12:48 AM Wed 3 Feb 2010 GMT
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'The always spectacular start at Taree, with Damien McKenzie claiming first round honours.'
Theo Spykers ©
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Round two of the Australian Formula Powerboat Association champi0onships is set to fire this weekend at Grafton, on the shores of the mighty Clarence River in far northern New South Wales.
Sponsored by the popular Grafton establishment, the Crown Hotel, racing will be staged over both days of the weekend, with action underway at 9am on Saturday.
Scrutineering begins in the pit area at 7am with driver briefing and breath testing to follow from 8.15am
Opening race of the weekend (9am Saturday) will be the Formula Futures followed closely by the Sports Mono.
Practice sessions for the Formula 1, 2 and 3 boats, each allowed 20 minutes, will be conducted while the others are racing.
Another practice session for the Formula boats will be held at 11.30am, with each competitor given 30 minutes.
Following on from Race 2 and Race 3 for the Formula Futures and Spots Mono, the Formula boats take to the water with Formula 3 set for 2.30pm, Formula 2 at 3pm and Formula 1 at 3.30pm.
The day's racing concludes with Race 4 for the Formula Futures and Spots Mono at 4pm and 4.15pm respectively.
On Sunday, the program follows almost identical timing; the final event of the weekend will be Race 3 of the Formula 1 class at 3.30pm.
Some exciting racing is expected in the Formula 1 class, with current series leader Damien McKenzie looking to extend his hold on the championship.
Reigning champion Shane Vella will be out to improve on his last start, while association president Craig Truslove will be desperate to make an impression.
Skilled photographer Theo Spykers will be on hand to capture his usual array of exciting action shots, so don't miss Powerboat-World next week when bring the full results and championship points to date.
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Australian champion Shane Vella will be out to be 'the one to beat' at Grafton. - Formula boats at Grafton Theo Spykers
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by Bob Wonders
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Double Is Pt, QLD
