Unlimited are just two of the boat classes raced in the circuit. The other classes include Superboat 750, Superboat 850, Super Cat, Super Vee, Turbine, Superboat Stock, and Manufacturer Productions P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5.

SBIP/APBA Offshore will honor the Offshore Hall of Champions for 2008 which are: Vee Class - #V-01 Hard Rock with Peter Meyer and John Stanch; Cat Class – S-13 Stihl with Robert Noble and Grant Bruggemann; and Production Class – P3-52 Crazy Greek with George Bochis, John Bochis and Robert Oetringer.

SBIP/APBA Offshore would also like to congratulate the following:

2008 National Champions:
Superboat Unlimited – Aqua Mania; Superboat Vee Unlimited – Hard Rock; Super Vee – Miccosukee Indian Gaming; Super Vee Limited – Bull Realty; Superboat Stock – Stihl; Production 3 – Crazy Greek; Production 4 – Dare Devil; and Production 5 – Rum Runners.

2008 Florida Champions:
Superboat Unlimited – Aqua Mania; Superboat Vee Unlimited – Hard Rock; Turbine – Miss GEICO; Super Vee – Miccosukee Indian Gaming; Superboat Sto

ck – Miccosukee Indian Gaming; Production 1 – Team Raven; Production 3 – Crazy Greek; Production 4 – Dare Devil; and Production 5 – Team Velocity.

2008 World Champions:
Superboat Unlimited – Bud Light; Superboat Vee Unlimited Class II – Hard Rock; Superboat Vee Unlimited Class I – Lucas Oil; Turbine – Miss GEICO; Superboat 750 – Reliable Carriers; Superboat 850 – WHM Motorsports; Super Vee – Miccosukee Indian Gaming; Super Cat – Team Amsoil; Superboat Stock – Stihl; Production 1 – Fountain Worldwide; Production 2 – Miccosukee Indian Gaming; Production 3 – Davis Motorsports; Production 4 – Simmons Marine.com; and Production 5 – Team Velocity.

2008 Triple Crown:
The recipient would have to finish first place in all three of the above championships. Superboat Vee Unlimited – Hard Rock and Super Vee – Miccosukee Indian Gaming.

For more information call 305.296.6166 or go to the SBIP/APBA Offshore’s website at Superboat.com.