No Superboat-class offshore powerboat racing team has changed the graphics on its raceboat more frequently in the past few years than the Fastboats Marine Group outfit headed by veteran offshore racer Randy Sweers. In last iteration, Sweers’ 40-foot Marine Technology, Inc., catamaran was dressed in the colors—complete with numerous pink accents—of Racing For Cancer/Autonation.

Just released: Brand-new graphics, courtesy of new backer Sailor Jerry Rum, for the Fastboats Marine Group offshore racing team.

Fans hoping for a new look for the cat powered by twin 750-hp Ilmor Marine Racing engines won’t be disappointed with 2015 version, as Fastboats Marine Group has a new backer for the season in Sailor Jerry Rum, a Caribbean spiced spirit “inspired by the American tattoo legend Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins,” according literature on the brand. The new name for the boat—Sailor Jerry-Autonation.

“As you can see from the design we have a very cool ‘retro-looking’ design that is certainly going to turn some heads on the racing circuit,” said Sweers. “It’s not your typical raceboat paint colors, but then again I am probably not your ‘typical’ powerboat racer.”

While the Racing For Cancer/Autonation banner is gone from the catamaran’s hullsides, Sweers and company will continue to promote cancer research and treatment through their efforts on the racecourse this season. (Sweers’ wife, Kim, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.)

“We are continuing our partnership with Autonation for the 2015 season and we are part of the marketing to promote ‘The Autonation Cure Bowl’ to be held December 19, 2015 in Orlando,” he said. “This is the first of its kind to combine the passions of college football with the importance of supporting breast cancer research. This is something very close to my family and we try to do as much as possible to help raise money and awareness to battle this disease.”

Driver Mike Swanson of Wyazata, Minn., had planned to run a full season in the cockpit with Sweers this year. However, shoulder surgery has sidelined him until at least October, so Danilo Zampaloni—Sweers’ driver from his Loriblu offshore racing team days—will join him in the cockpit.

“Danilo is very accomplished racer on the road having won the European Rally title as a factory Mitsubishi driver and then as a Factory Ferrari GT2 driver,” said Sweers. “Danilo and I had some great success during the 2010 and 2011 race seasons with him on the wheel. He is highly skilled, and knows how to win.”

Fans will get their first look at the new graphics package for the Sailor Jerry-Autonation during the Sarasota Grand Prix Powerboat Fesitval June 27-July. After that, they can expect to catch the cat in action on the SBI circuit for the duration of the SBI season, accoridng to Sweers.

“Other than a previous commitment we made to Autonation for the Sarasota (Fla.) race during the July 4 weekend, we are looking forward to run a full season with Superboat International,” he said. “Jason and Phil from Ilmor have been working diligently to rebuild our spare engines for the season, so we should be all set in the engine department. My crew of Jay Meyer, Craig Chiddenton, Jordan Becher and the rest of the team at Fastboats Marine Group are ready for a successful 2015 season.”

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