Date Added: 2008-06-14

The Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Race series kicked off today (Saturday) in Plymouth for the second leg of its 2008 UK tour. Honda representatives from Japan came to watch the excitement alongside other VIP’s and major dealers.

Rounds one and two of the Honda 150hp class were lead by Drainstore.com and Salcombe Racing respectively. “We had the inside line to start which always gives us an advantage, luckily we made the first turn buoy first and once we got in front we managed to maintain that lead for the rest of the race.” said Collin Whotton, Navigator for Salcombe Racing.

After setting the best performance of his racing career, James Brooke driving in the 150hp class in Earls Court Boat Show was to be disqualified for unknowingly missing a mark whilst Ebel 150hp lost ground when it was forced to stop and was swamped by a slowing boat relegating them from a mid field battle to last, however at the end of the twenty minute race they had risen back up to fifth, despite having an extra 100 litres of water on-board.

Local defending champions Negotiator finished in their usual first place position in the first round of the 225hp race closely followed by Vortigern who showed their best performance to date with Team Williams in third.

A repeat performance came for fellow local team Scream-it.com as they also took first in the second 225hp race with Premier Cru and Heights of Abraham in hot pursuit. The two home wins for the city put the crowds in high spirits as they celebrate yet again for the local powerboat hero’s.

“We exceeded ourselves today. It is nice to win a race for the first time ever in front of our home town. We went out nervous but we had to do it. It was a close race at one point but we stretched into the lead and I am not sure why. Tomorrow will be interesting,” said Richard George, Driver of Scream-it.com.

The championship points of this second round will be awarded on results of today’s (Saturday) racing at the Honda prize giving ceremony to held this Sunday at the Waterside Restaurant at 6pm. Awards will be presented by Vivien Pengelly leader of Plymouth Council.