Scott Free Racing Battles to 2nd Place in St. Pete Season Opener
March 31, 2026Scott Free Racing opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 2nd place finish at Round 1 of the St. Pete Grand Prix, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive year on the water.
Race weekend kicked off in downtown St. Petersburg with an incredible turnout of fans lining the docks for the Friday night street party. With thousands in attendance, it was a great opportunity for spectators to get up close with the boats, meet the teams, and feel the energy that surrounds offshore racing at the season opener. The support from the fans created an electric atmosphere and gave the team an early boost heading into race day.
When Sunday arrived, conditions quickly became the defining factor. Sustained winds around 20 mph built a relentless 3?4 foot chop across the course, turning the race into a true test of endurance, equipment, and discipline. From the drop of the green flag, it was clear that this would not be a flat-out sprint, but rather a race of attrition where simply making it to the finish would be an accomplishment.
Scott Free Racing focused on consistency and smart decision-making, settling into a strong pace early while carefully managing the boat through the punishing conditions. As competitors began to fall off due to the rough seas, the team maintained composure, keeping the boat together and avoiding costly mistakes. Lap after lap, the strategy paid off.
In the closing stages, the team held firm to secure a well earned 2nd place finish, an important result to start the season and a testament to the crew?s preparation and resilience in some of the toughest conditions they'll face all year.
With valuable points on the board, Scott Free Racing now shifts focus to a quick turnaround as preparations begin for Round 2 in New Orleans in just two weeks.
