The 2006 Honda Formula 4-Stroke offshore championship series begins in Douglas Bay, Isle of Man, on the 24-25 June.
The 2006 Honda Formula 4-Stroke offshore championship series begins in Douglas Bay, Isle of Man, on the 24-25 June. It will be its eighth consecutive season and sees an increase in the number of competitors in both 150hp and 225hp classes.
The Isle of Man proved a popular venue in 2005. Steve Curtis, HF4S series organiser and seven-time Class 1 World Powerboat Champion supports this:
“The Isle of Man is shaping up to be a fantastic venue, with great vantage points and excellent facilities. There is always a sense of unpredictability during the opening rounds of the championship as competitors get to grips with the varying characteristics of their boats. Victory in the first race of the season is open to anyone and we can’t wait for the excitement to start.”
This year the Isle of Man is represented by its own top class competitor, Stephen Baggs, who will be navigating aboard Vortigern.
“I drove into Douglas last summer looking for a holiday but couldn’t find anywhere to park. Instead I found the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Series in full swing and was immediately captivated. Two weeks later I bought my very own powerboat!” said Stephen. “It’s going to be a steep learning curve as we have never competed before and are unsure of how the boat will perform in race conditions. I’m really looking forward to racing on home waters and am confident we have the speed. I can’t wait!”
“The Isle of Man is the perfect place to start our eighth powerboat racing season.” says Martin Sanders, General Manager, Honda (UK) Power Equipment. “Both competitors and organisers are starting to feel the tension build as we get closer and closer to the first race. With more boats than ever, 2006 is shaping up to be the most successful season yet.”
