Thousands Turn Out for OPA Races at St. Clair, Michigan

Thousands of offshore racing fans lined Palmer Park Boardwalk for this year' 16th annual St. Clair River Classic offshore race on Sunday July 25th. Clearly one of the Offshore Powerboat Association's (OPA) favorite racing locations, St. Clair attracted 50 fast boats divided into 11 different classes.

PHOTO CREDITS: thevoicenews.com

As always, crowd favorite Miss Geico pounded down the river at speeds of up to 150 mph, placing first in the Turbine and Extreme Class. Together, the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association and OPA have teamed up to put on a great event every year; the races regularly attract over 30,000 spectators to the city.

PHOTO CREDITS: offshoreonly.com member frickstyle

“We’ve had a great weekend. I estimate there to be at least 40,000 people downtown here to watch the race,” St. Clair Police Chief Richard Jefferson said. The next OPA race is scheduled for Patchogue Long Island, NY August 20-22 - for more information, surf over to www.greatsouthbayracing.com

Cigarette AMG Boat Combines the Best of Both Worlds

First seen in February, the new Mercedes-AMG inspired Cigarette 46' Rider features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paintwork seen on the new SLS AMG. The boat is currently on a worldwide tour, after being unveiled first at the Miami Boat Show.

PHOTO CREDITS: Cigarette Racing / AMG

Inside, the boat features marine-grade upholstery that resembles the two-tone AMG Design porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG. While many of the influences of the SLS AMG can be seen in the exterior paint work and interior, most of the excitement here is found in the technology developed for this boat. Featuring more than 100 technical innovations, this all new 46' Rider serves as a incredible showcase for Cigarette.

From the propulsion system to the rigging, a clean sheet approach was utilized to build the Rider. Powered by a pair of revolutionary twin-turbocharged 552 ci, 1350 HP Mercury Racing engines, boat is estimated to have a top speed in excess of 130 MPH. Truly, an incredible example of the boat-builder's art; hats off to everyone at Cigarette Racing.

Ilmor Opens New Marine Engine Manufacturing Facility in NC

Performance engine builder Ilmor Marine, recently began production at its new, 50,000 square foot marine engine assembly and test facility in Mooresville, NC. Under construction since 2008, the new plant is capable of assembling up to 15,000 engines per year.

THE NEW ILMOR GEN IV - 725 / PHOTO CREDIT: Ilmore Engineering Inc.

“This is a great day for our marine division. The program has been in the works for over three years,” said Paul Ray, President of Ilmor Engineering, Inc. “We made the decision to enter the inboard market in 2007, and since then, our staff has worked flat-out on engine design and development, in-water testing, engine integration and facility construction. This new facility allows us to expand into higher volume markets."

Ilmor Engineering, Inc., employs 15 in Mooresville, but plans to have 30 workers by year's end. The facility took over a vacant building on the Penske campus in the Mooresville Business Park.