David Selley and Stephen Bridges of Bermuda secured first place in the Super Stock Class during the Thunder on Cocoa Beach powerboat race on May 18, 2026. The race was cut short to five laps due to rough Atlantic conditions, but the Team Bermuda S25 crew handled the challenging waters better than their competitors. Selley and Bridges, who have previously competed in international events, finished ahead of other teams despite the abbreviated course. Their win marks a strong showing for Bermuda in U.S. powerboat racing this season.
The race, held on the Cocoa Beach coastline, drew multiple teams from across the country. Officials cited high waves and strong winds as reasons for reducing the original planned laps. Selley said the team focused on maintaining speed while navigating the unpredictable conditions. 'We knew the ocean was going to test us, but we stuck to our strategy,' he said after the race.
Bermuda’s other entry, Nuff Said S12, finished sixth. The team, crewed by Lewis Martin and Nick Imprescia, faced mechanical issues that slowed their progress. Imprescia, who joined the team earlier this year, called the result a learning experience. 'We’re still finding our rhythm, but we’ll keep working on it,' he said.
The event is part of the Powerboat Association’s 2026 schedule, which includes stops in Florida, Michigan, and St. Petersburg. Local organizers praised the competitors for adapting to the weather challenges. The next race is scheduled for June 12 in St. Petersburg, where teams will again face Atlantic conditions.
Selley and Bridges plan to use their victory as motivation for upcoming races. They will return to Bermuda in early June to prepare for the season’s final leg in July. Fans in Brevard County and beyond will be watching their progress as they compete in international circuits later this year.