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01/10/2007- World Championship for ex-Honda star James Sheppard

Honda Formula 4-Stroke graduate James Sheppard won the 2007 UIM Powerboat P1 World Championship Evolution Class at this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao.

James, partnered by Craig Wilson in King of Shaves throughout the six event season, enjoyed a 20-point victory margin over nearest rivals OSG Racing of Italy taking four wins and five podiums in the 12 round series.

Sussex based Sheppard, who graduated to the Powerboat P1 World Championship Evolution Class this year, cut his teeth in the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series where he won four consecutive titles between 2001 and 2004. He was quick to acknowledge his debt of gratitude to his formative racing series:

“I would never have been able to get this far if it weren’t for entering the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Championship,” commented Sheppard. “Racing in the Honda series gave me the necessary skills and knowledge to compete at international level.”

“All at Honda and Formula 4-Stroke are delighted at this news. It is fantastic to see James reach this echelon in world powerboat racing,” adds Martin Sanders, General Manager, Honda (UK) Power Equipment. “His win in P1 this weekend is conclusive proof that Honda Formula 4-Stroke provides the perfect stepping stone for boat enthusiasts who aspire to race against the best drivers in the world.”