Steven Bridges and David Selley received a tremendous confidence boost after picking up their first podium finish of the year in Tampa, Florida, last weekend.

The local powerboat racers capitalised on a good start and a one-minute penalty awarded to rival Northwing Offshore Racing for a manoeuvre on a dogleg turn to claim third spot in the Monster Energy St Petersburg Powerboat P1 Grand Prix.

Bridges and Selley were thrilled to have capped two days of intense racing on a brighter note having finished a disappointing eleventh in the rescheduled Sheboygan Race held the previous day.

Timing the start and getting away from the pack cleanly proved crucial for competitors on both days.

“The two day races show just how important a good start is from one day to the next,” boat owner and throttleman Bridges told The Royal Gazette.

“Very disappointed with the start of the first race as we got sandwiched out and almost had a collision, which put us last place. But the second race was a good start after a restart for us, and we were able to run a good race and get a podium finish due to penalties given to Northwing. Thanks to our sponsors and crew who make this happen.”

Driver Selley was also delighted to bounce back with a podium finish in the six-mile race contested off the shores of St Petersburg Waterfront.

“Sunday’s race was a good rebound from Saturday,” he said.

“We had a good set-up for both days but couldn’t get out of traffic on Saturday without clean water. We made some changes for Sunday’s race that panned out well and was a safe bet. Happy with how the boat ran and how we performed.”

Also flying the Bermuda flag in Tampa was the team of Luis Martins and Andy Stoneham, who brought up the rear in the Sheboygan Race and were fourteenth in the Monster Energy St Petersburg Powerboat P1 Grand Prix among the 15-boat fleet.

Celsius (Chris Hopgood) led the fleet across the line in the Sheboygan Race, which was postponed last month due to inclement weather, and Say Less MF (Chad Rudesill) in the Monster Energy St Petersburg Powerboat P1 Grand Prix.

The Monster Energy St Petersburg Powerboat P1 Grand Prix was the final act of the three-race Monster Energy P1 Offshore Triple Crown series, which was also won by Celsius.