Organisers of the famous Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival are proud to welcome the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat race series back this July 25th and 26th to coincide with them as part of an extravaganza of the air and sea.
This collaboration now in its third year will complete the huge success brought about by the partnership of the two events in 2007 and 2008. The series which was first introduced to the area in 2007 by local competitors Lings Honda who decided to make their debut in their home town after entering the series earlier that year. Lings who are recognised for their famous 2007 150hp championship win have now embarked on a new challenge to dominate the 225hp fleet in their new Cougar powerboat which was launched for the first time last season.
Lings Honda is one of Europe’s largest Honda dealerships who supply new and used cars and motorcycles as well as a full range of Honda power equipment. The company has five branches across East Anglia and is run by Managing Director Chris Jary who makes up the third crew member of the Lings team. Chris believes that racing is a perfect way to market the brand and make the most of enjoying the Honda products available.
The remaining team members, driver David Cowley and one of two navigators Paul Barkshire are optimistic for a win back on home ground in three weeks time. Currently sitting fourth in the championship only a mere five points behind the leaders, the boys have it all to play for on a course they have an advantage over mastering in their spare time; and with crowds of up to 250,000 expected to arrive to witness the weekend’s racing the pressure is certainly on for them to give their fans what they have been waiting for.
Lowestoft is officially the most easterly town in Britain and its Sunshine Coast provides a natural amphitheatre – an ideal setting for spectators, flyers and powerboat racers alike.
The course features a long straight which runs along the beach front, while a tight chicane close to the pier will offer a look at the dramatic action which will take place over the race weekend. Racing on both days will start from around 11am with two races on each day. Both the 150hp and 225hp fleets will race ending with a podium prize giving ceremony that will award winning teams their trophies for the Grand Prix and hopefully a position closer to winning the championship.
Full commentary coverage will be available over the weekend giving spectators up to the second action as the race unfolds with live interviews form the teams competing in the championship.
For more information on the Lings team the series website www.f4sa.com is a perfect place to keep up to date with championship standings and the latest news.