The UK's premier powerboat championship, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series, has confirmed its 2006 Grand Prix calendar.
The UK’s premier powerboat championship, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series, has confirmed its 2006 Grand Prix calendar. The series will compete for the first time on Tyneside as well as making a return visit to Cowes, where it last raced in 2003. The championship will also return to the popular venues of the Isle of Man, Plymouth and Liverpool.
Now the world’s largest one-design offshore powerboat racing series it enters its eighth season with a growing fleet in both the 150hp and 225hp championships, reaching the allowed course maximum of 18 in each class.
“A lot of time and planning has gone into the 2006 calendar,” comments Martin Sanders, General Manager, Honda (UK) Power Equipment. “The Isle of Man and Liverpool are popular venues with excellent spectator platforms, good facilities and exciting courses. Cowes and Plymouth are both important venues for powerboat racing: Cowes because of its heritage and the challenge of the ‘Round the Island’ and Plymouth because the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Grand Prix combines with the British round of the international UIM Class 1 Championship. The Tyneside location of South-Shields has been chosen not only for the aesthetics but also for its excellent spectator credentials.
“Honda Formula 4-Stroke’s eighth season is shaping up to be its most successful yet,” confirms Sanders. “There is an air of heightened anticipation among organisers and competitors as more boats are prepared.”
“The 2006 calendar reflects the continual growth of the series,” says Steve Curtis, seven-times UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Champion and HF4S series organiser. “This year we celebrate the eighth successful season of the championship. By constantly refreshing the calendar with well-researched quality venues and ensuring the competitors continue to be challenged and interested by the racing, the series remains at the top of its sport.”
“The 2006 Honda Formula 4-Stroke 150hp and 225hp championships each feature ten rounds at five Grands Prix around the UK. The season kicks off with the Steam Packet Company Grand Prix of the Isle of Man on June 24/25.
2006 Honda Formula 4-Stroke Grand Prix calendar
Steam Packet Company Grand Prix of the Isle of Man June 24/25
Grand Prix of Tyneside July 22/23
Grand Prix of Plymouth August 5/6
Grand Prix of Cowes August 26/27
Grand Prix of Liverpool September 9/10
