Whew...

Can't believe its already time to get ready for Sarasota. With five SBI races behind us.... and eight more to go, its turning out to be one l...o...n...g year. Well, maybe I just feel this way right now because we just got home from Hollywood after a 19-hour road trip. I hate Atlanta traffic.

OK...enough about that, let's talk about Sarasota.

Kevin announced at the Hollywood Driver's meeting that Sarasota will be televised LIVE to over 200,000 homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties. There will also be a LIVE Jumbotron in the pits for all those unfortunate crew members who can't get from the Pits to Lido and back in time to get the boats out of the water. Video will also be taken for a TV show about the Event to be aired at a later date.

Look for some familiar faces we haven't seen for a while to come home to SBI/APBA. I won't name any names...but let's just say, we're glad you decided to come home...stay as long as you want...we all understand that green grass thing.

The 10th Street boat ramp will be the place to be between now and next Thursday. If you hang around a while, the who's who of Offshore will be dropping by to do a couple of laps around the Bay. Bring your cameras and autograph books...you might see someone famous. If not, head out to St. Armand's...Jerry is usually around...he might give you some dance lessons.

Stan Lane, SBI TV personality, wil be getting married on Siesta Key the Saturday before the race. Word is Dave Branch is going to throw him a bachelor party. That should be something...

The Meet and Greet...Who's in the Driver's Seat Event should be great opportunity for Race Teams. Bring your giveaways and Sponsor info to pass out to the who's who of Sarasota. You know, all those multi-gazillionaires living large in Sarasota County just looking to drop a couple mil in your lap.....It's happened before.

There's lots more...its a week long charity Event...and we're the guests of honor.

I love Sarasota...and its traffic.

There will be a Party for all racers and fans sponsored by the Patron Offshore Race Team and Patron Tequila at the Lido Beach Resort (formally the Radisson) from 8pm-12am on Saturday 6/30.
The Patron Girls will be passing out samples of Patron. There will be complimentary snacks, music and special give-aways all night.

Lido Beach Resort will also be hosting an Offshore Race Day Party with live music, BBQ and Special Libations from 11am-5pm on Sunday. There will be a large tent set up on the beach, the best place to view the race!

Sounds like a great event...count pro series guys in..good job sbi and racers

Ken...it should be a good one....I'm trying to get a few boats to come run with us in P-2 from up North....is your boat OK...

See ya there....

Can't wait to see everyone!

Hope you're ready to cut loose. No holding back in Sarasota. Just don't hurt Lee. I need him Sunday morning for an hour. SQ

Gino,

From what I'm hearing, they are expecting around 50 boats in Sarasota. The Pits at Van Wezel should be hopping.

Who's coming from up North? Its a long trek, but should be well worth the drive. There's nothing like Sarasota....they love Offshore Racing.

Yeh..the boat's OK...it was just begging for a few more dollars, so I brought it home where I can spoon feed it.

When will you be coming in?

Steve,
Is Frank going to let you in the DVC boat?

Hey Ken...

Smitty is coming and were trying to get WANTED to make the trip...I also talked to a few other teams about coming down...

You need to do a OPA race with us in P3....it is good racing....
It would be a trip to put that class together with SBI/APBA's, there would be 11 or 12 boats running....deck to deck....

I will be in Port Richey on Thurs morning and spending the day with Tammy and then heading down to Sarasota on Friday morning....

See ya there....

I will have to arm wrestle him. He's been attacked by the gremlins for two races (powerhead and gearcase). He's rookie of the year in my book. I can't wait for this one. It will be big AND it will be Sarasota. SQ