Date Added: 2008-05-15

With only days to go until the launch of the 2008 Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat series in Torquay on May 24th & 25th, the team of organisers behind the scenes are excitedly pulling together the final strings to make this seasons initial celebrations the biggest and most exciting yet.

The Honda F4SA announced a fantastic new race schedule back in March, which is a first since the start of the series back in 1999. Due to the new changes the crowds will see more high speed racing than ever before as both the 150hp and 225hp classes put on a giant on water show.

“We have received some fantastic support from the Tourist Board in Torquay this year, I am sure that this event is going to be the bench mark by which we set our standards for the rest of 2008. The fleet has had a huge change around since 2007 and crowds can expect to see quite a few new boats on the water this year, which will no doubt make for some show stopping racing,” said Steve Curtis, Honda F4SA Director and eight times Class 1 World Powerboat Champion.

It was back on the 29th May, 1999, when the Honda series made its debut in Torquay. The popular sport made such an impact that the series has returned on a number of occasions since, attracting huge crowds who gather to witness the action-packed weekend.

Aviva Pearson, Director of Tourism said: "We are thrilled that the organisers have again chosen the English Riviera as the first stop on their season's calendar. The Bay has enjoyed a long and distinguished relationship with power boat racing over the years, helped enormously by our stunning natural setting. Spectators can get breathtakingly close to the action out on Haldon Pier, complimented by a Bank Holiday bonanza of shore side activities for all the family, including live music, Honda attractions and the Continental Market. It's the perfect start to our summer season and I would personally like to invite
everyone to come down to enjoy this packed weekend of thrilling action and events."

With the top UK holiday resort being first stop in this season’s calendar, the weekend promises to launch the racing with some exciting celebrations and undoubtedly some amazing racing.

Other entertainment will include local Beach Boys cover band Good Vibrations playing on stage on the Sunday followed by the powerboat prize giving ceremony presented by Vice Chairman-Elect of Torbay Council, Councillor Matthew Phillips.

Local teams The Devonshire Charcuterie (formerly Vector), Cider Daze, Notorious, Scream-it, Delmar and last years’ 225hp Honda F4SA Champions Negotiator will be representing the West and are expecting to attract local support over the weekend.

Local dealer, Speedwell Honda will not only be displaying Honda's car range on event but will also be sponsoring one of the 150hp Powerboats over the Torquay weekend. Dealer principal Martin Richards said, "The powerboat series kicks off the summer season in true style and the new racing format should draw even bigger crowds - and keep them for longer".