Fountain Eclipses the 160mph Mark for a New SBI World Record

February 8, 2004, Washington, NC; Despite less than perfect water conditions for such amazing speeds, Pier 57 - Rio Roses not only passed the previously unbeatable 150mph mark, they eclipsed the 160mph mark on a single pass to establish a new v-bottom Super Boat International World Speed Record of 158.705mph. Offshore Powerboat records are established by completing a pass in each direction of a surveyed and certified 1-kilometer racecourse. The 2 passes are averaged to yield the official mark. The 10,080 pound, 42' Fountain Lightning, throttled by Fountain Powerboats President and CEO Reggie Fountain, and driven by Hall of Champions driver Jeff Harris, had to battle a 45 degree beam sea and 12 mile per hour winds to establish the tremendous milestone. In their 'semi' down wind pass, the Fountain-Mercury powerboat topped the 160mph mark at an amazing 160.394mph. On their return pass into the wind, they ran a respectable 157.016mph, for an average two-way speed of 158.705mph.

Team Sponsor David Woods of Pier 57, Fountain Powerboats' largest dealer, was elated at the news of the new record. "Pier 57 has held the UIM World speed record since 2000, and we wanted to make sure we went into the Miami International Boat Show with a number that secured that position", said David. Boat owner Rich Troppoli was equally thrilled at the new mark, which capped an outstanding season for his team. His boat, Rio Roses, captured the Superboat International World Championship title in Deerfield Beach, FL in November of 2003, winning overall honors ahead of the fast catamarans and v-bottoms of the fleet. Perhaps one of the most impressive statistics is that the Rio Roses boat is a 3-year old, former APBA World and National champion boat. Jeff Harris piloted the boat with Reggie's son Wyatt Fountain under the moniker Znytix, to dominate the season in 2001, earning both Harris and Fountain "Hall of Champions" honors.

Reggie Fountain, a multiple World and National champion himself, and the holder of numerous world speed records said, "the boat had quite a bit more even speed with the small 1290hp engines, but the wind and chop kept us from loosening up the boat for maximum speed." "With calm winds, and less chop, the boat could have averaged well over 160mph," said Reggie. Both Fountain and Harris also credit the speed record consistency of the boat to the outstanding rigging performed by the crew chiefs, Bobby and Billy Moore.

Reggie has no intention of resting on his laurels. "We are rigging a lighter and more powerful version of the same boat, which we feel can push the mark up at least another 15 miles per hour", said Reggie. "The performance of this boat is a great introduction for our upcoming Poker Run 42' that will run over 100mph with stock factory Mercury Racing 525 engines", he continued. Reggie went on to say, "speed records like this demonstrate that even with less horsepower, and weighing more than our competitors ultra-light, high horsepower boats, they still can't keep up. Our boats run faster, with less horsepower, making them the best value in the marine industry." "When you combine our performance, value, and the fact that as part of the Mercury family we have over 4000 service centers worldwide, why would anyone buy anything else?"

When questioned about other manufacturers being upset that they were not included in the days event, Reggie responded, "Ferrari doesn't invite Porsche to their factory, and Ford doesn't bring in Chevrolet before they make a major advancement." "This was a special event sanctioned by Superboat International, and we didn't feel compelled to have any other manufacturers participate." Reggie referred questions of qualifications for the event to Superboat International president, John Carbonnel. Mr. Carbonnel indicated, "that the rules for a record run are spelled out clearly in the rule book." "In order for a team to be eligible to set a record, they must have placed in the top 3 in a sanctioned event in the same class they wish to set a record." "Rio Roses has qualified by for the record, and is in-fact the current World Champion in the class." Reggie added that, "not only has the complaining manufacturer not met the requirements in SBI, but the last time that they faced this boat on a race course, as Znytix, we lapped them!"

Fountain Powerboats are known for their extreme speeds and championship capability. This record marks the 8th time in the past 15 years that Fountain has bumped the overall V-bottom world speed record.