Honda Formula 4-Stroke confirmed as support event to Class 1 British Grand Prix
The jewel in the crown of the UK’s powerboating calendar, the Class 1 British Grand Prix, returns to Plymouth on July 26 and 27 with the welcome new addition of four Honda Formula 4-Stroke support races.
The record-breaking 130hp (50mph) fleet and its new ten-strong 225hp (75mph) sister series will battle out rounds five and six of their fiercely competitive one-design championships before the Class 1 Pole Position round on Saturday (July 26) and the Class 1 British Grand Prix on Sunday (July 27).
Steve Curtis, throttleman in Class 1 powerboat ‘Spirit of Norway’ and winner of both last year’s Plymouth race and the 2002 World Class 1 championship title, also runs the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series. “The new support races will be popular additions to what is already an action-packed weekend,” comments Curtis.
“Class 1 and Honda Formula 4-Stroke are very different types of powerboat championship and will therefore provide a variety of racing for spectators to enjoy. While Class 1 is the Formula 1 of powerboating with big budgets, professional racers, cutting-edge technology and high speeds, the appeal of Honda Formula 4-Stroke lies in its simplicity and competitiveness. In each class – 130hp and 225hp – the boats are identical with no modifications allowed, which promises close, exciting racing. With 15 130hp teams and ten 225s, the speeds may not be as high but the action will be just as good. The spectators in Plymouth are in for a real treat.”
Competitor David Baker of Dawlish, Devon, who drives the 225hp powerboat ‘Jobs-at.com’ is looking forward to the Plymouth races. “Honda Formula 4-Stroke has never raced in Plymouth or as support to Class 1 before so everyone is really excited about next weekend. These two rounds represent the mid-point of the championship where the title chases are wide open and all teams have everything to race for. The weekend will be unmissable for all boating fans.”
“The Class 1 British Grand Prix is the UK’s premier powerboat race event and as such is the ideal venue for the English rounds of Britain’s top powerboat racing series – Honda Formula 4-Stroke,” comments Martin Sanders, General Manager, Power Equipment, Honda (UK). “So far this season Honda Formula 4-Stroke has wowed the crowds in Bangor, Northern Ireland and Pwllheli, Wales and I have no doubt that spectators in Plymouth will be similarly impressed.”
