Key West-Sunday May 20th, 1996- High Above the Race Course
Photo by Carl Hunt Hays III
The unpredictable weather here in Key West was true to form. At race time conditions were as
close to perfect as it gets in the Conch Republic. Calm seas and slightly overcast skies
greeted the field for the running of the first American race in the 1996 SBR Series.
The race itself was a rout. Nuff Respect piloted by twenty-one year old Will Moore and
throttleman Bobby Moore "dropped the hammer" at the start and for 15 laps dominated the
event. The brilliant white four engine Superboat bearing the American and Jamaican flags
walked away from the field and never looked back. From my vantage point in the only helicopter
fast enough to keep pace with Nuff Respect it was clear that this was to be their day.
The 1995 World Champion Alcone Motorsports was a full half lap behind at the checkered
flag. Zerodefect was the only Super Unlimited boat to complete the race and ran beautifully.
Art Girard of Portland, Maine deserves special mention for his third place finish in his new
catamaran Sloppy Joe's and his team win in Modified with Airborne. Restore Marine was
victorious in Pro One and Team Deland Honda came out on top in Sportsman B. Cutting Edge
was the winner in Stock outboard. The most unorthodox boat this reporter has seen since
Buzzi Buzzard has to be Rain-X Express which had a 20 minute lead in Offshore A for a win
in the class.
No injuries were reported during the race which is something all teams and racefans are
thankful for at this race site.
See you in Miami on June 7th for more Offshore thrills.
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