Superboat Key West 2014, a Growing Class of True Competitors
by Serious Offshore
Published on 11-04-2014 09:37 AM
Superboat in SBI has been growing since they modified the rules for the class a couple years ago. As the combined classes of the old Superboat 750, Superboat 850, and Supercat, the class had a group of teams to choose from. The only question was, would they all buy in to a class that almost mimicked the old Supercat Rules before the changes early in this century.
Many of us can remember the 12 or 13 boats that competed on a regular basis in the Supercat Class in the late 90's and early 00's, but it disappeared into a multitude of classes where the rules seemed to change annually. Well, that seems to be the case no longer and the teams appear to be coming back in to a class that, although not affordable for many of us, is certainly a class where a budget (big) can be laid out and adhered to. Most teams start out at the World's with everything tweaked, or rebuilt, to be the very best they can be. Superboat, (Supercat forever to us), is on the right course in our estimation. Very close competition seems to be the norm, not runaway parades with dissimilar boats having distinct advantages. How close, well, kinda like this........
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
This year the field appears to be seven boats at his time. The first one to watch, the defending SBI World Champion WHM. What makes this entry one of even more interest, they have built a brand new boat and this is its very first competition ( http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23749 ) . One would think that sticking with the equipment that gave you last year's World Championship and second overall for the season in the National Championship standing, may be the only way to go. But obviously that's not the way of most front running teams. Second for the season must not have been good enough for these perennial front runners. Keep an eye on them, should be fun to watch.
Photo Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Last year's National Champ, and second at the World's, Stihl may be the odds on favorite to move up one spot this year. They won the first two races at last year's Worlds, but had issues in the final on Sunday and those Sunday Double Points did them in. We can guarantee their plans this year are to move up that one place, and everyone else in the class knows it...
Courtesy Shoot 2 Thrill Pete
Another boat that is always in the hunt of any race, Broadco, has completely fixed all of the issues caused by their spinout at their last event. There is no thought other than that they are also planning on being in the first place at the end of the week. Their team has consistently proven to be ready at all times to compete with anyone on the course.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Next up would be the team who has been missing the past couple years, traveling all the way from the West Coast to once again show the fans what they are capable of doing. Amsoil is no rookie to being on a podium at the end of any event, and there is no way they plan on being anywhere else at the end of the Championship week in Key West this year. We doubt very much that they have gotten rusty, and they have been running events and practicing to get their winning groove back.
Courtesy Ratickle Paul
Cleveland Construction, still learning at every event on how to make the boat perform to its best capabilities, has steadily improved this season. Everything points to they are getting there and this may be the event that puts them among the other front runners.
Courtesy Shoot 2 Thrill Pete
Another boat which has steadily improved over the course of the season, Racing for Cancer, has serious plans of finishing on the podium this year. With a new driver starting out this season, and taking the smart plan of learning and improving every event, they have shown that plan to be a prudent one. They are expected to be right there every race, and close competition with the others is what they are envisioning.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Another boat that has had some setbacks this season, but is ready for Key West, is Warpaint. Over the years they have had some serious ups and downs, but as true competitors they have returned every time and are hoping this year belongs to them.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Superboat, (Supercat
), has become quite the class of true racers who want to show their capabilities on the course against stiff competition. This group gets better and better every year under the new class rules, and this year should be the best so far. Everyone should enjoy being a spectator for these teams.
Good luck to all, and stay safe!!
by Serious Offshore
Published on 11-04-2014 09:37 AM
Superboat in SBI has been growing since they modified the rules for the class a couple years ago. As the combined classes of the old Superboat 750, Superboat 850, and Supercat, the class had a group of teams to choose from. The only question was, would they all buy in to a class that almost mimicked the old Supercat Rules before the changes early in this century.
Many of us can remember the 12 or 13 boats that competed on a regular basis in the Supercat Class in the late 90's and early 00's, but it disappeared into a multitude of classes where the rules seemed to change annually. Well, that seems to be the case no longer and the teams appear to be coming back in to a class that, although not affordable for many of us, is certainly a class where a budget (big) can be laid out and adhered to. Most teams start out at the World's with everything tweaked, or rebuilt, to be the very best they can be. Superboat, (Supercat forever to us), is on the right course in our estimation. Very close competition seems to be the norm, not runaway parades with dissimilar boats having distinct advantages. How close, well, kinda like this........
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
This year the field appears to be seven boats at his time. The first one to watch, the defending SBI World Champion WHM. What makes this entry one of even more interest, they have built a brand new boat and this is its very first competition ( http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23749 ) . One would think that sticking with the equipment that gave you last year's World Championship and second overall for the season in the National Championship standing, may be the only way to go. But obviously that's not the way of most front running teams. Second for the season must not have been good enough for these perennial front runners. Keep an eye on them, should be fun to watch.
Photo Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Last year's National Champ, and second at the World's, Stihl may be the odds on favorite to move up one spot this year. They won the first two races at last year's Worlds, but had issues in the final on Sunday and those Sunday Double Points did them in. We can guarantee their plans this year are to move up that one place, and everyone else in the class knows it...
Courtesy Shoot 2 Thrill Pete
Another boat that is always in the hunt of any race, Broadco, has completely fixed all of the issues caused by their spinout at their last event. There is no thought other than that they are also planning on being in the first place at the end of the week. Their team has consistently proven to be ready at all times to compete with anyone on the course.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Next up would be the team who has been missing the past couple years, traveling all the way from the West Coast to once again show the fans what they are capable of doing. Amsoil is no rookie to being on a podium at the end of any event, and there is no way they plan on being anywhere else at the end of the Championship week in Key West this year. We doubt very much that they have gotten rusty, and they have been running events and practicing to get their winning groove back.
Courtesy Ratickle Paul
Cleveland Construction, still learning at every event on how to make the boat perform to its best capabilities, has steadily improved this season. Everything points to they are getting there and this may be the event that puts them among the other front runners.
Courtesy Shoot 2 Thrill Pete
Another boat which has steadily improved over the course of the season, Racing for Cancer, has serious plans of finishing on the podium this year. With a new driver starting out this season, and taking the smart plan of learning and improving every event, they have shown that plan to be a prudent one. They are expected to be right there every race, and close competition with the others is what they are envisioning.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Another boat that has had some setbacks this season, but is ready for Key West, is Warpaint. Over the years they have had some serious ups and downs, but as true competitors they have returned every time and are hoping this year belongs to them.
Courtesy Freezeframe Jeff
Superboat, (Supercat
Good luck to all, and stay safe!!
