In a somber announcement, Race World Offshore conveyed their regret: the Final Race Weekend of the season—an eagerly anticipated event—had to be canceled. The reasons were twofold: Pinellas County found itself under a State of Local Emergency, and Sand Key Park faced temporary closure due to the impending impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
The Official Statement:
“Race World Offshore regrets to announce that, due to Pinellas County being under a State of Local Emergency and the temporary closure of Sand Key Park in response to the forecasted impacts from Tropical Storm Helene, we have no choice but to cancel this weekend’s Clearwater Nationals Event. The safety and well-being of our participants, spectators, and staff are our utmost priority. Unfortunately, due to permitting and logistical challenges, this event will not be able to be rescheduled. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.”
The weight of this decision rested heavily on the organizers. Safety considerations prevailed, and the logistical complexities proved insurmountable. The racing community—both competitors and fans—would miss out on a thrilling finale.
Amidst the disappointment, there emerged a silver lining. David Selley and Steven Bridges, in their first season in the Super Stock Class, secured a commendable third place overall in the National Points series. Their dedication and skill had not gone unnoticed.
Taking to social media, the duo shared their sentiments: “It’s been a privilege representing our tiny, but beautiful island of Bermuda. Huge thanks to all that made this possible—our crew, our families and friends, and, of course, our sponsors (both on the boat and privately). Next up is the Key West World Championships!”
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