STIHL Offshore Racing Team Starts Season with a Thrilling Finish

COCOA BEACH , Fla. – The STIHL Offshore racing team kicked off its 2011 season at the Brighthouse Networks Super Boat Grand Prix in CocoaBeach on Sunday, May 22. The number 13 STIHL boat came in behind the number 33 Loriblu boat by only three-fourths of a boat length.

The STIHL boat, which was leading the race, began to experience engine problems in the seventh lap, but managed to overcome them. With four laps remaining, the STIHL boat held a 28-second lead. However, the problems with the engine resurfaced and the two boats raced neck and neck as they headed to the finish line. In the final 300 yards, the Loriblu passed the STIHL boat, winning the race.

“This was one of the most thrilling finishes we’ve ever had,” said the STIHL boat owner and driver Bob Noble, Jr. “We both had our share of problems but it made for a finish that fans are still talking about.” Noble is also owner of STIHL distributor STIHL Southeast in Orlando, Fla.

Noble added that he was extremely happy with all of the events leading up to and during the Grand Prix in CocoaBeach. “We will definitely go back there again next year,” said Noble.

The STIHL Offshore racing team currently sits in second place in the Super Boat International’s Super Cat standings with 472 points, 51 points behind the Loriblu. The team’s next race is in Miami on June 5.

For more information about the STIHL Offshore racing team, visit http://www.stihloffshoreracing.com/ and for more information on STIHL Inc., visit http://www.stihlusa.com.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com/.

*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2010 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
 
STIHL is pleased to support the work of Independent We Stand , the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) , International Society of Arboriculture (ISA ), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) , National FFA , Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) , the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) , and the National Association of State Park Directors .