Three boats you should look at first Active Thunder,Activator & Pantera. I have a 28 Pantera and love it.

Sounds like you have activator and superboats on your brain. I used own a 28' Nordic Heat and I really enjoyed that boat. Handled the waves of Lake Michigan great.

Warlock makes a nice 29 also.

If you want to hang with the pack in a single at the Poker Runs you should look at the F-1 style boats.

Some of the best are:

29 Extreme

29 Warlock World Class

30 Velocity VR-1

Look whats racing out there

I've been looking at all the boats you recommended. They look great!!! As I said, I live in NY/NJ area, & would like to stay local with the boat manufacturer. Being i am doing a Single BB, what HP do ya think I would need to reach the 80-85 mph. Thanks, PG

If you want to stay local go with a Activator with 500 hp. should get you close.

If all you want to do is "hang with the pack", Two-Air's recommendations are fine.
But, if you want to be in front of the pack, I suggest you go with the obvious choice.
ACTIVATOR.

What about a 26' Sonic?

You are all suggesting boats 25g's over what she's looking to spend! Only one I see in her price range.

can't get a new one for that price range, but a eliminator daytona would be my choice.