Biloxi, MS - (March. 15, 2007) – This weekend in Biloxi both checkered flags and the red white and blue will fly high in a triumphant claim of victory. In a salute to the valiant servicemen and women who make up the United States’ Armed Forces, AMF Offshore Racing will take to the raging waters of the Gulf of Mexico poised and powered to win. Propelled by the same jet engines that carried our troops to victory during the first Gulf War, AMF Offshore keeps the spirit of success alive both on and off the water.
Forever mindful of the sacrifice made by those who serve, AMF Offshore will dedicate its winning racing action to the United States Armed Forces and kick off their race weekend with a visit to the Gulf Coast VA Hospital in Biloxi. “In this tumultuous time, it is our pleasure to bring the joy of racing to the distinguished service men and women of the Gulf Coast,” said John Haggin, Owner and Founder of AMF Offshore Racing. “Like the veterans and current soldiers we salute, we are a winning team ready and able to do what it takes to be the best. We look forward to giving back with real encouragement and sharing our pride in their great work. We can’t think of a better way to acknowledge their commitment to win than with evidence of ours.”
That commitment will manifest in a wide and furious wake in an exciting competition between the fastest engines on the water today. In a modern day “Clash of the Titans,” AMF Offshore’s turbine powered “Miss Geico” will face off against Budweiser’s piston-powered performer. January’s inaugural race of the Super Boat International season offers good clues to the outcome of the Offshore Super Series opener, March 24-25 off the shore of Biloxi. “Our races speak for themselves,” said Driver Marc Granet. “We started our season ready to win and take our performance class to the next level. We even impressed ourselves with our results in January. Everything came together just right and illustrated that thorough team preparation paired with the power of our boat equals one thing…unparalleled performance.”
A seasoned veteran who, true to his name, is making his mark in every race class he campaigns – Marc Granet’s stride in the muscle-boat basin with the turbine-powered “Miss Geico” catamaran has solidified his standing as one of the sport’s best. Teamed with Throttleman Scotty Begovich, a decorated go-fast man who has enjoyed success in the sport’s Vee-bottom class, Granet and the AMF Offshore Racing program are set to turn the fan-friendly sport of offshore racing up a notch.
“This season promises to be a big one,” said Haggin, “Not only for our team – but for the sport in general. Whether we are in the water working to set a new record, or working to bring a smile to the faces of our fans, we are working to make a difference.”
This is the second contest of AMF’s 14-race season that will take these teams and many others from Florida’s East Coast, as far north as New York City and then back to Key West for a World Championship. AMF Offshore is positioned to continue its winning performance from the first race with the backing of insurance industry leader Geico. Fans will feel the excitement, energy and undeniable appeal of the team as Miss Geico – the name of the turbine-powered boat and the hot mascot who finds her perch atop the bow - whizzes by. “We are a team ready to win – not only every race, but the hearts and commitment of fans throughout the country, as we come prepared to present an once-in-a-lifetime performance,” Haggin said. “But, this race is special, every moment we are on the water; we will be thinking of and racing for our soldiers. When we wave our checkered flag in our victory lap, we’ll be saluting our country’s flag and the men and women who are the real winners, fighting for our freedoms every day.”
On Friday, the team will visit the Gulfcoast VA Hospital, offering a close-up look at their mighty machine and sharing encouragement and support. “We are honored to reach out and say thank you,” Granet said.
For more information on AMF’s salute to our soldiers – or to schedule an interview with the AMF Team, please call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108. |
2006 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
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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 Colors, EFX
Performance: 185+ MPH!!! |