CHATTANOOGA, TN - (OCT. 12, 2007) – They call it the Chattanooga Mile – 1,760 yards of heated offshore racing in one of the country’s most competitive speed runs – this challenge to bestow official title to the titans of offshore powerboat racing is not for the meek and mild. A supreme racer’s race, the Chattanooga Mile - scheduled for Friday - demands precision and commitment and Miss GEICO, a racing team that has earned its stripes and place in the hearts of go-fast fans throughout the country with its stellar performance this season, is ready to win.
This weekend the third annual Chattanooga Powerboat Races and U.S. Championship and Speed Runs offers Miss GEICO another opportunity to prove its power when it takes on the waters of the Chickamauga Lake. “We’re excited about this next step in our season,” said visionary team owner John Haggin. “We’ve set our standards high and have made things happen that no one thought could be done. Time and time again we’ve worked to transform dreams into reality with our speed and our wins. It’s time to do it again.”
Their strategy centers on continuing with unparalled performance and awe-inspiring action. Such contributions have come to hail as a hallmark of this winning team, both on and off the water.
A top-tier spot on “Build It Bigger,” one of the Discovery Channel’s most exciting television shows; a speed record set in the waters off the nation’s capital; continuous community outreach and efforts to unite offshore racing teams throughout the sport have worked to make 2007 a banner year for Miss GEICO and other members of the AMF Offshore Racing family. “This year’s season proves to be much bigger than we could have ever imagined,” Haggin said. “The wins we have under our belt are just the beginning…the impact we’ve been able to make on our sport this year is where our difference is really being made.”
That difference reverberates through the offshore racing circuit and into the hearts of fans throughout the country. An enthusiastic fan following continues to serve as a driving force behind the team’s momentum. “Our crew works tremendously hard at every level to ensure our performance exceeds the expectations of our fans,” said Miss GEICO driver Marc Granet. “In Tennessee we’re still building a fan base for the sport. This is the third year of offshore racing in Chattanooga and every year we’ve seen it grow in size and support.”
“The time, talent and energy it takes to put our team on the water, ready to win every race, is immeasurable – but the second we see our fans and the fun they’re having, we know every ounce of effort is worth it,” added Scotty Begovich, Miss GEICO throttleman.
This weekend’s race in Chattanooga begins the countdown to the close of Miss GEICO’s 2007 season. Races in Panama City, Destin and Key West, Florida will bring the world’s best boat to its home state for a fantastic showing to close out the year. “We’re saving the best for last,” Haggin said. “It’s always a pleasure to put Miss GEICO in the water – she’s a beautiful boat that was made to redefine the sport of offshore powerboat racing and her excellence is evident every time her engine turns over. But, there’s no greater feeling than to see her at her best, with our team and crew front and center, on our home turf in Florida. Those are the races that keep us in the game and coming back for more.”
To schedule an interview with John Haggin, Marc Granet or Scotty Begovich, call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108.
Specifications: “Miss GEICO” Unlimited Catamaran
2007 Miss Geico MTI.
Builder: Marine Technologies Incorporated
Materials: Composite, Carbon, Epoxy
Length: 44 feet
Beam: 10’ 6
Weight: 10,000lbs
Fuel: 500 Gal Capacity
Type: Jet- A, Kerosene, Diesel
Engines: Lycoming T-53 703 series
Drives: BPM, Surface
Horsepower: 1850 x 2
Propellers: Precision, High Strength Alloy
Rudder: Carbon Stainless
Paint: House of Kolor, EFX
Performance: 185+ MPH!!!
THIRD ANNUAL CHATTANOOGA POWER BOAT RACES
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
OCTOBER 11, 2007 (Wed.)
12:00pm - Dry Pits Open
10:00am-4:00pm - Registration & Inspections : Open on Site
1:00pm-4:00pm - Closed Course Testing
8:00pm - Welcome Party: TBA
OCTOBER 13, 2007 (Fri.)
8:00am-4:00pm - Registration & Inspections : Open on Site
8:00am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting – VIP Tent
9:00am - Gates Open
9:30am-1:30pm - “The Chattanooga Mile” Speed Runs
2:30pm-4:00pm - Closed Course Testing
6:00pm-11:00pm - Boats Display Downtown – Photo and Autograph Session
OCTOBER 14, 2007 (Sat.)
8:00am-4:00pm - Registration & Inspections : Open on Site
8:00am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting – VIP Tent
9:00am - Gates Open
9:30am-10:30am - Closed Course Testing
10:30am -1:30pm - “The Closed Course Speed Runs”
3:00pm – 4:00pm - Race Setup Testing
3:00pm – 5:00pm - Photo 7 Autograph Session
5:00pm - Stars Powerboat Rescue Team Appreciation Cookout For Volunteers & Racers
OCTOBER 15, 2007 (Sun.)
9:00am - Racers Physicals – VIP Tent
9:30am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting – VIP Tent
10:00am - Gates Open
10:30am – 11:30am - Autograph Session
12:00pm -Opening Ceremony
1:00pm - 1st Divisional Championship Race
2:30pm - 2nd Divisional Championship Race
Half Hour after 2nd Race - Meet the Winners – Photo & Autograph Session
5:00pm - Awards Ceremony – VIP Tent |
