Steven Bridges and David Selley will start today’s New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix at the front of the pack after securing pole position in the Super Stock class during yesterday’s qualifying session.

Competing in their 32ft twin-engined catamaran, Team Bermuda, the pair produced the fastest time of 6min 57sec to claim pole position for the second straight race after also achieving the feat on the way to victory in their season-opener at the St Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix in Florida last month.

It was the local team’s maiden win in professional racing in the United States and the perfect start to the season.

Also flying the island’s banner at the event is the team of Luis Martins and Nick Imprescia in their 32ft twin-engined catamaran, Nuff Said, who posted the fourth-fastest qualifying time of 10:39.

The pair also competed at the St Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix, in which they finished sixth.

Driver Martins and throttle man Imprescia will continue their bid for a first podium showing of the year after finishing second overall at the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships in Florida in November.

The New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix, featuring offshore powerboat and personal watercraft, is held on Lake Pontchartrain and is the second stop of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Offshore Series National Championship.

The racing will be held at the levee between Bonnabel Boat Launch and Bucktown Harbor Park in Metairie, Louisiana.