About the Formula 4-Stroke Association
The largest offshore powerboat series in the world commands a vast amount of media exposure: Regionally, nationally and internationally.
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National television
Television has been the series’ most powerful medium. The Honda Formula 4-Stroke media office sources and manages a TV production company to produce bespoke 225hp and 150hp programmes. In 2005 the five 225hp programmes were broadcast on Channel 4, the championship remaining the only powerboat series in the UK to boast terrestrial TV coverage. The 150hp programmes were broadcast on Sky Sports and Sky Sports Xtra. The programmes were also syndicated and broadcast internationally on SNTV, Show Time, Exchange and Mart, Fox Sports and ESPN bringing the series its largest-ever television audience in 2005.
Press launches
To encourage regional coverage, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke media office holds a press launch in the GP location a week prior to the event. Local media are invited to go out in the race boats alongside the competitors to gain an insight into what the racing entails. This secures blanket regional coverage across TV, radio and press which encourages spectators to flock to HF4S events. The series has featured in widespread regional media outlets including the Liverpool Post and Echo, The Scottish Evening Times, Radio Clyde, Plymouth Sound, BBC Spotlight and BBC Scotland.
Media support RIB
On event, the media office runs a RIB which allows national and regional journalists to get a real taste of the racing from the water. This encourages the local media to cover the weekend’s action.
Media race boat
The series’ novice credentials allows the Honda Formula 4-Stroke media office an opportunity unique in British motor sport – to invite journalists and celebrities to race in a grand prix. The media office organises all the logistics involved including travel, accommodation, training and on event hosting. Celebrities who have taken up this opportunity include James Cracknell, Jamie Theakston, Graham Norton, Lee Sharpe, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato while journalist drivers have gained features in The Daily Telegraph, Metro, Top Gear magazine and Men’s Health. In 2005, the media office formed a partnership with GQ magazine which raced its own GQ race boat throughout the season. This relationship will continue in 2008. For opportunities to get involved, please get in contact with us at the F4SA.