For some people, speed is about much more than just performance. It’s the only way to fulfill a burning need. Some thrill seekers are genetically coded with a desire that can only be satisfied with extreme high levels of excitement.
Count Travis Pastrana among them. The motorsports megastar has lived more of his life at wide-open throttle than just about anyone else on earth. He’s a motorcross legend, former rally car and NASCAR racer, multi-time X Games gold medalist, and powerboat racing world champion. And that’s just his competitive side.
While racing is woven into his life, Pastrana doesn’t let the throttle down when he’s not competing. He’s perhaps most famous for his extreme stunts, like landing a double backflip on a motorcycle or the many “modern day Evel Knievel” feats he’s pulled off on his extreme action sports show “Nitro Circus.”
On the track and off it, Pastrana lives to push limits. And recently, Mercury Racing was proud to give him his next great thrill. Pastrana joined Mercury Racing at the legendary Lake X test facility in Florida to put the new 300R outboard with 15-inch HD Conventional MidSection (HD CMS) and the all-new 300 ROS offshore competition outboard through his personal performance test, running beyond 100 mph.
“Getting behind the wheel at Lake X was unreal,” said Pastrana. “It’s a place with so much history. Running the two boats powered by the 300R and 300 ROS, I could feel the difference in how each engine is tuned for its purpose. Pure adrenaline, total control and just an awesome day out on the water.”
The newest 300hp Mercury Racing outboards share a common platform. The heart of their performance is a fire-breathing 4.6L V8 high-displacement powerhead perfected by Mercury Marine. From that core, Mercury Racing built two distinct engines.
On the competition side, the 300 ROS is a heavy-duty offshore platform designed exclusively to power race teams across the globe to the top of the podium. It’ll be used for a variety of single- and dual-engine offshore classes.
Not a racer? Not to worry. The 300R with the 15-inch HD CMS shares the same competition pedigree as the 300ROS, the same premium craftsmanship and the same rock-solid durability, with luxury refinements only available to serious performance enthusiasts from Mercury Racing. It was engineered to provide a modern four-stroke solution that replaces traditional high-output two-strokes on the fastest sport, flats and bass boats. Mercury Racing dealers and technicians can help you dial in near-custom performance from the 300R with choice of a Torque Master or Sport Master gearcase, Digital Throttle & Shift or mechanical controls, hydraulic or power steering, and a range of precision-tuned propellers.
“These Mercury Racing engines aren’t just for pros or racers,” added Pastrana. “They’re built for anyone who loves to go fast and wants reliable, high-performance power on the water. Whether you’re out chasing top speeds or just having fun, the 300R delivers an experience anyone can get hooked on.”
One engine destined for competition. Another capable of luxury high performance. Both passing the test put forth by an iconic master of speed. Whether you’re a serious racer, you’re serious about speed or you live for both – like Pastrana – the new 300 ROS and 300R can take you to new levels of thrill.
“Pushing limits is what I’ve built my career on, and that’s exactly what Mercury Racing does with their engines,” said Pastrana. “Partnering with a brand that shares that same drive for performance, precision and innovation just makes sense.”
The Mercury Racing 300R outboard with 15-inch HD CMS is slated to be available this fall. If you’d like to see one in person, or you want to check out the new 300ROS, join Mercury Racing on the Summer of Speed Tour or at one of many racing events scheduled this season.
Join us at the legendary Lake X as motorsports icon Travis Pastrana puts both engines through their paces. From the competition-ready 300 ROS to the luxury-performance 300R with 15-inch HD CMS, these V8 powerhouses are built to dominate. Featuring Mercury Marine’s 4.6L V8 platform, both engines deliver unmatched acceleration, durability and customization for racers and performance enthusiasts alike.
