Maritimo's Norwegian 'Ace'
Pal Virik Nilsen may not qualify as a well-known name on the Australian sporting scene, but with Tom Barry-Cotter by his side, the young Norwegian has already claimed an Australian championship and is on his way towards a second. 
'Winning smiles from Maritimo's throttleman, Pal Virik Nilsen (left) and driver Tom Barry-Cotter after their convincing victory at Redcliffe.'
Powerboat-World.com © Click Here to view large photo
For the uninitiated, Pal Virik Nilsen (throttleman) and Tom Barry-Cotter (driver) comprise the crew aboard the awesome catamaran 'Maritimo' the reigning Australian Class I Offshore Powerboat titleholder.
The pair has now been together for 18 races, in Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Despite his comparative youth (he's 33), Nilsen can look back on a highly successful 15-year career in powerboat racing, with one season, 1988, culminating in a Formula II World Championship.
The 13-year age difference has caused no friction between the two who as Tom Barry-Cotter says, "get along famously."
Industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, proud father of Tom, is delighted with the combination now piloting his #1 boat to victory.
"They go very well together," Bill declared, "they've really got their act together in every sense.
"I've watched them on race circuits here and overseas and I can confidently claim they comprise one of the most professional crews on the powerboat scene."
Pal (his Aussie mates call him Paul) is a marketing manager with the renowned Swedish machinery manufacturer Stihl.
He visits the Swedish headquarters of the company every month, but is essentially based in Norway where he resides in the town of Sandefjord.
"Other than my monthly visits to the head office, most of my business travel is confined to Norway," he explained.
Pal and Tom last week enjoyed a dream start to their 07/08 title defence with a convincing Class I win in the Redcliffe 100. It was their 18th race as the Maritimo crew.
Their dominance came to the fore last year when they won the Class I crown winning five of the six rounds, only failing a perfect score thanks to a blown engine in one race.
They also experienced mechanical problems at Redcliffe.
"Just after crossing the finish line, about one-third of a lap ahead of 'Simrad', we shut the engines down to wait for the remainder of the boats to finish," Pal explained.
"Then, one engine refused to start, apparently a fuel pump problem, and while we were attempting to return to the dock on one engine, it shut down, too, this time due to a faulty starter motor.
"Still, there's no better time to have mechanical problems than after crossing the line in first place," Pal laughed.
The Redcliffe 100 was Pal's fifth visit to Australia. 
"It's a long, long way, Norway to Australia," he admits, "but it's all worthwhile when I jump into that cockpit with Tom."
Pal's association with Maritimo came about when Bjorn Gjelsten, owner/driver of the champion 'Spirit of Norway' arranged an introduction to Bill Barry-Cotter.
"After that, I kept hounding Bill looking for a seat," Pal recalled. "Then, when Bill elected to run two boats in Europe, I received that most welcome call and became part of the Maritimo Offshore team."
For Pal Virik Nilsen it was a call that would change his life. "For the better," he hurriedly added.
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
Macquarie Island, TAS
