Date Added: 2009-05-26

The City of Plymouth one of the UK’s most desirable coastal locations has been chosen to mark a special anniversary of motorsport achievement this June 20th and 21st when it hosts the 10th Birthday and 100th race day of The Honda Formula 4-Stroke Race Series, the largest offshore powerboat event in the World.

The series will return to Plymouth for the second leg of the 2009 Championship. The Plymouth Grand Prix has always been a favourite on the Formula 4-Stroke race calendar and this year Honda are back for even more exciting on water action as one of the highlights of the cities entertainment calendar.

When Honda launched its first large scale outboard engine in 1999, the 4-Stroke BF130 it would have been an optimistic prediction that this early model would set the basis of what would become the World’s largest Offshore Powerboat race series.

The series that would revolutionise the sport of powerboat racing was a pioneering test set by Honda against claims that a 4-Stroke motor could not only match the output of a 2-Stroke, but could out-do it. So with five teams competing in identical boats powered by standard Honda engine, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series (HF4S) was established.

Ten years on the Honda backed series can now prove prediction a reality. From the early days when the BF130 powered the HF4S to the evolution of today’s two class championship backed by Honda 150hp and 225hp engines, the series has provided an affordable and level arena guaranteeing close competition and a true test of drivers and navigators skills.

Attending the huge celebratory weekend will be series Directors Geoff Matthews, Head of Honda UK and Steve Curtis, eight times Class 1 World Powerboat Champion. The team at Honda have worked closely with the Class 1 champ in order to build on the success of the series over the years and have used each others’ technical knowledge and skill to bring together the success that is the HF4S today.

“10 years after the Honda fleet’s first outing, the achievements of this series continue to astound. Its popularity is expanding year on year with nearly 20 teams competing in 2009 in front of ever increasing spectator numbers. If any more proof were needed of Honda’s Power of Dreams philosophy the Honda Formula 4-Stoke series certainly is it”, said Steve.

“Honda set about creating a championship that would fundamentally change Powerboat Racing in the UK and around the World. I am more than confident to say that we did it”, continued Geoff.

For those planning on watching the action this June then the Plymouth Hoe acts as an excellent spectator area and a perfect base for the multitude of additional on-shore activities which make the event so enjoyable.

Alongside the fantastic racing local Honda Dealership Rowse Honda will be present to show the latest products available on the market as well as the weekend’s podium prize giving ceremonies which will take place on both race days from the Honda display arena.