Date Added: 2008-05-25

A new course format was tested at Torquay at the opening rounds of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Championship at Torquay over the weekend. It was aimed to ease congestion on the course but met with a mixed reception from crews.

The organisers had been concerned that growing interest in this world leading one-design class was overloading the race circuit. Their solution was to split the fleet and it was this that caused confusion.

Saturday’s first race still went ahead however with the 225hp class being taken by Buildbase driven by Mark Cockman and veteran Kevin Marshal. Martin Campbell and David Williams took the 150hp prize in Team Williams but severe winds yesterday (Sunday) added to the problems

This forced the 225hp event to be abandoned leaving the smaller 150hp group, now split in two, to battle it out over a much reduced course. It resulted in two crews collecting equal points with Martin Campbell repeating his earlier success and Lee Smith aboard Spirit of Octane both collecting 20 points.

Overall the whole event has proved to be another success here in Torquay despite the new formats teething problems. The Honda Formula 4-Stroke team now look ahead to their next event to be held on June 14th & 15th in Plymouth.

Honda Formula 4 Stroke 150hp class Championship table to date:

1st: Drainstore.com
2nd: Team Williams
3rd: Premier Cru

Honda Formula 4 Stroke 225hp class Championship table to date:

1st: Negotiator
2nd: Real Player
3rd: Buildbase