By Toni Miles: Toni is also an anchor and reporter for WLOX-TV

A record crowd of 50,000 people were on hand for the inaugural Offshore Super series race, Smokin’ the Sound, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Fifteen thousand more people than last year turned out for the event, and fans saw the fastest times ever generated on the eight-mile course. The fastest previous time was 174 mph set by the Miss GEICO team last year. The Miss GEICO team outdid themselves again, setting a new record, hitting speeds of 194 mph on every straightaway in all of the laps. At the speed of 194, Miss GEICO was covering the length of a football field in one second.

Toni Miles caught up with Marc Granet, the Man Behind the Wheel.

Q. During the Biloxi race, the Miss GEICO team took top honors at the race and broke a record. Tell me about that.

A. Scott and I had been preparing for the Biloxi race for 4 months. Our training included both on and off water racing. As any racer will agree, an overall win for the season opener not only sets the pace for the season but is a tremendous moral booster for our hardworking team. As for records, both the Bud Light and Miss GEICO boats hit speeds never before attained at a sanctioned offshore race.

Q. How did it feel racing at nearly 190 miles per hour on the Mississippi Sound? When did you know you had
the race?
A. On test day (Sat) we had major handling issues with the boat at 170mph; the wind blowing through the casinos was pushing the boats into the Channel markers at high speeds. I didn’t sleep well. Race day the winds calmed down and we saw speeds in excess of 190 MPH through the Sound. The boat felt great and the practice paid off. After four laps and multiple attacks for lead position, we were confident we could hold them off. When the Bud team fell off the pace we knew they had made a racing decision to save their engines for the “piston class” points win and take second overall.

Q. How does the Biloxi course compare with other courses?

A. It’s by far the most dangerous and challenging course to race on. Day markers combined with Shallow water and tight turns could make for a very bad day.

Q. You and throttle man Scott Begovich seem to be quite the team. How would you describe your working relationship? How are your personalities different, both on and off the water?

A. Scotty and I are complete opposites but compliment each other well. It can get very intense in the boat at 300 ft per second, but we are professionals and have learned to manage the high stress environment and achieve success. We talk multiple times a day. We’re teammates and best friends!

Q. What do you think, overall, of Smokin’ the Sound and South Mississippi?

A. We love the people and the race. It’s a real pleasure coming to a town that loves racing and the boats.

Q. How long have you been power boat racing? When did you discover it was your passion?

A. I’ve been into the ocean and boats from a young age. My teenage years introduced me to offshore racing, and I purchased my first offshore boat about 15 years ago. Many years spent “street racing” boats led me to the professional circuit four years ago. It’s been quite a ride thanks to my team owner John Haggin and our sponsor GEICO. Don’t laugh, but after a weekend racing all I want to do is get on my Sportfish boat with my son and go fishing. It only goes 30 mph.

Q. What’s the best thing about powerboat racing? What do you believe has been the highlight of your career?

A. The awesome power, beauty and sheer spectacle of a fifty foot boat traveling at speeds over 200 mph is awe inspiring to me. As for highlights, well we have had some incredible wins but I honestly have to say the fans, especially the kids have been the highlight. Knowing that someday one of those little ones might just follow his or her dream of becoming a boat racer because of Scott and is cool. Bringing enjoyment and pleasure to people doing something you love is a great feeling.

Q. What goals do you still want to accomplish?

A. We have our eyes set on several point-to-point records, but the big one is breaking the World Propeller Kilo speed record of 220 mph currently held by Miss Budweiser (Unlimited Hydroplane)

Q. What have you been doing since Smokin’ the Sound?

A. Testing and Racing. Last week we were in Miami, and next week Ft. Lauderdale.

Q. Can we expect you and Begovich to return to the coast next year?

A. Absolutely!!!

Q. If so, what would you do differently in the next race?

A. You can never get comfortable. For next year’s race we will have to practice twice as hard. We are also planning on bringing an additional 2500 horsepower. (Smiling)
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself, outside of racing.

A. Actually my life is my family. I have three beautiful children that love racing but miss their dad when he’s traveling. The hardest is on my wife who supports my racing career while pulling double duty as mister mom on race weekends. She’s had to learn how to throw a football, put squid on hooks, and remove fish once they’re caught. My family videoconferences via the Internet during race weekends. I’m very involved with my community and sit on the board of a successful charity group that supports children’s causes. Other than that my life is racing.
Q. Where are you from? How old are you? (We know you just celebrated a birthday. By the way, would you like to share any details about your birthday celebration with us?)

A. I grew up in Rockville, Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C. Yes it is true I just celebrated my 24th birthday, oh hell you got me, my 41st birthday. We rang my birthday at the Hard Rock and Beau Rivage with my crew, and the Bud Light Team. It couldn’t have been better.

Q. The Bud Light team won the 2007 National Champions. Describe the sense of competition. Do you have any words for your competitors in this year’s races?

A. These guys are the best (Bud). They do everything right. That’s a testament to the Anheiser Busch Motorsports program as a whole. They work hard to be the best. Words for my competition, “the King of the Sound is now a Queen.” No, seriously every real racer knows you’re only as good as your last race and that “win” ends on the Monday morning following the race. You have to remember the target on your back just doubled in size!

Q. Please share anything else you think is important or noteworthy!

A. It’s really great to see your community come together and rebuild after Katrina, and it’s an honor that you let the racers be a part of the process of bringing your town together again.