The Australian-based Offshore Powerboat racing team 222 Offshore, defending Key West Class 1 World Champions, will race in Key West to assist with hurricane relief after a devastating month for the West Coast of Florida.

222 Offshore will work with the Sarasota-based Suncoast Charities, which has been a long-time partner of the Sarasota Offshore Powerboat races, in raising much-needed funds for those affected and displaced by the recent hurricanes that have devastated the west coast of Florida. The Australian-based team entered racing in the US back in 2019, and while they have been absent from the 2024 racing scene, they will return to defend their World Championship title in Key West in November.

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP

“Florida has been almost like a 2nd home for us since we started racing back in 2019, and we’ve met some amazing people and formed strong friendships along the way. When you’re sitting on the other side of the world, watching a place you love being decimated twice in 2 weeks by severe hurricanes and tornadoes, you just feel helpless. We’ve always loved racing in Sarasota and walking along Lido Beach. Last year, accepting our first win there and feeling so much love from the spectators was, without a doubt, one of our most treasured memories. So it’s our turn to return the love, to help the people who have always welcomed us with open arms”, commented Darren Nicholson, owner and driver of 222 Offshore.

Suncoast Charities Executive Director Lucy Nicandri shared: “We are working hard with multiple service providers to strategically allocate funding to where it will have the most impact in helping local individuals and families get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Focus areas include assisting with temporary housing, meals, and other necessities. So many people I have spoken to in the local area impacted by Hurricane Milton work in the service/hospitality industry, which was severely affected. It breaks my heart to know that several working families are facing homelessness and need just some temporary support until they can return to work. To compound that, some families care for a family member with special needs.”

222 Offshore will head to Key West with a new title partner onboard and a new merchandise line. The team will donate a proportion of their merch sales to Suncoast Charities, which will assist those doing the hardest in Sarasota in getting back on their feet.

Anyone wanting to donate directly on behalf of the 222 Offshore team can head to the Suncoast Charities Hurricane Relief page here: https://suncoastcharitiesforchildren.harnessgiving.org/donate/?selected-method=one-time&amount=10&campaign_id=16169

222 Offshore’s Manager Skye Gregory can be contacted on