Ignite Offshore Racing Team Snags CELSIUS Energy Drink Sponsorship

Fans of the new-for-2022 Super Stock-class Ignite offshore racing team won’t recognize the Florida-based outfit’s 32-foot Doug Wright catamaran when it takes the green flag at the 37th Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix on July 3. That’s because the boat will be wrapped in graphics reflecting its new sponsor, CELCIUS energy drink.

Starting with the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, the Super Stock-class Ignite team raceboat (far right in foreground) will have a brand-new look. Photo from the 2022 Lake Race by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

Team owner/driver Chris Hopgood secured a deal with the Florida-headquarter beverage producer to back the team, which includes veteran throttleman Ryan Beckley, for the Sarasota event, as well as the Great Lakes Grands Grand Prix in Michigan City, Ind., and the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in Southwest Florida. All three contests are part of the eight-race American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship Series.

The sponsorship deal also will extend through the Race World Offshore-produced American Power Boat Association/Union Internationale Motonautique Offshore World Championships, November 7-13 in Key West, Fla.

A preliminary rendering of the team’s new livery.

“This was all Chris,” said Beckley. “He sent a message to someone in marketing at CELSIUS and got a response. He took it from there and ran with it.”

Beckley will create the wrap at Kinetic Animation, his graphics shop in Bradenton, Fla. A few other sponsors names and logos, such as those of new backer Teasers of Key West, will be included.

“There seems to be some real sponsors and real money coming into the sport this season,” he said. “It’s great to see.”

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