Cabeza And Bruggemann Team Up For 450R Factory Stock Season
In the latest cockpit shake up of the upcoming offshore powerboat racing 2024 season, 450R Factory Stock-class GC Racing team owner/driver Willy Cabeza will be joined in the cockpit of his MTI 390XR catamaran by throttleman Grant Bruggemann. Cabeza and throttleman Shaun Torrente, who is throttling exclusively for Mead Family Racing in the 450R ranks this season, claimed the American Power Boat Association 450R Factory Stock-class world title in 2023 in Key West, Fla.
Willy Cabeza and Grant Bruggemann will pilot the GC Racing MTI 390XR catamaran in the 450R Factory Stock class this season. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix
Bruggemann, who is not returning to the either the Class 1 XINSURANCE or the Super Boat-class Pro Floors Racing/Valder Yachts cockpits this season, said he is delighted to race alongside Cabeza. The South Florida-based racer was the first client in MTI’s 450R Factory Stock racing concierge program.
“I’m looking forward to great things with Willy and the GC Racing/MTI team,” said the veteran offshore racer and namesake of Grant’s Signature Racing in Bradenton, Fla. “We’ve already started testing and getting acquainted in the boat, and working on what we need to do to put us up front. We’re hoping for race wins, and ultimately a national championship.”
Added Kelli Bruggemann, Grant’s wife, with a chuckle, “We hope for the same things we hope for in any offshore racing season—national and world championships, world peace, a Powerball win and an extra few hours of sleep every night.”
Currently enjoying the MTI Owners Fun Run to the Florida Keys, Cabeza could not be reached for comment when this story went live.
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