SBI Plans Summer Kilo Run

Building upon a pair of successful kilo run records set during last year’s Suncoast Grand Prix in Sarasota, Fla., Super Boat International (SBI) announced it will be holding another round of world speed record attempts on July 2 as part of its 2010 event.

Obviously, competition in cool weather is best for engine performance and setting records, but the organization believes holding the record runs in July will allow more time for teams to test and prepare their boats for record-setting attempts.

Al Copeland Jr. hopes to set a speed record in Phenomenon, a 56-foot catamaran he unveiled at the Key West World Championships.

One new boat in particular—Al Copeland’s 56-foot Phenomenon—has successfully started water testing and appears to be on track for the midseason record attempt. Al Copeland Jr., whose father founded the Popeyes chicken chain and was an avid offshore racer, is hoping to live out his father’s wish to drive the fastest boat on the water. The goal is to break the propeller-driven speed record of 220.43 mph set by Miss Budweiser.

The current Unlimited Class kilo world speed record holder is Dave Scott in his 36-foot Bacardi Silver Skater with a 198.05-mph average and a one-way top speed of 202.905 mph set in 1993.   All Superboats of various length and horsepower are welcome at this year’s SBI event.

SBI, which is celebrating its 20th year in racing, kicks off its season in April with 20th annual Miami Superboat Grand Prix. For more information, check out www.superboat.com.

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