Our Story.
Hailing from Chicago, Mark Robbins embarked on his boating odyssey in the late 1980s with a spirited 21' Taylor Jetboat, powered by a robust blown big block engine. His passion for performance boating later saw him at the helm of a 41' Sonic adorned with Triple 502s and a '93 straight-bottom Fountain. With countless Poker Runs under his belt across Illinois and Florida, Mark's affinity for speed and competition on water grew deeper with each wake.
In 2019, Mark shifted gears from enthusiast to competitor, navigating a 28' Larry Smith Scarab in the electrifying world of offshore racing. After participating in four races, the sea called for his own vision of a race team. Answering that call, he joined forces with Will Smith of Phantom Powerboats in August 2019 to craft the most formidable Class 4 race boat ever envisioned: the "Control Freak."
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Against the tumultuous backdrop of 2020, amidst the global pandemic and a cascade of race cancellations, the "Control Freak" emerged in June, not to compete but to conquer. The year became a testament to resilience, as Mark and his team refined their vessel through Poker Runs and rigorous testing along idyllic shores.
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The year 2021 marked a new chapter for MSR Powersports, anchored by the support of esteemed businesses from Englewood. Despite facing mechanical tribulations, the "Control Freak" soared, securing a commendable top 50 percent finish among 12 contenders and clinching 3rd place at the Englewood APBA/UIM World Championships.
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Transformation continued in 2022, with the arrival of Damon Marotta as throttleman, propelling the team through an ambitious race schedule. Craig Belfatto joined as Navigator in Morehead, NC, with the team navigating towards 2nd in High Points and a repeat 3rd place finish at the APBA/UIM World Championships.
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The 2023 season unfurled the team's full potential with Mark, Damon, and Craig at the helm of "Control Freak," achieving an unbeatable streak and being crowned APBA Class 4 National Champions in Clearwater, Florida, followed by a runner-up finish at the RWO World Championship in Key West.
Join us in the voyage of MSR Powersports as we continue to carve our legacy in the waters of offshore powerboat racing, propelled by passion, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
