Commentary: Can Offshore Racing Survive Another Circuit?

Yes or no, the schedules are crucial. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Next to, “Hey, can I get a free Speed On The Water T-shirt?” the question in the headline above was the one my partner Jason Johnson and I heard most during last month’s Super Boat International Offshore World Championships in Key West, Fla., during which the new Race World Offshore organization announced its 2018 event schedule at an informal press conference.

Based on covering the sport for 20-plus years, my answer was simple: If their race dates don’t conflict, there’s a chance. Beyond that, I make no predictions.

So let’s at least look at the schedules for the coming season.

Released yesterday, SBI’s 2018 event roster includes races May 18-20, July 20-22, Aug. 3-5, Sept. 28-30 and Nov. 4-11.

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Editor’s Note: Since RWO race dates were first announced, the dates for its National Championships have been moved to Sept. 28-30, which does, in fact, overlap the dates for the SBI Nationals.