Running the same engines that flew in the first Gulf War .
McDonald’s will host its national salute to America’s heroes this weekend with its 13th annual Air & Sea Show. And, AMF Offshore, the fastest powerboat team on the water, guarantees it will indeed be something to see. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds won’t be the only jet engines to wow fans, AMF Offshore’s “Miss GEICO” is a turbine-powered catamaran propelled by the same jet engines that carried our troops to victory during the first Gulf War.
Unique among the Super Boat International fleet, not only does AMF Offshore boast the fastest engines on the water, they are also the most durable – and that makes all the difference. Rounded out with a crew comprised of the savviest engineers in the industry and a driver/throttleman team of local heroes who back up the boat’s power with their own premier performance – AMF Offshore is the powerboat team to watch this weekend.
“This boat can hit speeds of more than 180 miles-per-hour,” said Driver Marc Granet, a veteran of the sport who earned his racing stripes coming up through offshore racing’s performance classes. “At that speed, driving can’t be taken lightly. I have to call on all my skill and experience every moment we’re in that cockpit. It’s a thin line full of thrill – but to see the excitement on the fans’ faces after the race, makes it worth it.”
Dedicated to the fan base that keeps offshore powerboat racing a viable competition, AMF Offshore is also insistent on ensuring the safety of Granet and Throttleman Scotty Begovich, whose talent and tenacity call the shots for this go-fast catamaran. “Gravity is the only force keeping our nose in the water – gravity and God,” Begovich said. “The only way we are able to perform at those speeds is the work our fantastic crew puts in on our boats before and after each race. The precision that level of performance demands is beyond anything most of us see on a regular basis. We’re in good hands.”
That commitment to uncompromised excellence is a top-down philosophy that is reflected throughout AMF’s program. From their ongoing commitment to give back to the communities in which they race, to their efforts to unite the sport’s many teams and facets for an overall better experience – AMF is about making powerboat racing a success. Team Owner John Haggin says this weekend’s air show is a perfect fit for AMF Offshore’s exhibition. Not only does his team share a physical history with the military units scheduled to perform – it also shares a philosophy. He’s modeling his efforts after the same cornerstones that guide the U. S. armed forces. “Victory via honor and service is paramount to every performance AMF gives,” he said. “AMF salutes the brave men and women who will fly for fans this weekend and those serving our country both at home and overseas. We share their spirit of service and adventure and honored to be associated.”
For a closer look at what makes “Miss GEICO” go so fast and the technology behind the sport’s fastest boat, call Kanika Tomalin at 727-742-7108. |