Chris Marshall and Bobby DaCosta proved that age is just a number competing in the Rubis Around the Island Powerboat Race this year.

Marshall, a former professional racer and three-times S-class world and US national champion, went into the history books as the oldest driver to compete in the annual event at age 68, while DaCosta made his 32nd race appearance at age 65.

“I am just glad I can still do it. I feel a lot younger than that so I look at those guys and if you still feel like you can compete, that’s great,” Marshall told The Royal Gazette.

“If your mind tells you can’t do something, then you are not going to do it.

“People just assume I’m 50, 55, 60 years old; there’s certain things you shouldn’t do sort of thing. If you go like that, a lot of the fun of life passes you by.

“There is no feeling like this, especially when the boat is running right and you’re out there racing. It’s just an exhilaration. Different people get that in different ways; for me, it’s boat racing.

“I love rough water, so South Shore [on Sunday] was great. I was having lots of fun down South Shore but then our engine kept on cutting out, which was very frustrating but I still had a lot of fun.”

Marshall was among the only two A Class entries and competed with grandson copilot Jacari Marshall against eventual class winners Shane Madeiros and Errin Butterfield.

It proved to be a memorable day for DaCosta, who won D Class honours with copilot David Willoughby.

“I just like speed and can’t get it out of my system,” DaCosta said.

“This attitude about stepping back is almost like saying I am done, and I don’t want to be done. I enjoy it.

“Of course, you get days like today where licks are part of racing, but I still enjoy it.

“I am missing skin off my back but I am here to brag about what I did, so it represents all the old people.”

While the pair have years of race experience under their belt, Jacari was making his debut in the annual spectacle.

“It’s fun. The calm water is quick and as soon as we hit South Shore it’s like we’re in and out of the water,” he said.

“We ran into problems, which sucks. First one you want to come and win it, but it was a lot of fun.

“It’s nice racing with my grandfather. He knows what he is doing and is family, which is nice.”