The 2026 International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Offshore Powerboat Series is shaping up to be a historic campaign for Bermuda's elite racers, with both local boats firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of the prestigious Super Stock Class.
Following three bruising rounds of high-speed action, the leaderboard paints a spectacular picture for the island's contingent, anchored by an absolute masterclass in consistency and raw speed.
The championship standings were locked in after a dramatic third round at the iconic 'Thunder on Cocoa Beach' event in Florida. Navigating the unpredictable Atlantic swells and a fiercely competitive international field, the Bermudian crews handled the extreme pressures to put themselves in prime position for world championship glory.
Sitting comfortably at the summit of the world standings is the S-25 boat, campaigned by the formidable duo of David Selley and Stephen Bridges. Operating under the banner of Team Bermuda, the pair have put on a clinical display across the opening three fixtures of the season.
Their tactical maturity and ability to unlock maximum speed from their canopy catamaran have yielded a massive haul of 331 points. The result gives Selley and Bridges a commanding lead at the top of the table, establishing them as the definitive team to beat as the global tour moves into its critical summer stretch.
The title charge is backed up beautifully by Bermuda's second entry in the premier class. Driving the S-12 boat, titled Nuff Said, pilot Lewis Martin and throttleman Nick Imprescia have endured a grueling opening campaign to sit fourth overall in the championship standings.
Accumulating 234 points through three rounds, the Nuff Said crew remain firmly within striking distance of the podium places. Despite facing a series of mechanical challenges and rough waters in the early rounds, their fighting performance at Cocoa Beach ensures that Bermuda occupies two of the top four spots in one of offshore racing's most unforgiving divisions.
With the series now pivoting toward the upcoming rounds, the rest of the international fleet will be forced to play catch-up to the blistering pace set by the drivers from the mid-Atlantic.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Team Bermuda Conquer the Chop in Cocoa Beach
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Bermudian powerboat duo David Selley and Stephen Bridges have claimed a historic victory on Florida’s "Space Coast," masterfully navigating treacherous Atlantic swells to secure the top spot at Thunder on Cocoa Beach.
The final day of the three-day IHRA Offshore Racing Series spectacle saw thousands of fans line the shoreline to witness the fastest boats in the sport battle the elements. However, it was the technical precision of the Team Bermuda S25 crew that stole the show, as they adapted to conditions that forced race officials to shorten the contest.
With the Atlantic delivering its trademark unpredictable "chop," officials made the tactical decision to limit the Super Stock Class to a grueling five-lap sprint. The shortened distance placed an immediate premium on the start and initial positioning—a challenge Selley and Bridges met with clinical execution.
Piloting Team Bermuda S25, the pair demonstrated the "outstanding form" that has become their hallmark on the international circuit. While rivals struggled to keep their hulls settled in the turbulent water, Selley and Bridges found the ideal trim to maintain maximum velocity, crossing the line to take a commanding win.
It was a tougher afternoon for the island's second entry in the Super Stock field. The Nuff Said S12 boat, crewed by Lewis Martin and Nick Imprescia, found themselves entrenched in a punishing mid-pack scuffle from the opening buoy.
Despite the physical toll of the five-lap sprint on a damaged surface, Martin and Imprescia displayed immense grit to stay within the points. The team eventually battled through the spray to secure a sixth-place finish, a respectable result in one of the most competitive fields in offshore racing.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Bermuda Duo Battle the Chop at Thunder on Cocoa Beach
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The roar of the IHRA Offshore Racing Series made a thunderous return to the Florida coastline this weekend as the international fleet descended on the "Space Coast" for the highly anticipated Thunder on Cocoa Beach 2026.
Spectators lined the shores to witness a high-octane spectacle, but for the drivers behind the wheel, the opening day of competition was anything but a pleasure cruise. Challenging conditions dominated the session, with choppy Atlantic waters forcing teams to rely on technical precision and sheer physical endurance rather than raw top-end speed.
In the highly competitive Super Stock class, the Bermudian contingent faced a stern test against the elements. David Selly and Stephen Bridges, piloting Team Bermuda S25, navigated the turbulent swells to secure a solid sixth-place finish. The pair crossed the line with a time of 5:27.774, maintaining a disciplined line throughout the opening heats despite the erratic surface.
Further down the field, the Nuff Said S12 entry also found itself in a grueling mid-pack scuffle. The team of Lewis Martin and Nick Imprescia battled through the spray to finish in eighth position, clocking in at 5:31.622. While both teams will be looking to close the gap on the podium leaders, their ability to navigate such a punishing course without mechanical incident serves as a promising foundation for the remainder of the event.
As the sun sets over Cocoa Beach, all eyes are now on the forecast for race day two. The consensus among the pits is one of cautious optimism, with drivers hoping the heavy chop will ease up to allow for a more comfortable and faster racing surface. A flatter sea would provide the Bermudian pilots with the perfect opportunity to put in the maximum effort required to climb the standings and improve on their day-one results.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Selley & Bridges Lead Super Stock Charge to Cocoa Beach
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The roar of the IHRA Offshore Racing Series returns to Florida this week, as the fleet descends on the "Space Coast" for the highly anticipated Thunder on Cocoa Beach 2026.
Known for its "traditionally sporty" conditions—a polite racing term for the unpredictable Atlantic swells—Cocoa Beach represents one of the most grueling tests on the calendar. While thousands are expected to pack the shoreline at Lori Wilson Park for a free glimpse of the action, the seasoned spectators are already heading for the Rikki Tiki Tavern at the end of the Cocoa Beach Pier for the ultimate vantage point.
Bermudian duo David Selley and Steven Bridges arrive in Florida as the men to beat. Competing in the fiercely contested Super Stock Class, the pair have enjoyed a near-flawless start to the campaign.
After a dominant performance in the season opener where they collected a maximum 115 points, they followed up with a gritty 104-point haul in New Orleans. It brings their championship tally to an impressive 219 points, placing them firmly at the summit of the standings.
The Bermudian interest doesn't stop at the top of the table. Luis Martins, working alongside throttleman Nick Imprescia, continues to climb the ranks in the 32-foot catamaran, S-12 Nuff Said.
The pair currently sit in sixth place overall with 160 points. After a steady start at the St. Pete Grand Prix, where they gathered 77 points, Martins and Imprescia found an extra gear in Louisiana, banking 83 points in New Orleans. With the rougher Atlantic conditions expected this weekend, the crew of Nuff Said will be looking to capitalize on any slips from the front-runners to break into the top five.
As the countdown to the green flag begins, all eyes are on the horizon. Will the Atlantic chop play into the hands of the championship leaders, or will the Space Coast provide a launching pad for a mid-table upset?
Sunday, May 03, 2026
Resendes & Morris Shine as Power Boat Season Blasts Off
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The roar of engines returned to Ferry Reach waters as the Bermuda Power Boat Association (BPBA) launched its 2026 season with a high-octane inshore race day. Nine boats took to the start line, delivering a day of tactical maneuvering and raw speed that saw seasoned pairs and rising stars battle for early-season dominance.
The opening race of the day belonged to the duo of Howard Ascento and Nasaje Anderson. Commanding the D-Class, the pair delivered a clinical performance to secure the overall victory, navigating the chop with precision to finish ahead of a crowded field. They were closely pursued by Ryan Resendes and Jahcai Morris, who claimed second place overall and a hard-fought win in the B-Class. The podium was rounded out by the tandem of Jody and Tony Carreiro, who secured third overall and second in the B-Class standings.
Further down the order, Brandon DeSilva and Blake Burgess dominated the A-Class to finish fourth overall, while Chris Marshall and Jacari Marshall followed in fifth. The A-Class podium was completed by Shane Madeiros and Errin Butterfield. Despite a strong start, the pair of Quincy and Jordan Dowling were unable to join the fray, recording a "Did Not Start" for the first heat.
The narrative shifted dramatically in Race 2. The earlier victors, Ascento and Anderson, suffered a "Did Not Finish," opening the door for the chasing pack. Capitalising on the opportunity, Ryan Resendes and Jahcai Morris improved on their earlier performance to take the overall win and the B-Class honours.
The consistency of Steven Meireles and Tyler Smith was rewarded with a second-place overall finish, followed by Jody and Tony Carreiro, who once again found themselves on the podium in third. In the A-Class, Brandon DeSilva and Blake Burgess maintained their perfect start to the season with another class win, while Chris Marshall and Jacari Marshall mirrored their earlier result to take second in class.
With the first points of 2026 now on the board, the BPBA circuit looks set for a closely contested year. The blend of mechanical reliability and pilot chemistry proved decisive in the variable inshore conditions, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of racing on the Great Sound.
