Marine News homepage

17/06/2007 - Close racing wows crowd in Isle of Man

The sun pushed through the clouds today (17 June) as the Honda Formula 4- Stroke Powerboat Series, the world’s largest offshore powerboat fleet, wowed the crowds with the closest racing of the season so far.

With fantastic views over the race course from Douglas Promenade, spectators witnessed some exhilarating racing in the 150hp and 225hp championships.

In a breathtaking 150hp race, yesterday’s winners Neil Crabb and Lee Darbyshire in ‘Premier Cru’ battled it out with Nick Clemson and Paul Trow-Smith in ‘Airwaves Claygate’ for 10 action packed laps splitting the top two podium places by only a second. It was the 2005 class champions, ‘Airwaves Claygate’, who took the chequered flag preventing the ‘Premier Cru’ team winning their fourth race of the season.

“Today’s race was the closest I’ve ever competed in,” said Trow-Smith. “Premier Cru worked us really hard and it was neck to neck racing right up to the finish. We’re delighted with the win but there’s still a lot of work to do before the next race in Lowestoft.”

In a dramatic 225hp race, yesterday’s winners and championship leaders Gavin Parsonage and Nathan Libby worked their way through the field in their boat ‘Negotiator’ to secure top spot on the podium.

“After this weekend we’re feeling really positive,” said Libby. “We were lucky to finish ahead of Team Raymarine and Salcombe Honda Specialist who always put up a good fight.”

“Traditionally Douglas Bay has always delivered some great racing and this weekend was no exception,” said Martin Sanders, General Manager Power Equipment, Honda (UK). “The island is a truly fantastic location for racing whether on land or water. With more turns than any other Honda Formula 4- Stroke course, competition was extremely close, particularly in today’s 150hp race which was one of the closest we’ve seen since the series began back in 1999.”

From Douglas Bay the series moves to Lowestoft which plays host to the fifth and sixth rounds of 2007 championship on 26/27 July.

For further information on the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series go to http://www.honda-racing.co.uk/championships/2007/hf4s/