8:55 AM Mon 22 Jun 2009 GMT
Honda Formula 4-Stroke (F4SA) the World's largest two class powerboat race series completed round two of the 2009 Grand Prix season in Plymouth this weekend June 20th and 21st.
The special event which celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the series which is backed by sponsor Honda attracted large spectator numbers who witnessed the 150hp and 225hp classes in some extremely close racing across Plymouth Sound.
Saturday's race produced some exciting results with the 225hp fleet in two races during the afternoon. There were no disputes and results were clear with lead boats Team Williams and Lings winning the first place spot respectively. The two teams fought hard against each other's skill proving that they could be close contenders for the rest of the race season.
The 150hp class took a surprising turn when Premier Cru managed to take a huge lead over reigning championship leaders Hydrex driven by Jak Cockman and navigated by Andy Phipps. The win was clear from the get go which no doubt shook up the complacent team who trailed behind in the wake of a new leader. As the weather continued to shine Sunday turned out some more dramatic Honda racing which entertained VIP's and Sponsors watching from the Waterfront Restaurant on Grand Parade.
Leading the morning were the 150hp fleet which turned out a very similar race result to Saturday; once again Premier Cru driven by John Wilson and navigated by Neil Scarborough proved that they can hold their own and showed that new talent are emerging. The team took the lead yet again leaving Hydrex licking their wounds before snatching the chequered flag.
In the 225hp race Manx team Vortigern stole the top spot in a tight fight against Lings. The final bend proved crucial as Lings driver David Cowley tried a daring stunt to outwit Michael Baggs in Vortigern, but the leaders held them off until the end. Finishing the weekend in the final 150hp battle were Hydrex who managed to pull together their competitive streak in a role reversal with Premier Cru from the earlier race. The six boat length gap gave them a clear win as they finished leaving an incident between Delmar and Team Fox behind them which resulted in Delmar being pulled from the water and back to dry land to begin repairs.
The Honda F4SA prides themselves on their safety and professional approach towards running such a successful series. Organisers of the event are pleased the weekend ran well considering the amount of activity that was present on the Sound throughout the weekend.
Commander Brian Wheeler, F4SA Race Organiser said, 'Yet again we have put on a highly successful show thanks not only to the cooperation of our fleet, but also our officials, volunteers and the help of the local authorities in Plymouth not to mention the Catte Water and Queen's Harbour Master and the Marina at Queen Anne's Battery. We hope to return again to the City for some more fun. We have all enjoyed the weekend; although it has been quite intense it has been a testament to our abilities to put on a good show'.
www.f4sa.co.uk/
by Formula 4-Stroke Association media
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Macquarie Island, TAS
