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Mark Nemschoff Sports Ltd.
The Tommy Bahama Offshore Race Team came ‘home’ to Freeport, Grand Bahama, and thrilled thousands of fans with their incredible Super Cat powerboat and their on-water performance. Mark Nemschoff, throttleman, commented, “I was surprised how the Bahamian people follow our sport and have their favorite teams. They watch us on TV weekly and embraced us beyond expectation.” The APBA-Offshore Pro Tour held its season ending National Championship event off Taino Beach, Lucaya, with perfect weather and fantastic race conditions. The 5.25 mile tri-oval course was very fast, with light winds and calm seas, and provided an excellent vantage point with over 2 miles of beachside viewing plus a large spectator fleet as well. Today’s main event featured the biggest and fastest catamarans, 40 feet long with two 750hp engines, including Tommy’s big rival, Drambuie on Ice. At the green flag it was a drag race for 2.5 miles to turn 1 with Tommy Bahama grabbing the lead from Drambuie with no other competitors able to match the pace. With speeds reaching 128 mph the two heavyweights went at it, often not more than seconds apart, continuing to pull away from the remainder of the fleet. After 6 laps Drambuie did close the gap but was unable to pass as Tommy ‘closed the door’ going into turn 1 and pulled out to a 6 second lead. Paul Nemschoff, driver, said, “We were set up perfectly and wanted to beat them at their own game. It is always fun to take on the best in the sport and race them hard. We won this battle and look forward to the World Championships in a month.” Tommy Bahama held the lead handily for nearly ¾ of the race when an electrical problem forced them out. Drambuie went on to take the checkered flag and their second consecutive national title. The next and last event of the year will be the World Championships in Key West from November 18-24. Much like the playoffs in other sports, the teams compete in a two race, winner take all competition for the title. APBA Offshore powerboat racing can be seen on SPEED channel on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10am eastern time. For more information contact Mark Nemschoff at 920-459-1220 or mark@nemschoff.com |
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