We Love the Offshore Racing Fans

Offshore racing in Sarasota is not the same. We try to keep articles light, entertaining, informative and always heartfelt. I realize this is somewhat of a departure since the latter (heartfelt) is mainly in play here. Our favorite memories in racing beyond going on stage to receive awards, was meeting the race fans at both the Block Parties and Driver’s Meet and Greet Events, including many local children helped by the funds raised during the Sarasota Grand Prix each July. We miss the children’s bright faces showing both glee and dismay at the passing large race boats during the parade on Main Street. We miss the “Watt-Ahh” encouraging yells from the fans and loved the crowd reaction when the loud truck horn suddenly sounded. Even the block party with the boats on display for the many fans staying well past 10 p.m., will not be held downtown this year. We also miss the competition from other boats in our racing class. Let’s throw one more in … we miss volunteering for the citizen boat patrol to aid other boaters who anchor their boats to watch one of the greatest sports on Earth.

But we will never regret the opportunity to race and we are thankful to our sponsors that made racing for us possible including Mortons Market, Charles Schwab, Stephen M. Musco, CPA, Best Western Plus – Siesta Key Gateway, Suncoast Motorsports, Sunset Auto Group, Spectre Powerboats (Chris Ivey), Tuna’s Freedom Marine, Sarasota Wraps, Osprey Harbor Village at Casey Key Dry Dock Marina, Manatee Mel’s Deli and Marine Services (our thoughts and prayers are with Mel and Dave), and Racing ATL Fuel Cells. We appreciate the REDS/Watt-Ahh offshore team including Eddie, Nate, Gary, Dr. Zach and Dennis. We also cherish the amazing stories such as receipt of a custom-made fuel bladder arriving in Sarasota less than 24 hours before the race.

Fortunately the offshore races will go on in Sarasota this year. If you can find blanket space on Lido Beach either on June 30th (Saturday) or July 1st (Sunday), you will be part of the thrill of the full throttle!

Even better, if you like to experience full throttle racing up close, our champion Watt-Ahh race boat is on the market. You can call Rob Gourley direct at 941-923-8972 for more information.