This bank holiday weekend (24/25 May) the RYA Powerboat GP British Championship heads to Oulton Broad, Suffolk for the Lowestoft Grand Prix where the competitors are gearing up for the second round of the competition.
2015 sees the Powerboat GP Championship back, bigger and better with a 6 round British Championship series in addition the annual RYA Sprint Championships that will be held in Bedford on the 1st & 2nd of August. The Championship also welcomes back Tiff Needell to host the Powerboat GP series that will again be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Over the bank holiday weekend 5 classes, ranging from the junior categories to the thrilling 120 + mph F2 class catamarans will all be competing for the Lowestoft Grand Prix titles.
The event hosts, Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club, will field a strong fleet of local racers in the competition that will be hoping to take full advantage of home waters. All eyes will be on the OSY400 class which will see a field of local competitors all looking to impress the bank holiday spectators and secure the first vital points in the championship.
Newcomer Bexley Nunn (Lowestoft) will be hoping to show the more seasoned racers from his club exactly what he’s made of as he aims for the double crown at the Lowestoft GP competing for both the OSY400 and GT30 honours. Following on from his recent podium success at the 2015 championship season opener in Lancashire, Bexley will be looking to apply pressure to the current GT30 point’s leader, Ben Jelf in the battle for the top spot.
Also amongst the local racers will be youngster Thomas Mantripp (13, Lowestoft) the reigning GT15 champion who currently leads the GT15 Championship. Thomas will be hoping that his knowledge of the conditions and waters will help him keep the other youngsters at bay and fend off the expected challenges from Jonathan Brewer & Elliott Fleet.
Matt Palfreyman, still celebrating his recent F2 victory, will have to keep his wits about him as the F2 broads battle heats up and the competitors go all out to put a stop to his early season domination. Mike Pillow will also have his work cut out for him this weekend to keep hold of his current F4 lead after Sam Whittle’s impressive performance at the Lancashire GP. Mike should be definitely watching his mirrors for Sam’s every move!
Racing at Oulton Broad commences on Sunday 24th May with timed practice session taking place from 12:00 for each class, where the drivers will be fighting for that all-important pole position. In the afternoon, racing is set to start around 14:00 and each class will complete at least one race. A full day of action takes place the following day from 12:00.
To get up close and personal with the action, there is a small gate charge applicable within the park. Everybody is welcome to come along and enjoy the show and you will be able to see the racing from anywhere around the banks or you can join the racers, their skilled mechanics, pit crew and teams in Nicholas Everitt Parking area where you can listen to the live commentary.