The roar of the engines, the spray of the salt water, and a community standing tall. The 2025 Englewood Beach Waterfest was one for the history books, delivering a thrilling weekend of high-octane excitement and powerful community spirit on the Suncoast of Florida.
This wasn’t just Florida’s premier water spectacle, it was the host of the prestigious American Powerboat Association (APBA) World Championship and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) finals. For us at Dirt Legal, the excitement was doubled because the team we sponsor (together with Velocity Powerboats), the incredible Dirt Legal Velocity Factory Race Team (Boat #789), didn’t just compete, they absolutely crushed it. Driver Brad Christopher and his team secured the coveted double crown, capturing both the 2025 APBA World Champions and 2025 APBA National Champions titles in the fiercely competitive Class 7!
It was a performance that underscored the team’s dedication, the power of their Velocity craft, and the adrenaline-fueled nature of offshore racing.
A Victory That Means More: The Spirit of Englewood
The energy in Englewood was absolutely unreal, driven by more than just speed. The Waterfest has always been a fan favorite, but this year it held a deep, special significance. The event represented a huge community milestone, standing strong just one year after the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton. The massive increase in attendance (organizers happily reported nearly a 50% jump in turnout compared to previous years, drawing over 30,000 people) was a testament to the resilience and heart of the locals.
The fact that Englewood Beach was chosen to host the World Championship finale, bringing competitors from around the globe to race for over $50,000 in prize money, demonstrates the tremendous effort put into the recovery and reconstruction of the area. This was a true comeback story on the water.
Event organizers were thrilled to see the community gather for the festivities, which included a diverse mix of local food, music by Crossfire Creek, and retail offerings. As Englewood Beach Waterfest President Jay Henderson pointed out, the whole weekend was centered on family, community, and conservation. From the PowerUp Pre-Race Party to the lively Block Party on Historic Dearborn Street, the Waterfest served as a powerful reminder of how a community can rally together. It’s truly inspiring to see such positive energy at an event that means so much to the area’s recovery and future.
Velocity Races to Glory: The Weekend Recap
The main event took place on October 10th and 11th. The Suncoast coastline transformed into a roaring amphitheater of speed and white-knuckle skill. The two days of races were a brutal challenge, with complex courses and varying water conditions designed to test even the most experienced crews.
The Velocity Factory Race Team, easily recognizable in their signature orange and black livery (Boat #789), was a dominant force. The Class 7 demands a flawless blend of raw horsepower, perfect navigation, and synchronized teamwork.
Their journey to the top was anything but smooth. In a moment of high drama that underscores the inherent danger of offshore powerboating, the team was involved in a serious incident right before the race. Driver Brad Christopher gave a harrowing account of the event:
“It was rough water, around 3-4 foot swells. We hit one then the boat went on it’s side and rolled. I had just done my dunker safety training the day before so I’m thankful I got to practice a few times before actually having it happen.”
The fact that the team could rally after a boat-flipping incident makes their subsequent victory a profound statement on their composure and professionalism. It highlights the dedication not just to speed, but to safety protocols.
Facing the world’s best on the championship stage, Brad Christopher and his team delivered a definitive masterclass in offshore racing. Their ability to overcome a near-disaster and perform under immense pressure secured not one, but two, of the sport’s most prestigious honors: the APBA World Champions and APBA National Champions titles. This victory firmly established the Velocity Factory Race Team (@velocity_factory_race_team_789) as the elite of the Class 7 globally.
After the dramatic weekend of racing, driver Brad Christopher took a moment to share his appreciation for the offshore racing family, perfectly capturing the spirit of camaraderie that defines the powerboat community:
“I never imagined a year ago I would have the privilege to meet such a great group of people in the offshore powerboat racing community. Thank you everyone for being welcoming and so helpful.”
The thrill of the win, the team’s focus on safety and gratitude for the safety crew, and the unwavering support of the community are the core values that make this sport so powerful.
Keep the Throttle Down, Skip the Paperwork
At Dirt Legal, we’re all about that adrenaline and the pure freedom of the open water, just like the Velocity Factory Race Team. We love the boats, but we know you don’t love the bureaucracy.
That’s why we exist. Whether you’re trailering your Velocity Powerboat, launching your jet ski, in your everyday car or truck, or ripping around on your SxS, ATV, or dirt bike, the last thing you want is confusing, slow paperwork from the DMV or a state agency.
Don’t let endless forms and long lines keep you from your fun!
Dirt Legal is your fast track to getting your watercraft, car, truck, off-road vehicle, and more registered with zero hassle. We handle the complex, multi-state paperwork for titling and registration so you can spend less time stressed out and more time enjoying the water.
Ready to register your toys quickly? Get the winning edge with Dirt Legal!
