IN THE NEWS

Crystal clear waters and a bright sunny sky greeted us on October 3rd - 4th, 2008, in Sarasota, Florida, at the newly-remodeled Hyatt Hotel and Marina. 40 of the most colorful performance boats in the country descended on the Poker Runs America finale to be treated to ideal weather and water conditions. Friday evening, the first-ever Poker Runs America tailgate event was held. The participants had the opportunity to socialize in a casual setting.

Poker run morning dawned with clear skies and one- to three-foot seas in the Gulf of Mexico. At the morning drivers’ meeting, we were asked to co-anchor the pace boat duties alongside Bill Taylor in the Poker Runs America boat. We received our first card after the meeting and headed out to the docks to prepare the boat. We were honored to take our Mercury Racing 700 SCi powered 2009 382 FAS³TECH^® out through Johns Pass and start the fleet in the Gulf of Mexico toward the second card stop at “Harpoon Harry’s” restaurant in Punta Gorda—about a 60-mile run.

After receiving our second card and a refreshing lunch, we headed the boat toward Gasparilla Marina, about a six-mile run up the Intracoastal near Boca Grande Inlet. This was card number three-collection point. The new marina boasts a very friendly staff and will open a new waterway restaurant in this winter—we will definitely have to stop back.

After a brief fuel stop, we embarked on the final leg 45 miles back to New Pass and Hyatt Marina. Mike Schnell, owner of Inferno, a 382 FAS³TECH, met up with us on the way back and we had a great time running with him. Once back at the marina, we took the opportunity to clean the boat, enjoy some cool refreshing drinks and turn in our poker run cards.

The evening event garnered us the balance of our cards and when revealed, we had a pair of nines. Not anywhere good enough to win this event as numerous sets of four of-a-kind began to appear. Everyone had a great time and each participant was sorry to see the poker run season end. We would like to thank Dave & Carlota Gronke from Des Plaines, IL. for volunteering their time on the paramedic boat for this event. They stepped in at the last minute when other boats cancelled—thank you. The Gronkes also won the Formula/Markel S.A.F.E award for this event—congratulations.

Poker Runs America did a wonderful job producing events this season and we’re already looking forward to the 2009 season opening back in Sarasota.

Make plans to join us next season and become part of the Formula Ultimate Performance Experience. Visit www.formulaboats.com and select the Owners’ Community and either the Rendezvous or Poker Run section to view a schedule of events in your area, come out and go boating with us. We hope to see you on the water very soon.

Wishing you safe boating!
Vic Spellberg
Formula Director of Sponsor Promotions