Just in, http://speedonthewater.com/in-the-ne...on-begins.html

Looking forward to seeing the New Spirit of Qatar turbine boat racing in the U.S. in 2013. Hopefully they will make an appearance at the St. Clair River Classic.

I think that's awesome they already want to run the shootout and the boats not built! Alot of fans would have like to see gieco run for a long time!

It doesn't matter which team wins in 2013. If the racing is good and it gets enough exposure, I can imagine another team from the Middle East, namely Dubai-backed Victory getting into it. Why would they let Qatar have all the fun, especially if Qatar kicks Geico's butt? (Not saying that's going to happen, don't shoot me Marc and Scotty.) The nations in the Middle East are extremely competitive with one another.

Compared to what these guys are spending racing in Class 1, with all the international travel expense to some of the most expensive countries in the world, racing here is chump change.

What we lack, let's be honest, is the infrastructure of Union Internationale Class 1. Don't get me wrong, they have their problems, and if you think it's all good over there you haven't talked to anyone involved. But ... it's better. No way around it.

Still, even lacking a cohesive racing organization, there is potential for an international turbine series here. With Qatar getting into the class (and of course they are no guarantees that a year from now they won't change their mind) I am cautiously (very, because this is still offshore racing) optimistic.

Any chance Cosker will start a thread and constantly update photos?
Title: The Birth of a Champion

Having nothing but complete respect for the Geico team, from a fan perspective, this will be great to follow in the interest of good competition.

Check his facebook page, that is where he post progress updates.
Dean

Matt your right on ,what we need , But a TURBINE boat??? please guess they didnt like mixing it up the with the "little guys" over here. Wasnt the "walk in the park" like they thought it would be. My hats off to WHM and TRASH boy for racing boats that have a clear advantage. They came over here to help biuld a
class and left after after a year .By the time we had it dialed in in ST Clair in 2010 both boats had there hands full. Looks like another wild "trajectory" out of the sport of offshore racing. Should of bought the Reliable boat and came racing. Bet ya there will be a bunch guys willing to come out against that budget... But then again look what happened to their Drag race team.

Tony it doesnt change just more of the same, race where you can win seems to be the in thing. Like you said it does take much talent to win with that kinda budget. I guess some teams r happy running exhibition instead of heads up racing.
Not sure why you would build a new boat, there are 3 almost new Turbine boats sitting on trailers already that dont race .

Mark is that you? Well either way great comment, I wish oso had a like button 4 the comments like Facebook does, haha, anyhow if this is you Mark, it's Chad