Excitement is building in the offshore racing community as 18-year-old Peyton Riveiro prepares to make her debut in the fiercely competitive world of offshore racing.
On Sept. 15, 2024, Peyton will take the helm of her 22-foot Activator in the Class 7 race at the P1 Offshore’s Sarasota event, marking a significant milestone not only in her burgeoning career but also in the history of female participation in the sport.
Peyton is the daughter of Pete Riveiro, a seasoned competitor in the Mod V division. She'll be alongside renowned National World Champion throttleman Julian Maldanado, famous for his prowess with the Jackhammer racing team. This debut provides Peyton with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business, as she aspires to develop her skills and ultimately transition into the throttle position.
"My dad has been a huge influence on me during the last couple years, and inspiring me to want to do this," Peyton told Speedboat. "I just fell in love with it the second I entered the pit. It just fascinated me. Watching him the last couple years and watching his progression. Watching him win the World Championship last year was what really drove me to get in a boat. He's really been pushing me, sometimes to my breaking point," she laughs. "But even when he pushes me as hard as he can, I thank him for it every day."
Peyton’s entry into offshore racing not only highlights her individual talent but also represents a growing trend of young women breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. As one of the youngest female offshore racers ever, her participation is expected to inspire other aspiring athletes and challenge the norms of competitive racing. "I want to be up there with the big names like Taylor Scism, Ricky Maldonado and Brit Lilly," she says. "I want to make a name for myself, help make this sport what it's supposed to be and bring back the great name of offshore racing."
She says her inroad into the sport was a modest one. "I'd do anything that he needed me to do," she says. "If I had to run across the pits to grab fenders for his boat, or hop on top of the boat and get it up on the crane, I just did what needed to be done. And if any other team needed help, I tried my best to pitch in—especially Ricky Maldonado and his whole family. Anytime I saw that they needed help, I really tried my best to just get in there so I could learn from the best."
“We are looking for her to get “seat” time and gain valuable experience in a race, racing alongside one of the sport's very best throttlemen,” says Pete Riveiro. “I just want her to finish and be safe. This is arguably one of the most competitive classes in offshore racing, and she will be competing with some seasoned young guns who battle every single race.”
The P1 Offshore Sarasota race promises to be an exhilarating event, attracting top competitors from across the country. Fans and spectators can anticipate thrilling action as Peyton, equipped with her determination and passion for the sport, navigates the challenging waters of offshore racing.
Peyton’s journey into offshore racing is just beginning, and all eyes will be on her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life.
"I'm so excited for the competition," she says. "I'm good friends with everybody in the class, and I'm looking forward to getting out there and being able to battle. This first race is really just going be a test—put me in the water and see how I do. You can drive a boat all day long, but once you get onto the race course, it's a totally different animal."