Boat racing fans gathered in Cocoa Beach this past weekend for the IHRA Offshore Series, where offshore racers competed in some of the toughest conditions of the season.
Fans were able to enter the pits and meet drivers and throttlemen before the races began. Once competitors suited up in life jackets and helmets, the atmosphere shifted from casual to competitive.
Strong winds and rough waves across the course challenged teams throughout the event, testing both equipment and crew performance.
“There was always worry about breaking stuff,” said throttleman Mike Howe, whose face was bloodied after the race. “Zip-ties, duct tape and bubble gum, it all works.”
Howe’s boat, Howe2Live, finished third in Sunday’s Supercat race. CR Racing placed second, while Dirty Money, based in Stuart, won the event.
The IHRA Offshore Series returns to Florida from Oct. 20-26 for the inaugural Miami Offshore World Championships.
