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View Full Version : The 2014/2015 Austrailian Formula Powerboat Season Opener, 11/15/2014



Serious News
11-15-2014, 10:17 AM
EXPLOSIVE START AT WAGGA WAGGA

Australia’s top powerboat drivers are heading to Wagga Wagga this weekend for the Wagga Super Mix Concrete and Quarries 2014/15 Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix Series Round 1.

The organizers decision to move the opening round from Bundaberg, Queensland to Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga has initially proven successful by attracting an increased number of Formula boat entries.

A revised program with reduced practice and qualifying sessions enables organizers to run more events including reverse grid races where the top boats will have to start from outside pole positions. This will provide additional entertainment as they will need to race thru the field without incident to grab as many valuable championship points as possible.

The top Formula races will feature the explosive and popular beach starts from the Lake Albert shoreline near the Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Bosley Park. Boats will line up along the shoreline and with the drop of the start flag they will start their high powered engines, blasting away towards the first turn, side by side at speeds approaching 200kph.

Also on the race program will be the high flying 1800cc Mono Hull Outboard class and the crowd pleasing 5.2/6 litre Inboard Hydroplanes.

Highlight of the weekend will most likely be the competitive Formula 2 class which has attracted a capacity field of quality drivers all hoping to record a good start to the season.

Just who will be the front runners in this class is anyone’s guess but Andrew King (Kings Motorsport, NSW), Corey Davoll (KD Motorsport, NSW), Gavin Bricker (TBR, VIC) and Simon Troy(888, NSW) who will be racing a new boat are expected to set the pace.

They will be under pressure to perform by several other leading drivers including Caleb Frost (Wes Frost Marine, Vic), Matt Peck (Octane Racing, NSW), Ryan Keegan (KD Motorsport,NSW) and Brett Atkinson (Team BAR,NSW).

A strong field of Formula 3 teams has entered. Despite announcing that he would retire from driving last season elder statesman Kevin Parker (Wasp Racing, NSW) will be back with his son and former champion Will Parker (Wasp racing, NSW) to challenge the current Australian Champion Jake Greentree (Greentree Racing,QLD).

A lot of interest will also centre on the performance three drivers, Joel Downes (Downes Marine, QLD), Aaron Murphy (Southern Fire Australia, QLD) and Brock Cohen (CBR, NSW).

Will, Downes be able to continue to challenge the front runners after taking it right up to them at the final round last year?

After destroying his boat in the final round last season with a spectacular flip Murphy will return with a new ASV hull that should put him among the front runners and Brock Cohen has been working hard on improving his rig with the help of former F3 guru David Connolly and could provide the surprise of the meet.

Following the successful introduction of Formula Opti last season, like the Formula 2 and Formula 3 classes the Opti’s will be competing for the Official Australian Power Boat Association’s Championship honours.

Pre season gossip had ten of these closely matched boats racing at Round 1. With a number of drivers claiming race victories last season it is impossible to pick a clear favourite.

Last year’s series winner, Port Macquarie’s Michael Page (Page Racing) will be the one that sets the standard but others on their day can win. Rumour has it that Grant Trask (GTR,QLD) will debut a new hi-tech boat while the experienced veteran, Peter Evans with race Trask’s former craft.

Dave Ainley (Express Design Racing, QLD) and Jason Heaney (Precision Marine, VIC) should also be on the pace this series after considerable practice and updates in the off season. Bradley Rose (Pugsley Racing, NSW) has removed his F2 engine and will be joining the Formula Opti ranks for the first time in Wagga Wagga.

Once again a strong field of Formula Future (Our Junior 10-16yo drivers) has attracted a strong field that will most likely require them to be split into two classes.

The 5.2/6 litre Hydroplane races will attract plenty of attention with the current 2014 Bridge to Bridge winner Paul Vella competing in his ultra quick boat Impatient. Three other quality hydroplane teams have already confirmed their entry.

Outboard mono hulls have almost stole the show at recent events and the 1800cc class competing at Wagga Wagga will not be any different with entertaining style of racing.

It is only $10 for Adults to enter the pit area at Bosley Park, where you can get a close up view of the sensational starts and watch the teams close up. Children will be admitted free and receive a free event poster.

Mike Cleary

AFPGP Media

http://www.formulapowerboats.com.au/articles/explosive-start-wagga-wagga

Serious News
11-15-2014, 10:19 AM
http://youtu.be/_NPS_7g99ns

Serious News
11-15-2014, 10:41 AM
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Serious News
12-07-2014, 11:36 AM
Photos Link


http://www.formulapowerboats.com.au/gallery/round-1-wagga

Serious News
12-12-2014, 12:42 AM
http://youtu.be/jMzvsmB1kWc