
Three days of thunder on the Gulf
From Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, roughly 90 teams entered across 14 classes, which the organizers' coverage describes as a record for the venue, more than double last year's turnout. Spectators lined the sand and Pier 60, where the first turn of the race happens about 100 yards off the pier, so nobody needed binoculars to feel the spray. Best of all, no admission is charged, so families, locals, and visitors could all enjoy the show.
The Nationals also had real stakes. Clearwater was Round 3 of the Race World Offshore / APBA National Championship Series and counts toward the UIM World Championship Tour. That made every start count as teams chased points on the road to the season finale in Key West.
Why we were there
Dimmitt Chevrolet has been part of the Clearwater community for years, and this event is Clearwater at its best: local, loud, and welcoming. Backing it as official automotive partner was an easy yes. Power, performance, and the pride of showing up for your hometown are things offshore racing and Chevrolet have in common.
We brought two Chevrolet vehicles for display so fans could get up close between races, and we ran giveaways throughout the event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, checked out the vehicles, and said hello.2026


Race results
Here are the winners from both race days. Results are unofficial, posted Sunday night at 9:32 p.m. Several classes also ran make-up races for the Michigan City event that was cut short by weather.
| Class | Winner |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Monster Energy/M CON won both Saturday and Sunday. Marine Technology/GC Racing and Outta Pocket Racing took 2nd and 3rd both days. |
| Class 2/Factory Stock | Montlick Injury Attorneys won both days, with Monster Energy/HURT second both days. |
| Super Cat | Dirty Money Racing on Saturday, then CR Racing on Sunday |
| Super Stock | Raymarine won both Clearwater races. NUFF SAID won the Michigan City make-up race. |
| Modified Vee | Speed Marine won the Clearwater race and the make-up race |
| Super Vee | DSK Marine |
| Cat 300 | Jackhammer |
| Vee Limited | Team Legend 504 won both the Clearwater race and the make-up |
| Bracket 200 | OC Racing |
| Bracket 300 | Team Woody Racing |
| Bracket 400 | Simmons Marine |
| Bracket 500 | RUFSTR |
| Bracket 600 | Moderation, in both the Clearwater race and the make-up |
| Bracket 700 | Dirt Legal – X Insurance – Velocity Factory Race Team, with Team Progression REDRUM winning the make-up |
Congratulations to every team, driver, throttleman, and crew member who took on the Gulf. The full results and standings are on the Race World Offshore website.
What's next
The action moves to Key West for the World Championships, November 1 to 8. Race World Offshore also filmed a one-hour special from Clearwater, set to air on the ESPN Network in the first quarter of 2027, so you can relive it from the couch.
Thank you to Race World Offshore, the City of Clearwater, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, and everyone who made the weekend possible. We'll see you next year at Pier 60.
Ready for your own ride? Visit us at dimmittchevrolet.com or stop by the dealership in Clearwater.