Bridges and Selley finish second at New Orleans Grand Prix
Steven Bridges and David Selley continued their fine start to the season after securing a second straight podium finish in the Super Stock class at the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Bermudian duo finished runners-up to winner Jeremy Tschida in Wozencraft, who led from lap one to take the checkered flag in a time of 36min 46sec, with just a couple of seconds to spare over the Bermuda boat.
Throttle man and boat owner Bridges was happy to have overcome an early setback and earn a spot on the podium.
“Overall I am happy with the results today after we dropped to last place right at the start because of an engine going into guardian mode,” he told The Royal Gazette.
“But we fought our way back to the front and took second place. This race was a new format having to manage two short laps within the 11 laps, but we sorted it out and did our thing. Thanks to all our crew, sponsors, friends, family and supporters.”
Driver Selley was also delighted to have fought back from adversity.
“Really proud of our comeback and once we got settled in we were able to take advantage of the short lap,” he said.
“Some things are out of your control but we made the best out of a bad situation and are still on top of the points so look forward to the next one.
Bridges and Selley were on cloud nine heading into the event after claiming a maiden win in professional powerboat racing in the United States in their season opener at the St Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix in Florida a week earlier.
Their confidence was further boosted after securing pole position for the second straight weekend during qualifying on Saturday.
However, their advantage was short-lived after they were forced to play catch up in their 32ft twin-engined catamaran, Team Bermuda, after their engine troubles saw them plummet to the back of the fleet.
But they demonstrated tremendous resolve and character to battle their way back to the front and finish second a mere 2.572sec behind the winning boat.
Chris Hopgood in Valvoline/Celsius also did well to make up considerable ground, having come from ninth on the grid to finish third, 28.85sec behind Team Bermuda.
Also flying the island’s banner at the event was the team of Luis Martins and Nick Imprescia in their 32ft twin-engined catamaran, Nuff Said, who secured their first top-five showing of the season.
They finished fifth in 43:08 after starting fourth on the grid to go one better having finished sixth in their season opener at the St Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix in Florida the previous weekend.
