As of yesterday, extreme motorsports master Travis Pastrana was eager for his first race—this Sunday’s Crystal Coast Grand Prix in Morehead City, N.C.—as the driver for the Miss GEICO team. But through a brief press release this morning, the Riviera, Fla.-based team announced that Pastrana is out of the team’s 47-foot catamaran this weekend.

At least this weekend, Travis Pastrana will not notch his first race in the Miss GEICO catamaran. Photo by Cole McGowan copyright Miss GEICO Offshore Racing.

“Travis Pastrana will not drive Miss GEICO this weekend due to a last minute matter,” the release stated. “We are fortunate to have a second driver in Brit Lilly, who will take over driving duties this weekend, alongside throttleman, Steve Curtis.”

No additional information was supplied. Reached by email, a representative declined to add any additional comments.

Lilly, a veteran offshore racer who is new to the Miss GEICO team, said he was surprised but is ready to take over for Pastrana, his longtime friend.

“I came here yesterday as a spectator,” he said. “An hour later I heard, ‘Travis has a family matter to deal with and I hope you brought your helmet.’ My answer was, “I never leave home without it.’

“This isn’t the way I thought it would start,” he added, then laughed. “But I’m still so pumped to drive the beast.”

Earlier this month, the Miss GEICO team announced that it will run in this weekend’s Offshore Powerboat Association event, as well as next month’s Offshore At The Ozarks-Cat Edition (also an OPA event) in Central Missouri. Lilly is slated to drive the cat with Curtis in the Lake of the Ozarks contest as Pastrana has a conflicting obligation.

No one enjoys offshore racing more than Brit Lilly (right, with LSB/Hurricane of Awesomeness teammate Kevin Smith), who will share the cockpit of the Miss GEICO catamaran with Steve Curtis during this weekend’s Crystal Coast Grand Prix. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Reached this morning, team manager Gary Stray said he’s optimistic about the team also running in the OPA World Championships (November 19-22) in Englewood Beach, Fla.

“Yes, for sure, we will do everything we can to race there,” he said. “And I would think Travis would drive. He absolutely loves it and wants to drive as much as possible.”

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