The #77 Lucas Oil Evolution-class Powerboat P1 team have announced that they will be altering their line-up for 2009. The US-based outfit, which used a Skater hull and Mercury engines in 2008, will change to an Outerlimits hull and power from the Miami-based Chief Engines for next year.

American pilot Joe Sgro – who raced alongside #77 Lucas Oil team boss Nigel Hook in an Outerlimits hull in the 2007 Powerboat P1 championship – will once again join Hook in the cockpit. Sgro raced with the Italian OSG Racing-run #88 Kiton Outerlimits Evolution team this year, and will assume the role of pilot occupied by Shelley Jory in 2008.

The announcement was made at this week’s SBI/APBA World Championships in Key West, in which the #77 Lucas Oil team is competing. “After eight years of successfully representing Lucas Oil we’re excited to broaden our footprint in the marine marketplace and continue to extend our presence worldwide,” Hook said

“Now’s the time! This 43 Outerlimits is absolutely the best boat for the European circuit, and to top it all off we have Joe Sgro on the wheel.  We are by far the most experienced v-hull racers in the world and we plan to pilot this boat to victory.”

Outerlimits president Mike Fiore also described his pleasure at the new tie-up with the #77 Lucas Oil team and Chief Engines. “It makes perfect sense to pull together the premium American brands of Chief Engines and Whipple Superchargers, which are the perfect combination to take on the tough competition in Europe,” he said.

“We see an opportunity to help Lucas Oil in the marine industry through our racing, Poker Runs, and trade shows. Yesterday was certainly a great start as the team dials in and prepares this brand new boat for next years Powerboat P1 race season.”