Racers gear up for Englewood Beach WaterFest

ENGLEWOOD, Fla.- Dozens of speed boats are gearing up for RaceFest, one of the main events at the upcoming Englewood Beach WaterFest.

Scott Begovich is on the Miss Geico racing team. Friday, his 50 foot long power boat will be hitting speeds of more than 150 miles per hour.

“Well it’s already going to be the fastest boat in the world,” said Begovich.

More than 40 boats are expected to compete in the races. Organizers and volunteers say, they’ve spent thousands of hours putting festivities together.

“I hope we put on a great show for you all. Look for that purple and yellow ‘what’s up’ boat out there running, ’cause that’ll be us and we’re looking for a win here,” said Ed Smith, president of the Offshore Power Boat Association.

He compares the power boat racing to NASCAR on the water, and other teams agree.

“It’s going to be an exciting show, it’s a combination of NASCAR motocross, and off-road racing on the water where we are just as fast as NASCAR,” said Begovich.

WaterFest organizers pull together nearly $400,000 for expenses. Organizers received help from both Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials and the U.S. Coast Guard.