News Summary
The upcoming Monster Energy Triple Crown offshore racing series final event is set to take place in St. Petersburg, featuring Mod V-class teams, including the newly formed Kevin’s/SRQ team. With anticipation building, fans are eager to witness this thrilling competition, where local racers showcase their talents in an event that has become a staple in the offshore racing calendar.
St. Petersburg will host the final event of the Monster Energy Triple Crown offshore racing series this weekend, featuring between six to ten Mod V-class teams. This annual grand prix has become a significant highlight in the offshore racing calendar, and the competition is expected to attract numerous fans and enthusiasts.
One of the notable entries in this year’s race is the Kevin’s/SRQ team, newly formed with drivers Cory Shantry and Larry Fontecha. Shantry, based in Sarasota, Florida, will drive the team’s canopied 30-foot Fountain boat, while Fontecha, hailing from North Port, Florida, will take on the role of throttleman. This specific boat has an impressive racing pedigree, having previously competed under the name “Watch Your Back” and achieving multiple championships in its history. The team aims to harness this legacy as they compete in the Mod V class.
The 30-foot Fountain boat, which has been upgraded with a “home-built” 509-cubic-inch engine, is currently getting its last touches at Ryan Beckley’s Kinetic Animation shop, where it is receiving specific branding and stickers. The boat was once owned by Dr. Michael E. Janssen, a notable figure in the offshore racing community, who has secured multiple championships using it. During Janssen’s tenure, the throttleman was Brian Forehand, further contributing to the boat’s winning legacy.
The motivation behind Shantry and Fontecha’s formation of the Kevin’s/SRQ team is to introduce a competitive edge to the Mod V class. They believe that acquiring the well-established Fountain will provide them with the necessary tools to succeed on the racecourse. With their debut just around the corner, the team is also pursuing additional sponsorship opportunities beyond Irish Kevin’s, a popular bar located on Duval Street in Key West, which serves as their primary sponsor.
This event marks a significant milestone not only for the newly formed team but also for the local offshore racing community, as fans are looking forward to witnessing the performance of a team rooted in the area. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, with many offshore racing enthusiasts expected to attend and support local racers.
As the weekend approaches, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, with teams preparing for what promises to be a thrilling final showdown in the Monster Energy Triple Crown series. The St. Petersburg Grand Prix has long been an essential fixture for competitive racing, and this year’s event showcases the evolution of the sport through the introduction of new teams and continued tradition by experienced competitors in the racing circuit.
In conclusion, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix is set to capture the attention of offshore racing fans and participants alike, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport. The new Irish Kevin’s/SRQ team is a promising addition to the field as they gear up for what could be a significant moment in their racing careers and the history of offshore racing in the region.
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Additional Resources
- St. Peter Ising: NASCAR to Make Debut at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2026
- Wikipedia: NASCAR
- Suncoast News: Things to Do Around Pinellas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Offshore Racing
- NASCAR: St. Petersburg Joins Craftsman Truck Schedule
- Google Search: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
- Jayski: First-Ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Street Race
- Google News: Monster Energy Triple Crown
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
