Date Added: 2009-07-09

There is a lot to be said for anyone willing to place themselves at the wheel of a race machine. But add this to water, throw in about ten other boats maxing speeds of up to 70mph, call it the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat race series and you will understand why David Cowley driver of the Lings 225hp powerboat is starting to gain a reputable reputation on the East Coast for the being the local adrenaline junkie who’s addiction is fuel by his own employer.

Cowley who heads up the Sales division of the Lings Honda dealership in Lowestoft embarked on a racing career with the company in 2007. In an effort to raise awareness of the Honda brand Lings remained loyal to the famous words of Soichiro Honda founder of the company who said: “If Honda does not race, there is no Honda”.

Honda’s philosophy has always been to improve its products by testing them in the most extreme conditions – by racing them; and what better way for Lings Honda one of Europe’s largest Honda dealerships to carry out promotion of their brand.

In less than two weeks (July 26th & 27th) the Honda Formula 4-Stroke race series will return to Lowestoft for the third time in association with the famous Lowestoft Sea Front Air Festival. This will be the third home race for the Ling’s team who are currently preparing for the performance of their careers as they attempt to regain their 2007 Championship title.

“It has been a fair season for the team so far this year, what with a few minor set setbacks at the first Grand Prix of Pwllheli, North Wales when we experienced some mechanical and structural problems. But, we redeemed our selves last month in Plymouth taking a first and two seconds making us joint third in the Championship.
The team always look forward to racing at home; we enjoy the advantages of having our workshop at hand, knowing the local sea conditions and having a chance to get out there and practice on the course in preparation for the weekend. I aim to preserve the boat in race winning condition in time for the start on 26th July”, said Cowley.

The 225hp race boat under the Lings name is also crewed by navigators Chris Jary – Managing Director of Lings and Paul Barkshire – Man who never returns text messages. The role of navigator is more than just a joy ride as this individual will act as the eyes and ears for the driver who is focused on just one thing – the finish line.

Both Jary and Barkshire offer personal qualities to the position; with one taking a rather more relaxed and focused approach and the other choosing a much more aggressive and vocal role when in the seat. Nevertheless the trio combo seems to work well for the team despite Cowley’s concerns that his navigators should keep an eye on their personal weight load and focus on the health and fitness aspects of racing.

“I have to say Chris Jary is a slither of his former self this season having been working out for the last two months. But I did boot him out of the navigator’s seat in Plymouth as I needed an extra half a mile an hour and had to lose weight quick. Our mechanic made a great substitute with his light weight frame”.

Lings who supply new and used cars and motorcycles as well as a full range of Honda power equipment to the area also have five other branches across East Anglia. The company known for their media savvy approach to making their business a success are very keen on enlisting the help of local support to promote their local town. They use local suppliers to repair the boat, had their trailer custom built locally and rely on Haven Marina who offer their own support by giving the team free mooring.


“Since we started the Lings team it has given us a greater credibility in the marine world and certainly the local area. Powerboat racing attracts a lot of attention. There is a great affinity for the racing in Lowestoft and we aim to maintain that. I can’t say for sure what our performance will provide in terms of race entertainment at the Lowestoft Grand Prix, but my optimistic focus will most certainly be at the top of that podium”, said Cowley.