Annapolis, MD – The GEICO gecko won't be the only screaming green to hit the raging waters of the Chesapeake Bay when Team AMF sets a new world record for speed on Thursday. The powerboat racing industry's premier racing team will make boat racing history with the world's first official run on green racing fuel.
"From the beginning AMF Offshore has been about progress," said Marc Granet, veteran driver of Miss GEICO. "That philosophy continues to manifest this weekend. We've engineered a fuel formula that will encourage eco-friendly racing while preserving every bit of our performance."
Granet, along with Throttleman Scotty Begovich, will hit the water of the Annapolis Basin on Thursday, June 14th at 7 a.m. The 23-mile run, projected to whiz by in a record-setting 12 minutes, will offer a flash of the green gecko to the United States Naval Academy, then pass under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, continuing on to a spectacular ending at Baltimore's Fort McHenry Monument, all while maintaining an expected speed of 145 mph.
The "You're In Command," conventional offshore style boat will be working toward its own vee-bottom racing record on the same course. "These types of speed runs push our sport along," Begovich said. "When we set a new record and show the world what our boats can do, it builds the sport, increases the fan base and encourages every team to bring their best every time."
Green Equals Speed When It Comes To AMF
Speed runs are a common standard of the powerboat racing circuit. Teams often pull back the throttles on a straight shot to gear up for a weekend of racing. This weekend's OPA Racing and Super Cat Pro Series Grand Prix in Ocean City, Maryland are no exception. But, for AMF Offshore, the Father's Day festivities will be anything but business as usual.
After Thursday's speed record is set, Miss GEICO will continue her eco-friendly action with the team's first official race using green fuel. On Sunday, a showcase of AMF's most elite, turbine-powered performer will round out the weekend's schedule.
Designed to defy conventional laws of logic and maximize the science of aerodynamic acceleration, Miss GEICO's primary purpose is a four-letter word – speed. The eco-friendly evolution to green fuel has been a key priority for AMF Offshore owner John Haggin – but a significant sacrifice of speed was not an option. "And, so we did what we do best," he said of the challenge to find equilibrium between going green and going fast. "We worked on it until we got it right. AMF Offshore has the finest race professionals this sport has seen, working hard and smart every day to not only ensures AMF is the best in the business – but that the sport of offshore racing continues to grow and get better. When AMF wins – powerboat racing wins."
No sacrifice of speed is expected for Miss GEICO on Thursday or during the weekend's racing. "We can still proudly claim to be the fastest boat on our country's waters," Granet said. "If we can go that fast and go green, everybody can. We hope everybody will. "
And, while winning is one of the biggest focuses for this team of champions, the definition of victory continues to grow each day. "We depend on the elements and beauty of our Earth to enjoy our sport and the daily activities that define our lives," Begovich continued. "The thought of giving back by going green and helping the environment will be our biggest win this weekend."
For more information on Miss GEICO going green - or to schedule an interview with the AMF Team, please call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108.
Complete engine specifications for the AMF Offshore "Miss GEICO 2 Platinum" turbine-engine powered boat and an insider's look at the AMF Offshore action throughout race weekend follows.
Specifications: AMF Offshore "Miss GEICO"
2007 Miss GEICO 2 Platinum.
Builder: Platinum/Skater
Design: Michael Peters
Materials: Composite, Carbon, Epoxy
Length: 40 feet
Beam: 11' 10
Weight: 9,500 lbs
Fuel: 265 Gal Capacity
Type: Jet- A, Kerosene, Diesel
Engines: Lycoming T-53 L13 series
Drives: BPM, Surface
Horsepower: 1450 x 2
Propellers: Precision, High Strength Alloy
Rudder: Stainless, FlexiTab, Italy
Paint: House of Colors, EFX
Performance: 185+ MPH!!!
0-180 mph = 1 mile
A Rundown of AMF Offshore Greater Maryland Area Itinerary
THURSDAY, JUNE 14th :
AMF Offshore's "Miss GEICO" and the U.S. Coast Guard's "You're In Command" to set a speed record in a 23 mile run between the Annapolis Basin and the Ft. McHenry Monument in Baltimore.
2007 OCEAN CITY, MD OPA OFFSHORE GRAND PRIX
FRIDAY, JUNE 15TH:
All Day-Arrival of Race Boats; Viewing in Dry Pits - Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave.
2:00 PM-5:00 PM OPA Registration-Sunset Marina
2:00 PM-5:00 PM Boat Inspections-Dry Pits
6:00 PM-7:00 PM Drivers Meeting - Coast Guard Station - 610 S. Philadelphia Ave-OC
7:00 PM-11:00 PM Meet the racers party - Bull on the Beach, 12513 Rt. 50 & Keyser Pt
SATURDAY, JUNE 16TH:
All Day-Race Boats on Display in the Dry Pits; Crane in Operation 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
10:00 AM-4:00 PM OPA Registration-Sunset Marina
12:00 PM-3:00 PM Race Boat Testing
12:00 PM-4:00 PM Race Control Operational; Channel 78
6:00 PM-7:00 PM Volunteer Meeting - Commander Hotel, 1401 Atlantic Ave.
7:00 PM-11:00 PM Racers Party - Commander Hotel; 1401 Atlantic Ave.
SUNDAY, JUNE 17TH:
All Day-Race Boats on Display in Dry Pits-Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave.
7:30 AM-8:30 AM Racers Physicals at Coast Guard Pavilion-Inlet
9:00 AM-10:00 AM Drivers Meeting-Coast Guard Pavilion-Inlet
9:00 AM-4:00 PM Crane in Operation
10:30 AM Course buoys set
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Race Control Operational-Channel 78
12:00 Noon Course Support Fleet on station
12:30 PM/2:00 PM 1st Race of 2007 OPA Offshore Grand Prix/ 2nd Race
6:00 PM Awards Ceremony-Sunset Bar and Grill-Sunset Marina |
