Orlando, Fla. – Coming off of victories in both the National and World Stock Outboard Championships in 2008, the STIHL S-1 race boat is poised for another breakout season in 2009. The team, led by owner and driver Bob Noble, Jr., and throttle man Grant Bruggemann, took home the World Championship title in Key West, Fla. in early November. Earlier in the season, the team secured the National Championship crown in their division by finishing 2nd in Panama City, Fla. Including the Key West victory, the STIHL team achieved four first-place finishes in 2008.
Both the National and World Championships were a thrill for us, said Noble. In the Stock Outboard series, the boats and motors are very similar, the only variables are set up (trim, weight distribution, etc.) and props based on the conditions of the water. It makes for exciting, competitive action every time we race. The come-from-behind victory in Marathon last May really set the tone for the whole year. We are very pleased to represent the STIHL name in such a successful atmosphere.
Offshore race weekends have proven to be a big draw for a local community, with as many as 100,000 fans in attendance. The STIHL team has raced in front of huge crowds in such places as Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale and Key West, to name a few.
The 32 ft. boat was built by Doug Wright in Satellite Beach, Fla. The two Mercury 2.5 outboard racing engines enable the boat to reach top speeds of 115 mph. The Orlando, Fla. based team also includes co-owner Kathy Noble and crew members Sherry Bruggemann and Dave Hutchinson.
The teams schedule for 2009 looks to further maximize its exposure and success with the season opener on March 26-29 in Biloxi, Miss. for the Offshore Super Series Smokin The Sound race. Other stops include Clearwater Beach, Fla., Kenner, La., and Sarasota, Fla. A complete schedule, video and photo archives of previous races and bios of the team can be found at www.stihloffshoreracing.com
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the worlds largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
