1:06 AM Fri 16 Oct 2009 GMT
Powerboat P1 news.
Nigel Hook has vowed to do all he can to ensure his #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat makes the start line come the opening round of the season in Croatia next year.
'2010?' muses the British-born pilot. 'Well a lot depends on our sponsor Lucas Oil who have been, and still are, extremely supportive.
'They have been our title sponsor for 10 years and they are very interested in expanding their footprint in the worldwide market place. Powerboat P1 offers the most comprehensive TV programming I have seen in motorsport outside of Formula One. Certainly in terms of watersports, the worldwide coverage is incredible. I know the Lucas Oil brand values this.'
Despite a promising start to the campaign which culminated in a dominant performance in the Sprint race in Istanbul in June, a variety of technical issues - as well as a major accident in Gothenburg - prevented the American outfit from mounting a serious championship challenge.
'We started the season with very high hopes. We had the 43 Outerlimits which is a beautiful boat and handled very fast.'
Hook added: 'In hindsight, we probably put a little too much into trying to get more and more horse power from the engines when perhaps we should have aimed for greater reliability. We did well in Malta and Istanbul and definitely had the potential throughout the season.
'Looking back, we had a fast boat and did not have the need to go faster. The team had a lot of trials throughout the season, tried real hard in Sweden, then wrecked the boat.'
Hook also hinted plans are afoot to expand his team's presence in the Powerboat P1 World Championship.
'I'm sure our sponsor, Lucas Oil, would have liked us to have done better this year. If they still back us next year then perhaps we can run a two-boat team. Being based in the United States, and with the logistics and expenses, it would perhaps be more cost-effective
'For example, you cannot have a crew chief working full-time on one boat, but maybe you could across two or even three boats. It is an idea that may provide value for sponsors.
However, with a knowing glint in his eye, Hook has a warning for his fellow rivals. 'Whatever happens, I definitely want to come back with at least one boat to try and win that title.'
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by Powerboat P1 media
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