OPA Winter Awards Banquet Celebration

February 9, 2016

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​Coming off a successful 2015 racing season, the OPA Teams once again converged at the Stockton Seaview Hotel in Galloway Township, NJ holding their annual meeting and moved over to the Awards Banquet hosted by the Oyster Creek Inn in Leeds Point, NJ.

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Some changes were discussed during this meeting that will be amended to the Rule Book for 2016. OPA will continue to red flag races anytime there is an incident on the course. 


The awards banquet is always more like a family reunion for wayward racers. Attendees came from Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. It was a night to remember with some of the typical shenanigans but the warm bond of close friends and family.

There were many highlights of the evening during this year’s awards ceremony:


The National Champions for the 2015 season were: 


  • Super Cat - Cleveland Construction
  • Super Vee Lite – Typhoon
  • Super Stock – FJ Propeller
  • Extreme: Cat Can Do
  • Class 2 - Bat Boat
  • Class 3 – Wazzup
  • Class 4 – Saris Racing
  • Class 5 – Reinforer
  • Class 6 – Smith Brothers Racing/CRC
  • Class 7 – Hangin N Bangin


The “Stugots Cup” is presented to the team that has the highest number of points regardless of class. This year it was presented to Reinforcer Offshore Racing.


The coveted “Godfather Cup” goes to an individual or team that demonstrates goodwill, camaraderie, professionalism and sportsmanship throughout the year. This trophy was presented to Johnny Stanch of Strictly Business Motorsports.


The “Jimmy Welsh Trophy” goes to an individual non-racing team member who displays the similar qualities that Jimmy brought to the sport. This perpetual trophy is the only award that OPA gives out to a non-racing member. The 2015 recipient of the Jimmy Welsh Trophy went to Carlos McClendon of Pirate Racing.


OPA extends a hearty congratulations to those that received the honor of being inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions:

Offshore National Class:  driver, Louie Giancontieri & throttleman, Randy Schleuss from team TYPHOON

​Offshore Production Class:  Driver, Nick Smith and throttleman, Anthony Smith


Congratulations to all the 2015 winners! The OPA Season will start with the Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix in New Jersey and end at the Englewood Beach Waterfest in Florida.


​​Good luck to everyone in 2016!