The Cigarette Caveman today joined the Miss GEICO Race Team and special guest, Jonathan Hillstrand, of the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” as they set off on a mission--to set a base speed record from Miami to Palm Beach.
As the 38 Top Gun Cigarette Caveman acted as the “pace” boat from the channel at Grove Harbour Marina, in Coconut Grove en route to the Loggerhead Marina in Jupiter, Florida some 78miles away, it was sunshine and blue skies. The earlier squalls and rain that blew through Miami had cleared, and while the wind seemed to be picking up, the crew was ready for a safe, fun run north with team owner John Haggin and Hillstrand riding with driver and throttleman Marc Granett and Scott Begovich at the controls of the Miss GEICO race boat. The goal was not to break any speed records, but rather to set a benchmark to create a new record to break! It was also the opportunity for Hillstrand to experience the ride at 100+ mph in a state-of-the-art turbine-powered catamaran—and unusual and exciting experience for a man who generally fishes for Alaskan King Crab in the Bering Sea! The Discovery Channel was on hand to catch Hillstrand in his new “racy” role!
As often happens in South Florida, the weather just north of Dade and Broward counties varied greatly though only miles away. Craig Wilson, Powerboat P1’s Evolution Class Champion from 2007 and 2008 was along for the ride in the Cigarette Racing Team’s Caveman boat and reported that the seas were ugly—like a washing machine with rain pouring down and winds seeming to come from all directions.
Despite the unfavorable conditions, everyone made it safely and we’ll await the official speed from the forthcoming Miss GEICO Racing Team press release. Said Hillstrand, “I wouldn’t pass this opportunity up for the world! These guys might have a more dangerous job per capita than I do! This is the coolest thing I’ve done in my life!” And that’s something coming from a guy who fishes in Alaskan waters!
Results 1 to 17 of 17
-
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Posts
- 184
12-15-2009 08:10 PM
-
12-15-2009 08:32 PM
Those Hillstrand boys are nuts. Love 'em!
www.blackduckcafe.net
-
12-16-2009 11:11 AM
Great Story. Can't wait to see the Discovery footage....
-
-
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Posts
- 114
12-16-2009 12:29 PMI've noticed alot more commercials on TV with the Geico cat. I was watching the Military channel last night and one came on.
-
12-16-2009 12:33 PM
Man, I'd love to meet Jonathan sometime. He really is my favorite one on the show. He seems like a really genuine dude, that likes fun times!
-
-
12-16-2009 03:56 PM
They wrote a cool book together, definitely worth checking out if you're a fan. It's amazing they're still alive..
-
-
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Location
- Edgerock, MD
- Posts
- 1,947
-
-
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Posts
- 114
-
12-16-2009 07:26 PM
Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs by Johnathan Hillstrand, Andy Hillstrand, Malcolm MacPherson
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tim.../9780345503725
-
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Location
- Waterford, MI
- Posts
- 840
12-18-2009 12:45 AM[QUOTE=HPBoats83;392499]I've noticed alot more commercials on TV with the Geico cat. I was watching the Military channel last night and one came on. [/QUOTE
That team knows how to market themselves as well as the sport, they have done a great job in getting recognition outside our comfort zone. BTW I saw a thread teasing Scotty about his new beard, but did anyone notice how very svelt Scott is looking in his jump suit, very impressive I must say
-
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Posts
- 114
-
-
12-18-2009 07:49 AM
what class r these cats runnin in
2007 OPA National Champs-2008 OPA Gieco Triple Crown Champs