Orange Beach, AL - (Aug. 16, 2007) – Miss GEICO, one of the world’s fastest offshore race boats, made history and a screeching statement in July, staking claim to all offshore territory in the Northern U.S., when she brought home a huge win in the fastest race in offshore history. With average lap speeds exceeding 145 miles per hour and top speeds coming in at well over 180, this world-class catamaran issued a call for challenge and competition for the rest of the 2007 season.
“There’s one word to describe what’s going on when we’re in the water these days,” said Miss GEICO’s driver and racing veteran Marc Granet, “Excitement! Our fans are watching history unfold and we’re in the cockpit making it happen. There’s not been a better time for our team and the sport of offshore racing overall.”
This weekend that excitement will raise the roof and the water in Orange Beach, Ala. at the Fifth Annual Thunder on the Gulf offshore races. Miss GEICO’s 2007 season has been one of unparalleled performance. From a season opener in South Florida that brought new meaning to “Super Bowl Weekend”, to a record run in Maryland earlier this summer, to the chart-topping speeds and showmanship displayed last month in Michigan – it is the year of “The GEICO.” The unparalleled performance of Miss GEICO gladiators Granet and Throttleman Scotty Begovich is underscored by experienced pros, a committed crew and owner John Haggin’s victorious vision- all who are mentored by world-class veteran and champion racer Jerry Gilbreath. Working together, the men and women behind the swift lady gecko set expectations high and continue to exceed every bar set.
“After every race I find myself thinking, can this season get any better,” asked Haggin. “The expertise that rushes off the water with every lap Miss GEICO takes is a testament to what can be done in this sport. It’s about hard work, commitment and excellence. I hope our Miss GEICO team is an inspiration to every fan watching, because she really is an example of the American Dream.”
Haggin’s veteran insight reflects on Miss GEICO’s start – an audacious idea put together by Haggin and his team of equally-visionary contemporaries, to introduce a race boat that would redefine the sport. Enter Miss GEICO, a mighty machine with an equally-powerful backer, GEICO Insurance, whose bright colors rival her future as the new face of extreme boat racing. It is the story of the unexpected rise to the top, the celebrated entrance that ends in overwhelming success.
The biggest key to this sport’s success,” Haggin said. “The element that keeps it moving … is the show business behind the races. The introduction of new teams, with new tricks and new techniques means everyone will raise their game – and that means a better show for fans.”
Miss GEICO makes her claim as one of the world’s-fastest race boats thanks to turbine-powered engines – the same ones that saw victory in the First Gulf War, and a crew that just won’t quit. “We’re racing to win,” Begovich said. “We’ll show the world that again this weekend in Orange Beach.”
To schedule an interview with Visionary Owner John Haggin or other members of the Miss GEICO team, 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 Kolor, EFX
Performance: 185+ MPH!!!
Check out the event schedule here.
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