ST. CLAIR, MI - (July 25, 2007) –Michigan has long been known as the land of the super-powered, turbo-charged unlimited hydroplane – a go-fast performance boat that glides across the water at top speeds. This weekend, St. Clair fans will see that performance evolve to the next level of racing excitement when Miss GEICO, the world’s fastest offshore boat, rocks the city’s river.
“Unlimited hydroplanes are the dragsters of boat racing,” said Miss GEICO’s driver and racing veteran Marc Granet, “When it comes to hitting top speeds on a straight shot – you can’t beat the show that unlimited hydroplanes provide. Miss GEICO combines that power and level of performance with the versatility of a classic offshore catamaran – it’s like nothing this sport has ever seen.”
This weekend’s races are an ideal next step in Miss GEICO’s 2007 season. Michigan has been good to this top shelf-team that defines itself by its experienced pros and committed crew. Working together, the men and women behind the lady gecko set expectations high and exceeded every bar set in an exhibition of expertise earlier this month.
“I’m so proud of our work this year,” said Miss GEICO owner John Haggin. “We’re pioneering this innovative new frontier of running an offshore boat in unlimited hydroplane territory. In Detroit we proved it can be done. In St. Clair – we’ll show everyone just how well it can be done.’
“The more we add to the sport of offshore boat racing – the more we push and perfect our craft – the better the sport is for everyone, racers, fans – everyone,” he said.
The reputation of the St. Clair River is a key factor that backs up the team’s promises of go-fast, fan-friendly fun. “The St. Clair is an explorer’s river,” Granet said. “It welcomes those brave enough to take on its current in new and unexpected ways. In the 1700’s voyagers traveled its 39 mile length in canoes, carrying fur for Europe’s elite. This weekend, it will realize its latest purpose when it becomes a palette for unparalleled performance.”
Miss GEICO, capable of reaching top speeds of more than 180 miles an hour, is propelled by turbine-powered engines – the same ones that saw victory in the First Gulf War, now make winning a certainty for this pioneering team. “We’re adding excitement and increasing expectations,” Haggin said. “Every race is another opportunity to bring greatness to the sport and excitement to our fans.”
For more on the power behind Miss GEICO’s performance, call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108.
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!!!
2007 St. Clair River Offshore Race Schedule
FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007
All Day Arrival of Race Boats; Viewing in Dry Pits
All Day Avenue of Vendors
Per Schedule Entertainment in Palmer Park
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Registration – St. Clair Inn, Chart Room
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Inspections
4:30 PM – 11:00 PM Hospitality and Beer Tents Open
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Driver’s Meeting – St. Clair Inn, River Room
SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
All Day Race Boats on Display in Dry Pits
All Day Avenue of Vendors
Per Schedule Entertainment in Palmer Park
7:30 AM Course buoys set
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Drivers / Team Physicals at St. Clair Fire Hall
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Crane Operational
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration – St. Clair Inn, Chart Room
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Race Control Operational, on platform
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Insured and Permitted Testing – St. Clair River
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Hospitality Tents & Beer Tent Open
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Timed Speed Runs – St. Clair River
SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007
All Day Avenue of Vendors – Along Riverside Avenue
Per Schedule Entertainment in Palmer Park
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Drivers / Team Physicals at St. Clair Fire Hall
7:30 AM Course buoys set
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Crane in Operation
8:30 AM Medical / Dive Briefing, Fire Hall
9:00 AM PATCOM Law Enforcement Briefing, Boat Harbor
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Drivers Meetings –St. Clair Inn, River Room
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Race Control Operational
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Race Control Operational
10:30 AM Course Support Fleet on station
11:40 AM (tentative) National Anthems in Park; Flag Float Down
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Hospitality Tents Open
12:00 NOON FIRST RACE (subject to adjustment)
1:30 PM SECOND RACE (subject to adjustment)
3:00 PM THIRD RACE (subject to adjustment)
Awards Ceremony
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