"We are quite excited to get this win," said Nigel Hook at the podium on receiving the checkered flag and trophy with the Lucas Oil Team at the Sarasota Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix. He went on to say, "I'm even more excited about the prospect of APBA joining schedules with Superboat International from this point out."

Hopefully the latter will be longer lived. Two days after the race the first place win was rescinded due to a course infraction which surfaced from an official on Turn Number Three. This particular turn was mistaken by 9 lead boats including the #7 Lucas Oil, resulting in a relegation to an official third place for the #7 Lucas Oil. Another high profile boat, the PX 1 Bacardi Silver, driven by High Fuller and throttled by John Tomlinson, received the same infraction.

The reputation of this track, currently the longest in any offshore circuit and essentially having ten left and right corners per lap, was upheld for sure.

Also upheld was its reputation for being the powerboat racing equivalent to the Indy 500. The spectator turnout all weekend was incredible. The pits were packed every day and the parties drew long lines outside. The fans enjoying the beach on race day caused traffic jams and parking problems unrivaled in previous years. The Parade was the best ever as over 70 race boats and their equipment trekked through town.

The community is what truly drives this race festival. Together with the racers, the event again raised significant sums benefiting the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped. Since the event's inception 20 years ago, event proceeds "have enabled The Foundation to construct multiple facilities throughout Sarasota County totaling 65,000 square feet and worth more than $6.5 million," according to John Stafford, chairman of the Suncoast Foundation.

The biggest class of the weekend and indeed the biggest race of the year was Super Vee, with 15 race boats officially entered between APBA and SBI. All the major manufacturers were represented from Fountain to locally based builders Wellcraft, Donzi, and Phantom.

Right from the green flag the three lead boats duked it out on the choppy waters off Lido and Siesta Key with thousands of fans lining the shores, including hundreds of people somewhat precariously in the water and an entire fleet of spectator boats in the patrolled viewing area. The three contenders were the White Fountain/Mercury with a slight edge over the #18 Donzi driven by Ken Bowman/Scott Conrad — and the ever-present bright red #7 Lucas Oil of Nigel Hook and Nick Pavlichek.

When the Donzi uncharacteristically broke down with less than a lap to go, it was down to the horse race between the Fountain and the #7 Lucas Oil. Nick Pavlichek, throttleman in the Lucas Oil boat, noted that the Fountain had missed a turn, and so joined in to celebrate the first place finish. Later he remarked, "All the lead boats running well over 100mph also missed the turn closest to the beach, and I think the slower boats had a little more time to evaluate the navigation. Nevertheless we want to commend the winners for their accuracy."

This weekend marked the recognition of the Legends of Offshore with tributes during the Parade and a special dinner. Again, the proceeds went to help the Suncoast Foundation for the handicapped. Many of the legends from the 70's, 80's and 90's were invited. Of noted presence were Ritchie Powers, throttleman for many famous drivers including former World Champion, movie star Don Johnson; John Conners, who had also won many World Championships while racing with Betty Cook and Rock Aoki of Benihana; Errol Lanier; Gordon and Vida Sirois Houser; Gus Anastasi; and several others including our own Nigel Hook.

This race will be televised on the Outdoor Life Network on Sunday, August 22, at 5:00pm, with commentary by Stan Lane.

The next race for the Lucas Oil Team will be next week in Dania Beach, Florida, just a short jog from the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

The team wants to thank the primary sponsor Lucas Oil for their continued support and excellence in their lubricants, which keep the ship humming. Lucas Oil lubricates the brilliant Weismann surface drives and transmissions, which have proven to be indestructible, and also the incredibly reliable Mercury 525 Racing Engines.

Nick and Nigel wish to thank to onshore crew that keeps on performing an outstanding feat of making this team successful and retaining such a high profile for its sponsors: Dean Henne, Keli and Richard Gunn, John and Adam Hanas, Tony Wiese, and Janet Wilson.

The RaceWater team couldn't run without the support and superb products from the following leading companies:

• BULLYDOG Technologies - the extra power that pushes the team's tow truck
• ALCOA Wheels - Hot Forged Aluminum Wheels for the truck, trailer and motorhome
• MASTERCRAFT Race Products - special, aluminum-framed MasterCraft 3G race seats and restraints
• GOODYEAR Tire and Rubber, Commercial and Consumer Divisions - truck, trailer and motorhome tires
• K&N - industry leading filters
• KODIAK trailer disc brakes - stainless steel disc brakes for the trailer
• ACTIVE Technology - patented ActiBrake electric over hydraulic trailer brake actuator
• PPG - paint for the trailer and the raceboat
• DETROIT Flexible Metal / Auto Cycle Marine - custom hoses and belts for the "new" boat
• NIKON OPTICS - high powered binoculars