Some spectacular racing will be witnessed off the coast of Bangor, North Down next weekend (13 & 14 July) as the record-breaking Honda Formula 4-Stroke series rolls into town
Some spectacular racing will be witnessed off the coast of Bangor, North Down next weekend (13 & 14 July) as the record-breaking Honda Formula 4-Stroke series rolls into town for its first ever Powerboat Grand Prix of Northern Ireland.
Both the twenty-strong fleet of identical 130hp (50mph) powerboats and the stunning new 225hp (75mph) one-design class will battle out rounds five and six of their fiercely competitive championships. These races are absolutely crucial to the series standings with teams almost tied at the top of the points tables and the vast majority of competitors still in contention for the 2002 titles. The Northern Ireland GP is also the penultimate event in the Four Nations trophy – an award given to the 130hp or 225hp team with the highest number of points after the Welsh, English, N. Irish and Scottish grand prix events.
One of the competitors well aware of the importance of the Bangor races is Elinor Haines from Oakley, Hampshire in H-2 ‘Hoodlum’.
“We’re looking forward to the Bangor races as they should be even more competitive than normal,” comments Haines, who is currently lying in third in the 130hp championship.
“These mid-season races really count because, if our competitors gain a points advantage now, it’s going to make catching up much more difficult. Having come second in the last two seasons we won’t be happy with anything less than first this year so we’ll be aiming for the top of the podium in both races next weekend.”
“We’re thrilled to be staging a grand prix in Northern Ireland,” comments Martin Sanders, General Manager Power Equipment, Honda (UK). “Bangor will not only make a stunning backdrop to the races but will also provide a large area from which spectators can watch the action. I know the competitors are looking forward to some rough water after the relative calm of the River Thames in the English GP. I think that watching these powerboats battle it out around Bangor and Ballyholme Bays will be quite spectacular.”
Event schedule:
