Though large fleets predicted by Cat 300 proponents have not materialized since the spec offshore-racing class emerged several years ago, the Cat 300 group has grown. And just three of the single-outboard-engine-powered canopied cats sharing the racecourse is all it takes to produce wild action. That was the scene in Englewood Beach Waterfest in Southwest Florida last month, and will be again in Key West this week.
Three teams is a respectable turnout in the Cat 300 category. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
Like their V-bottom counterparts in the Bracket 700 class, Cat 300 raceboats measure 20-ish feet long and when the water gets rough they spend as much time above it as in it. Unlike their counterparts in the Bracket 700 class, Cat 300 raceboats have no speed limit. When the water is smooth, they can top out in the high-80-mph range.
And with a trio of Cat 300 teams registered for the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships, that’s kind of show fans can expect during the Wednesday, Friday and Sunday competitions. The Wicked/Lakeside Motorsports team of Mike and Michael, rookie driver Lauren Nitchoff and veteran throttleman Connor Langheim in Jackhammer and the Pantera Mike Racing Team of Michael McColgan and Jason Jovato will put on show.
As previously reported, Nitchoff will share the cockpit with Langheim on Wednesday and Friday. The Class 300 newcomer has a personal obligation Saturday, so Connor Toomey—who is Langheim’s teammate for the regular 2026 season and will fill in for the Wicked/Lakeside Motorsports team’s Michael Bethan on Wednesdays—will replace her for Sunday’s finale.
The Cat 300 Jackhammer team will have two drivers in Key West.
“I think it’s a really cool class that’s going to grow big because it’s affordable and reliable stock racing where all sorts of people can compete and be successful,” Toomey said.
In the 2026 American Power Boat Association National Championship Series, Pantera Mike Racing earned top honors followed by Jackhammer and Wicked/Lakeside Motorsports.
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