The World’s largest two class offshore powerboat race series the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Association will hold their last race weekend in Douglas – Isle of Man on 19th and 20th September when they will reveal the 2009 championship winners of the Honda 150hp and 225hp classes.
The championship standings look likely to remain fairly solid for the remainder of the season; however anything could happen at the final event making the Douglas Bay Grand Prix an event not to be missed. The new 2009 Champions will be crowned on Sunday September 20th from Douglas Bay’s podium on the promenade in association with Three FM.
This is a big year for Honda racing history in the Isle of Man; not only is this the 10th year of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Association but also the 50th anniversary of Honda’s arrival at the TT in 1959. The Isle of Man are proud to be a part of this racing heritage and the Honda F4SA will be an additional feature to the celebratory year when the powerboats take to the water to show racing in another dimension.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company that provides freight, passenger and vehicle services between the port of Douglas, Isle of Man and four ports in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland is once again sponsoring the event by assisting in bringing the fleet of 20 powerboats to the Island for the Isle of Man Grand Prix this September 19th & 20th. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said, “The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has had a long association with motorsport events on the Island through its involvement with motorcycle racing and car rallying. We are pleased once again to be sponsoring the Isle of Man round of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat series as it reaches its finale in Manx waters.”
Representing the Island as always will be Stephen and Michael Baggs who are competing in the 225hp Vortigern boat. Currently sitting sixth in the Championship the team are now just looking forward to having some fun in home waters as Douglas Bay is always a favourite during the season for them. “We are looking forward to racing at our home venue. Hoping for some calm weather so that the spectators and competitors can enjoy the racing.” said Stephen Baggs.
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK Minister for Tourism and Leisure, commented: “I am thrilled that the Honda powerboats are returning to the Motorsport Capital of the World and it is most pleasing that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, along with the Department of Tourism and Leisure, is supporting this great event as a major sponsor. The event will undoubtedly provide a great spectacle for our visitors and local residents and I am sure it will be a big success.”
Also commenting on the forth coming event was Geoff Mathews, Head of Honda (UK). "The Isle of Man is an ideal backdrop for the finale of our tenth year of racing, and we really look forward to returning later this month. It's been a great season with some highly competitive racing and all is set for a great final round."