The Bright House 2014 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship took place this weekend, but only a few teams from around the world took home prizes at the Clearwater Marina after Sunday's big races.

This year's winners are: Hulk (first race), Ms. Geico (second race), and Stihl (third race).

Some of the boats reach speeds of up to 180 mph. Teams of two are needed to keep each one under control as they compete on the 2.5 mile long race course.  

The race drew thousands to the beach on Sunday.

"[My] favorite part is watching the speed of the boats and see how fast it comes by," said Greg Melton. "We enjoy coming out here, we live out here, just have a good time coming to the races."

Janessa Patrick came from North Carolia to watch the race.

"We would definitely like to make this a habit every year," said Patrick.

For team Stihl boat driver and owner J.R. Noble, trusting his throttle man is key.

"Pulling into a turn at 130 mph, you want to know that the guy next to you has got your back,” Noble said before the races.

Visitors were allowed into the Marina for free all weekend. Dubbed Race Village, teams were on-hand signing autographs for fans in between races.

"It's amazing to be in the water down on the beach and have them fly right by you,” said tourist Pat McGinley.

"It's just amazing,” said her husband Frank McGinley. “Absolutely phenomenal."

The McGinley’s were among the more than 175,000 spectators that attended over the weekend.

“I’m actually pretty excited because I’ve never seen a boat race,” said Riley Dunagan, 11, from South Carolina.

Dunagan and his family came all the way from Spartanburg, South Carolina to check out the races.

"[I like] the turns and how fast they go,” said Angela Ward from South Carolina.

Ward and hundreds of fans got their speedboat fix during practice runs on Saturday.

“It’s amazing how many people just want to see boats,” said Samantha Williams.

“That’s pretty fast,” said Dunagan. “I could never do that.”