The Honda Formula 4-Stroke season will open for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year at the North Ayrshire town of Largs on 28/29 May.
The Honda Formula 4-Stroke season will open for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year at the North Ayrshire town of Largs on 28/29 May.
The series enters its seventh year upon a wave of expectation. Last year’s 150hp champions, husband and wife team Paul and Stella Charman in ‘Alan Day Honda’, have moved up from the 150hp class to the 225hp fleet. Spectators should expect some daring racing as the 150hp fleet jostles for pole position in the champions’ absence. The addition of two new teams to the 225hp class is also certain to result in some close competition on the Clyde.
“The Honda Formula 4-Stroke series kicks off at Largs in just two weeks time,” comments series organiser and six times Class-1 World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis.
“The Scottish rounds are crucial to all HF4S competitors. This year sees the arrival of four new teams. There is always a sense of unpredictability at the opening rounds but with the shake up of the fleets I think we can expect some outstanding racing as competitors old and new try to make their initial mark on HF4S 2005.”
One new face at Largs is local girl Libby Keir. Keir will join Team Raymarine alongside Shelley Jory to form the only all girl crew in the series. Jory enjoyed great success in her first season last year, finishing third overall in the 225hp Championship and taking an emphatic win in Largs along the way. A native Scot, Keir will navigate her first race for Team Raymarine, buoyed on by the support of the home crowds.
“I’m thrilled to be racing my inaugural HF4S event in Scottish waters,” comments Libby Keir. “All my family are from Scotland, my mother heralding from Dumfries and my father from Dundee. Largs is an ideal location for me as it means that members of my family can come along and watch me in my first race. I have fond memories of Scotland as a child, having holidayed along the West Coast in my youth. Racing at Largs is definitely going to be one of the highlights of my debut racing season!”
The action kicks off at 1130 on Saturday 28 May, when no less than sixteen 150hp racers capable of speeds of up to 55mph will cross the start line. The 225hp fleet, a stunning 70mph fleet, will cross the start line for its first race at 1330. Racing continues on Sunday 29th May, with the 150 class starting at 1145, the 225hp class at 1345.
Martin Sanders, General Manager Honda (UK) Power Equipment, comments, “Largs is a great venue and the event has got bigger and better each year. 2005 is no exception. With the arrival of new competitors to the fleet, the 2005 championships will be both exciting and hard fought. No-one should miss the action of the Scottish Powerboat Grand Prix.”
