Scott Free Racing Crowned National Champions in Englewood
October 14, 2025The 2025 APBA Offshore National Championship season came to an exciting and unforgettable close this past weekend at Englewood Beach Waterfest. The event once again delivered everything fans have come to love about it; great racing, incredible crowds, and an atmosphere that celebrates offshore racing at its best.
The weekend kicked off Friday night with the annual block party in downtown Englewood, where thousands of fans lined the streets to meet the teams, see the boats up close, and take photos before race day. The energy from the fans was electric all weekend long, setting the tone for an action-packed finale.
When Sunday rolled around, the stage was set for a winner-take-all showdown for the National Championship. The Gulf of Mexico served up classic Englewood conditions; rough, unpredictable, and challenging from start to finish. The Scott Free Racing team knew it was going to be a battle, but they embraced the challenge and went all in against some of the toughest competitors in the Mod V class.
From the drop of the green flag, the team pushed hard to stay in contention through the punishing chop, trading positions multiple times as conditions worsened. Every lap was a test of endurance, skill, and teamwork, with the crew holding strong to keep the boat running at peak performance. After a hard-fought race, Scott Free Racing crossed the line in third place, securing what looked to be another solid podium finish to close out the year.
However, the story didn't end there. Following the race, the top three boats were sent to post-race technical inspections, where officials determined that both the first and second place finishers were not compliant with class rules. This ruling moved Scott Free Racing to first place, officially securing the victory and clinching the 2025 National Championship.
Reflecting on the dramatic weekend, driver Stephen Kildahl shared,
"We gave it everything we had out there in those rough conditions. To come away with the championship after such a hard-fought season is an incredible feeling for our entire team. Everyone put in the work, and this win is for them and all our fans who?ve supported us every step of the way."
It was a fitting end to the regular season defined by perseverance, teamwork, and determination. Every member of the team worked tirelessly all year long to put together a championship-caliber effort, and this final result made it all worthwhile.
We're proud to bring home the National Championship and look forward to continuing our momentum into the last race of the season in Key West, FL
