English Riviera to host P1 SuperStock series showdown and AquaX racing this weekend
A 5-race finale in Torquay this weekend will decide the outcome of the 2013 P1 SuperStock national championship, and current leaders Biddle and Blumenstein will be forging plans to clinch the title as they fly in from New Jersey tomorrow. Its a case of to be or not to be for the likeable American duo as they have a chance to sleep, perchance to dream of victory, on their journey to Devon, whilst their biggest rival John Wilson can only prepare to take arms against the sea of troubles that have beset him this season and which see him languishing in seventh place in the championship table.
The Jersey boys will be hoping for flat conditions and aiming to make good starts. Andy Biddle said: Obviously we want to win all five races, but with a 17 points lead going into the weekend well be doing our maths and be happy to come out on top in the series by a single point. Nobody remembers who finishes second. 2011 SuperStock champion Wilson endured the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in the last round in Plymouth, where he was disqualified in the opening race and then high-sided his Pertemps-backed boat in the next one, and he will arrive in Torquay with his navigator Daisy Coleman knowing that they have a mountain to climb: The results in Plymouth were devastating and we have a huge amount of ground to make up on the leaders. But there are a lot of races still to come this weekend.....and its not over till the fat lady sings!
Biddle and Blumensteins closest challenger is the Oval team of Nick Williams and Martin Robinson. The son a powerboat racing champion, Williams is hungry to achieve his first SuperStock win and anxious to get a good start: The race to the first buoy will be crucial because once youre in front it will be difficult to overtake. With five races anything can happen.
P1 has worked closely with Tor Bay Harbour Authority to plan the packed weekend of powerboat and jet ski racing. Deputy Harbour Master Adam Fitzpatrick commented: We are delighted to be hosting both the P1 SuperStock and AquaX UK series. Powerboat racing in Tor Bay has become a regular feature but this will be our first personal water craft event.
This will be round 4 of the P1 AquaX Championship, with a total of 24 riders competing in the three races. The 300 Class has developed into a fierce battle between Dave Huddleston, who currently leads by 8 points, and Ian Moule. Dave said: There are three of us gunning for the championship, and its a lot closer than I would like. It would be great to notch up a couple of wins in Torquay to ease the pressure going into the final round at St. Lawrence Bay next month. A relaxed Ian Moule responded by saying: Well have to see what happens, but as the title race hots up I will certainly be trying my hardest.
In the last round in Margate, reliability issues hampered Adrian Wilsons title challenge, seeing him drop to third place behind clear leader Mat Shipley and Duncan Johnston in the 250 Class. The 200 Class has been dominated all season by John Heath, who will start in Torquay with a 20 points lead over Steve Hockney.
Three riders will be making their AquaX debut this weekend in the 250 Class. Welshman Richard Rowe has recruited fellow countrymen Damien Evans and Nigel Williams as rookie racers, and Nick Thompson from Bristol is the third new kid on the block. Nigel Williams said: Im a little nervous but really looking forward to my first AquaX event. The three of us are experienced all-weather skiers so we should cope well with the endurance style races. Its going to be fun.
The action starts at 11.00am on Saturday and the best viewing will be from Haldon Pier. British freestyle champion Jack Moule will be entertaining crowds with his jet ski stunts off Beacon Quay throughout the weekend. The SuperStock and AquaX racers will be signing autographs at the Race Centre at Haldon Pier at 1.00pm on Saturday.
