Showing posts with label SPECIAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPECIAL. Show all posts

June 14, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Endurance Race Round 4


Calm Mediterranean sea and a misty sky was the backdrop for Malta's second Grand Prix race, which despite the not so difficult conditions saw four boats retire one of these with a terrible accident at 90 mph, and two which did not make it to the course. This means that the Endurance race followed its title, challenging the ultra fast powerboats and the drivers to extreme testing. A spectacular accident at 90 mph involved 17 Spirit of Belgium from Super Sport Class throwing driver Patrick Huybreghs over one hundred feet away from his cockpit. The fourth round of the Grand Prix of the Sea series ended with two teams in the respective class take a good leadership for the 2010 title. Next Grand Prix in a months time, starting on 9th July in Poltu Quatu in Sardinia, Italy.
Evolution
The 53 Metamarine Forest&Sguardi finally managed to clinch the Malta Grand Prix placing first in the Sunday Round 4 Endurance race. The Adriatic diesel powered mono hull made a brilliant start and continued its leadership to the end. Metamarine driver Marco Pennesi surely leaves the Island with a fantastic reminder then to last years accident during sea trial. In the sixth lap a fast 88 SNAV-Kiton was getting closer to the Italian mono hull before the Outerlimits SV43 had to retire. This was a weekend to forget for the OSG team, which started well by taking Powerpole on Friday, but ended in no points for the 2009 Champion. Second place for 66 Cranefields Wine who made well to hang out in the last parts of the race. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ended the race in a third place which was not so bad considering they broke a shaft in the last three laps and had to limp it in to get some points. Saturdays winner 33 Furnibo who where assisted for the Malta Grand Prix with 2007 and 2008 Champion Craig Wilson retired past the middle of the race. At this time the Belgian team where placed second and at about 45 seconds distance from the leaders. Another no race day for 47 Silverline and the new Fountain 43 feet Silverline engined boat. During the morning sea trials the boat looked running quite well, before stopping and going in harbour at a slow pace.
Supersport
The 90 mph speed limit class had important chapters for race four of the 2010 season which are the leadership from start to finish of 38 Baia Attolini, the good recovery of 26 Team 26, the dominion of the Donzi 38ZF hull, and a terrible accident by Spirit of Beglium. Team 26 rounded the first mark in fourth place, but ended the last three laps with a tight nerving battle against the other older Donzi 38 of 38 Baia Attolini. Baia Attolini won the race with only a two seconds lead showing again the good defending skills from the Italian team. Both Donzi teams actually deserve the admiration, 38 Baia for defending its first place from the attacks of Team 26, and the British team for making it up to the second spot. Third place for 43 Seagull Chaudron which saw the Maltese built Supersport 2009 Champion boat taste back some of its past glory, and take second overall for the Malta Grand Prix. Fourth for 22 Big Sergio which had a replacement driver in Benjamin Van Riet part of the 2B1 Racing Team after the SV40 Outerlimits spun out on Saturday leaving helmsman Alfredo Amato injured. Benjamin Van Riet competed in the 2008 championship in Supersport Class with the Chaurdon 33 Spirit of Portomaso. Retirement for 17 Spirit of Belgium on the eleventh lap, and 81 Karelpiu on the ninth. Spirit of Belgium had a terrible 90 mph accident which saw throttleman Patrick Huybreghts fly hundred feet in the air, while the Italian Karelpiu Fountain winner of Saturdays race reached an impressive third from last before retiring. Same fate to Saturday for the o6 Jolly Drive Italian built diesel powerboat, which did not make it to the race course.
EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 17 laps 59:44,00
2. 66 Cranefields Wine = 1:02:04,00 -1 lap
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:01,09 -4 laps
4. 33 Furnibo = RET 11 laps
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 6 laps
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 38 Baia Attolini = 16 laps 01:02:05,00
2. 26 Team 26 = 01:02:07.07
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 01:02:51,41
4. 22 Big Sergio = 01:03:00,49
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium = RET 11 laps
6. 81 Karelpiu = RET 9 laps
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
2010 Championship After Round 4
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL (incl engine bonus 5 pts)
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 16 + 20 = 74 (2 bonus)
2. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 53 (1bonus)
3. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 45 (1 bonus)
4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7 + 16 = 35 (1 bonus)
5. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandiavian Offshore Challenge ~ 12 + 12 = 29 (1 bonus)
6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0 + 0 = 0
7. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0 + 0 = 0
SUPERSPORT:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 7 + 20 = 77 (2 bonus)
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 16 + 0 = 49 (1 bonus)
3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 6 + 7 = 44 (2 bonus)
4. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 12 + 12 = 42 (1 bonus)
5. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 32 (0 bonus)
6. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 5 + 16 = 21 (0 bonus)
7. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 18 (1 bonus)

June 12, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Sprint Race Round 3


Light Seas, leadership from start to finish, and three rudder fins damages characterized the first race of two for the Malta Grand Prix. The Round Three race was also characterized by a dominant run by two Fountain Powerboats in both the Evolution and Supersport classes.
Evolution
The no limits class saw a dominant performance display by the Fountain of Belgium Team 2B1 33 Furnibo. which lead the race from start to finish. Second place for 60 Metamarine who started last of the Evolution group but where quickly third on the first run, and second half way on lap 2. Just when the 60 Metamarine surpassed the 2009 Champion 88 SNAV-Kiton the Outerlimts SV43 made a spectacular spin out, and had to retire after this. While the 88 SNAV-Kiton is normal to spinning the case for today's was a hit to a hard object as both drives had the rudder fins cut off. In the middle of the race the Metamarine boat seemed closing the gap on Furnibo with the loss reduced to only ten seconds. But the leading team sprang its throttles again to dominate the race and end with an advantage of over one minute. Good race and first points for the new Vector 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Challenge which placed a podium important third. Fourth place for 66 Cranefields Wine what was a very good run today for the German team and boat. The Fountain 47 Silverline made it to the course just in time, but just at the starting run had to abandon racing hopes due to engine problem.
Supersport
The new Italian team RG87, 81 Karelpiu made another display of leadership from start to finish in the limit class what was another Fountain boat dominant performance. Second place for 17 Spirit of Belgium. Third place for a reborn 43 Seagull Chaudron which made all remember that this is a Supersport champion hull for three years in a row. 43 Seagull rounded the first turn in fourth, but overtook 38 Baia Attolini after the first mark in dirty water which gave the Ukrainian team Malta boat a deserved third place podium finish. Fourth place for 38 Baia Attolini which made the last part of the Sprint race defending itself from the Outerlimits 22 Big Sergio which ultimately finished fifth wth a less to four seconds gap. A slow and disappointing run for the Donzi of 26 Team 26, which like the SNAV-Kiton from the Evolution Class was the expense of a damaged rudder to the port side Arneson surface drive. 06 Jolly Drive the diesel powered Albatro boat tried to make it to the course in the last minutes but did not manage to start the race.
EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 33 Furnibo = 11 laps 37:25,68
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 38:27,06
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scaninavian Offshore Challenge = 40:06,98
4. 66 Cranefield Wine = 52:34,70
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 1 lap
- 47 Silverline = RET 0 laps
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 81 Karelpiu = 10 laps 38:46,82
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 39:20,86
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 40:00,71
4. 38 Baia Attolini = 40:26,73
5. 22 Big Sergio = 40:30,62
6. 26 Team 26 = 39:08,59 -1 lap
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 2 of 3

Second day in Malta and the obligatory official practice has just concluded. By view alone I would say the speeds are very much in line with yesterdays Powerpole. The speeds are similar to last year although I still think the margins that Cigarette Smash Poker, and the Outerlimits Lucas Oil where reaching had an extra number. Conditions are calm although they are not the flat sea we had in last years race. Forecast is for a moderate Force 3 to 4 SE. Race time is 1700 CET time.
SNAV-Kiton showed good speed this morning, and Furnibo was very close behind it. Metamarine looked lightly slower of the first two. Lucas Oil looked faster to the Searex boat, and Silverline which did the test was also performing well before going back to the pits what looked like on one engine. We hope Silverline will manage to fix the bugs and race later on. I think now it is official that the 55 Ukrainian Spirit team will not complete the full engine change, so no Malta GPS for the new Evolution contender.
In Super Sport class I was impressed by the yellow Fountain Karelpiu, which looked among the faster boats in the trials, along with the Al and Al Outerlimits boats. Nor-Tech and Baia Atollini also looked performing well, as was the diesel powered Jolly Drive. The Seagull Chaudron looked slow again, and I wonder what happened to this so well performing boat who is the 2009 Champion.

June 11, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Powerpole


A sunny sky, hot weather and a light South East breeze was the recipe of today's day one of three from the Malta Grand Prix. The Powerpole held in Marsamxett harbour was truly a spectacular affair for viewers.
EVOLUTION
The no limits class had two boats missing in the pits the Outerlimits Carconnex, and Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit. Silverline on the other hand did not make it to the Powerpole lap, altough the #47 did do the official practice in a sort of suffering, two hours before the timed lap. 88 SNAV-Kiton confirms its leadership taking the Powerpole with a third of a second advantage on second placed Furnibo. Five seconds distance for the diesel powered Metamarine, which was followed in fourth place by an improving performance from the German Cranefields Wine. Last position from the competing boats for the still disappointing 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge.
SUPER SPORT
The 90 mph limited class again showed the potential of Team 26 who took Powerpole with a one second advantage from the always more promising Spirit of Belgium. Third place with three seconds away for Yalta Grand Prix winner 38 Baia Attolini. The new Outerlimits of Big Sergio placed fourth, with only a distance of .2 of a second from the Fountain of Italian team Karelpiu. Sixth place for the diesel Jolly Drive. While the 2009 Champion 43 Seagull Chaudron continues its run in negative waters placing last with an eleven seconds deficit from the first place.
Evolution Results:
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 01:45,99
2. 33 Furnibo = 01:46,35
3. 60 Metamarine = 01:50,87
4. 66 Cranefields Wine = 01:51,58
5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:52,53
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
- 01 Carconnex = DNS
Super Sport Results:
1. 26 Team 26 = 02:04,92
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 02:05,94
3. 38 Baia Attolini = 02:07,92
4. 22 Big Sergio = 02:09,28
5. 81 Karelpiu = 02:09,30
6. 06 Jolly Drive = 02:10,16
7. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 02:16,58
www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 1 of 3

Today around the Globe is all about the opening of the World Cup of Football, but for us Powerboats fans the attention turns into the second Grand Prix of the season, the classic round of Malta. Yesterday while at sea I had a glimpse of the Vector Powerboat Lucas Oil Evolution Ilmor powered sea trialling in force four seas with four feet wave height and ESE direction. Forecasts are for a Force 5 with Easterly direction. So it seems the rough sea Classic will keep its usual characteristics again this year. All participants are present in Malta in the pits minus the two Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit boats from the Evolution and Supersport Class. Powerpole is scheduled at 1800. Testing is for 1030 - 1200 and official testing from 1500 to 1600. Updates coming later on. You can also join other Powerboat GPS fans on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115197361850528
www.grandprixofthesea.com

September 13, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP, SNAV OSG & Seagull Chaudron 2009 Champions


SNAV OSG and Seagull Chaudron were crowned Powerboat P1 World Champions for 2009 after Sunday’s sizzling season-finale at the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea in Siracusa. The race for Evolution and SuperSport gold went tantalisingly down to the wire with both class champions having to wait until round ten’s checkered flag to finally toast victory. Triumphant Evolution Class pilots Giancarlo Cangiano, Giovanni Carpitella and Hannes Bohinc have rarely been matched on the waters this season, winning exactly 50% of the races and claiming a podium finish in all but two in 2009. Heading to Siracusa needing to overhaul Racing Silverline’s 75-point lead, Messrs Cangiano and Carpitella backed up Saturday’s Sprint victory with second place during Sunday’s Endurance Race to finish runners-up in the overall Grand Prix of the Sea and consequently pip the British team at 2009’s final hurdle. One half of this year’s silver medalists, Jan Falkowski complimented OSG for their efforts, agreeing that the best team won overall.
Angelo Tedeschi cemented his place amongst the powerboat racing greats after scoring his third consecutive SuperSport Class World Championship title. The Italian, who has been part of Powerboat P1 since the first-ever race in Italy seven years ago, attributed their season’s success to the team’s consistency and diligent preparation. The Ukrainian Spirit’s victory was also a feather in the cap for Ilmor Engines, and the Chaudron 41 feet powerboat, who like Tedeschi, claimed their third successive championship.
Evolution Race 10
The Belgian 33 Furnibo boat took the chequered flag in the Endurance race at the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea, but it was 88 SNAV OSG who dramatically took the Powerboat P1 World Championship title in the final race of the season. Needing to merely complete the 76.59 nautical mile course as the team were already expected to claim an additional 50 points for reliability Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella understandably drove a cautious race in order to protect their points haul. Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer in their Fountain Furnibo hull took charge of the race from the start lap and proceeded to dominate matters for the entire 15 laps, recording a top-speed of 110.1mph in the process. Their maximum points total ensured Colpin and Hemelaer finished the season in third place in the overall standings following the untimely withdrawal on lap nine of the 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat. Despite their approach, Cangiano and Carpitella were never in danger of relinquishing second place and ultimately the Championship. After another display of raw pace on the start lap, the Searex Racing Team's 66 Cranefields Wine boat saw them vie for the leadership of the race. Sigi Greve and Gino Passchier were passed on the second lap by 53 Metamarine and eventually forced to retire on the tenth lap owing to more technical difficulties. For Drew Langdon and Jan Falkowski, who had led the Championship since Istanbul in June, it was heartbreak as the race proved one too many as the 47 Silverline boat finished sixth. 10 Cigarette Smash Poker did not make the start line owing to engine problems. Cigarette also got penalised yesterday 200 plus 90 points for a breach in the power to weight ratio.
Supersport Race 10
A second place finish proved enough for Tedeschi and team-mates Aaron Ciantar and Viktor Shemchuk as the challenge of 38 Baia Attolini bravely faded at the final hurdle. Starting the Endurance contest 11 points clear of Stefano Acanfora, Roy Capasso and Renato Guidi, Seagull drove a risk-free race to ensure the title stays with Tedeschi and his team for at least another 12 months. It was 26 Team SW1 Capital who continued their sensational run of end-of-season form as Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins made it back-to-back double Grand Prix of the Sea victories. The British-born team led the 71.76 nautical mile race from the outset and were seldom threatened by their open-canopy rivals, a result which sees them move into third above non-starters 17 Spirit of Belgium. Baia Attolini finished the 14 lap race in third place despite incurring a one minute penalty for overspeeding while PowerPole sitters 44 Iko Casa ended the season with a hard-earned fourth place. 22 Big Sergio finished fifth and 28 Blue Shaft was forced to retire with an unspecified technical problem. The sun has set on Sicily and a landmark 2009 year for Powerboat P1.
RESULTS:
Evolution Endurance Race
1. #33 Furnibo 00:56:45.56
2. #88 SNAV OSG 00:58:15.66
3. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:58:29.63
4. #47 Silverline 00:56:45.83 - 4 laps
5. #66 Cranefields Wines 00:40:20.36 RETIRED after 10 laps
6. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:31:55.22 RETIRED after 8 laps
7. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker DNS
Supersport Endurance Race
1. #26 Team SW1 Capital 01:01:16.83
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 01:01:23.08
3. #38 Baia Attolini 01:02:24.60 includes 1 min overspeeding penalty
4. #44 Iko Casa 01:03:00.90
5. #22 Big Sergio 01:02:17.42 - 1 lap
6. #28 Blue Shaft 00:37:58.55 RETIRED after 8 laps
7. #17 Spirit of Belgium DNS
2009 Final Standings
Evolution Class
1 #88 SNAV OSG 811 pts
2 #47 Silverline 785 pts
3 #33 Furnibo 560 pts
4 #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 491 pts
5 #53 Metamarine Pignolo 365 pts
6 #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 342 pts
7 #66 Cranefields Wine 205 pts
SuperSport Class
1 #43 Seagull Chaudron 977 pts
2 #38 Baia Attolini 957 pts
3 #26 Team SW1 Capital 733 pts
4 #17 Spirit of Belgium 646 pts
5 #44 Iko Casa 597 pts
6 #28 Blue Shaft 428 pts
7 #22 Big Sergio 346 pts

September 12, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP, Sprint Race Contenders Make It Closer


SNAV OSG closed the gap to just 35 points in the Evolution Class after a barn-storming win in Saturday’s Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea Sprint Race which saw arch-rivals and fellow title contenders Silverline cross the finish line in a lowly sixth position. The result leaves the World Championship on a knife edge in the closed-canopy category which promises to deliver a dramatic climax to the Powerboat P1 World Championship 2009 season in Sunday’s Endurance Race. Cranefields Wine roared into an early lead on the opening lap reaching speeds in excess of 115mph but as in PowerPole, the Germans suffered engine problems and were forced out of the race early. From there, the sleek Outerlimits hull, piloted by Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella, raced into the lead before powering home to claim victory in the penultimate race of 2009, keeping their hopes of a championship crown very much alive. Cigarette Smash Poker’s Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini retain a fighting chance of winning the World Championship title after finishing second ahead of Belgium’s finest, Furnibo. Marco Pennesi steered the returning Metamarine Pignolo into a respectable fourth, one place ahead of Lucas Oil, who were some way ahead of the Silverline British duo, Drew Langdon and Jan Falkowski. In the SuperSport Class the title will go down to the wire as Baia Attolini claimed second spot and are now only 11 points behind current leaders Seagull Chaudron who ended the race in fourth. Team SW1 Capital roared home to their third consecutive victory, marking a remarkable debut for team sponsor-come-navigator Simon Luhr. Italian entry Saho, were responsible for keeping the contenders to the SuperSport title apart by taking a third place finish, however, as a wild card entry they received no championship points and Seagull Chaudron were promoted to a third place finish ahead of the all-female crew of Ikocasa. Last over the finishing line were Federico Montanari and Alfredo Zanardo in Blue Shaft, with fellow Al & Al team Big Sergio and the Sprit of Belgium boys both failing to register any points as neither boat completed the race.
RESULTS:
Evolution Sprint Race
1. #88 SNAV OSG 00:35:55.70
2. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:37:03.68
3. #33 Furnibo 00:37:11.70
4. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 00:37:22.20
5. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:36:13.56 - 1 lap
6. #47 Silverline 00:41:59.00 - 2 laps
7. #66 Cranefields Wines RETIRED
Supersport Sprint Race
1. #26 Team SW1 Capital 00:36:39.40
2. #38 Baia Attolini 00:37:02.38
3. #43 Seagull Chaudron 00:37.10.45
4. #44 Iko Casa 00:37:35.13
5. #28 Blue Shaft 00:39:01.54
6. #17 Spirit of Belgium RETIRED after 3 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED after 2 laps

September 11, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP Power Pole Furnibo & Iko Casa Fastest


The Powerboat P1 world title contenders did little to ease tension ahead of tomorrow’s Sprint Race as Seagull Chaudron and Baia Attolini were pipped to the post in the SuperSport Class PowerPole by the ladies from Ikocasa.
In waves estimated to be in excess of six feet, Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea Endurance Race winners, Furnibo, topped the bill in the Evolution Class qualifier as World Championship hopeful’s SNAV OSG suffered a cracked hull in practice. Current championship leaders Silverline lost power on their final practice lap and as a result neither team was able take to the waters for the critical qualifying session.
All-female outfit Ikocasa put the recent disappointments in Italy and Sweden behind them to claim top spot, coming home by over five seconds ahead of fellow Chaudron manufactured Seagull Boat. The Ukrainian Spirit recorded a time 10 seconds ahead of all-Italian rivals, Baia Attolini, in the Donzi Marine hull.
In the Evolution Class only the returning Metamarine Pignolo and Furnibo recorded qualifying times. Elsewhere Cranefields Wine managed to fire their engines but their miserable sequence of bad luck continued as they suffered another technical fault and had to return to the pits.
Evolution Results:
1. #33 Furnibo 04:35.33
2. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 04:46.63
7. #88 SNAV OSG DNS
7. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker DNS
7. #47 Silverline DNS
7. #66 Cranefields Wine DNS
7. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits DNS
Supersport Results:
1. #44 Iko Casa 04:44.21
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 04:49.76
3. #59 Saho 04:47.04
4. #38 Baia Attolini 05:00.51
5. #26 Team SW1 Capital 05:01.27
6. #17 Spirit of Belgium 05:26.65
7. #22 Big Sergio 06:08.49
8. #28 Blue Shaft DNS

May 10, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Endurance Race


Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar was the hero of Valletta on Sunday night after the 43 Seagull Chaudron hull triumphed in Sunday’s second round Endurance Race to earn the new Ukranian Spirit Team its first Grand Prix of the Sea trophy. Cheered on by a great number of local fans, the pair continued their dominance of the SuperSport Class following Team 26 Racing’s four-minute penalty for over-speeding. The raw British pair of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins were inconsolable at the post-race presentation having to look up to the home favorites instead of celebrating a debut Grand Prix series win. Benefiting from Team 26 Racing’s over-eagerness on lap four (twice) and lap six, 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to second spot in the race and ultimately in the overall standings. Aaron’s sister and co-pilot Shelley Jory took the bronze medal in the Endurance race, in their 44 Iko Casa P1’s first all girl team.
In the Evolution class 88 SNAV OSG proved to be the model of consistency as the crew of Giancarlo Cangiano and Hannes Bohinc claimed the Endurance race honors. Profiting from 10 Cigarette Smash Poker’s third lap retirement, courtesy of the Italian team’s crazy spin-out at the East end of the course, SNAV OSG romped home ahead of 47 Silverline and mid-race pacesetters, 77 Lucas Oil Budweiser, even affording the unusual luxury of dropping their speed to around 70mph with two laps to go, safe in the knowledge that victory was assured. Engine problems meant 66 Cranefield Wines failed to make the starting line whilst the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 did not race also today after Friday’s incident in practice.
SuperSport Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #43 Seagull Chaudron 1:04:40.70
2. #38 Baia Attolini 1:05:44.27 includes 1:00 penalty
3. #44 Iko Casa 1:05:49.43
4. #22 Big Sergio 1:07:11.14
5. #17 MasForce 1:08:03.89
6. #26 Team 26 Racing 1:08:14.19 includes 4:00 penalty
7. #28 Blue Shaft 59:06.10 retired after 10 laps
Evolution Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #88 SNAV OSG 1:00:25.15
2. #47 Silverline 1:04:47.00
3. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser NO TIME retired after 11 laps
4. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker RETIRED after 3 laps
5. #66 Cranefield Wines DID NOT START

May 9, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Sprint Race

It was the opening race of the 2009 Powerboat P1 Season, and the eight months of waiting could have not been more gratifying for the millions of fans of this motor sports. First lets start with the winner of today's race in Malta which was of super domination in the Evolution Class, by the 10 The Fantastic 1, and full of surprises in Supersport with 26 Team 26 Racing finding themselves in first thanks to a four minute penalty handed to 38 Baia Attolini. The Evolution Race really finished as it started, with the 10 The Fantastic 1 looking more like doing a race with its own. Thinking that yesterday they did not even participate to the Power Pole because of problems to one of the engines all what was shown by Cigarette Racing Team Europe was impressive. In second 77 Lucas Oil did a good performance following there same place at the super pole yesterday. Nigel Hook Racing looked close to offer a fight in the early stages of the race with the winning number 10 boat, but the speed of the Cigarette was over whelming. 88 SNAV OSG settled third, 47 Silverline fourth, and 66 Cranefields Wine placing fifth. As expected the damaged 53 Metamarine Corse Pignolo 53 did not participate after yesterday accident during sea trials. Supersport Class, was back again to competitive edged racing. There was some nice racing here, with the first half of the race having a tight fight for first place between 38 Baia Attolini and 43 Seagull Chaudron. Still impressing and racing as if there is no tomorrow and climbing up four places was the new 2009 entry 26 Team 26 Racing who running its first lap as fourth ended up in second place, and lastly a four minute three time speeding penalty to 38 Baia Attolini gave them the first place. To appreciate the comeback of Team 26 Racing one has to see the racing. Big disappointment for sure to the 38 Baia Attolini after defending a number of attacks from the the 2008 Championship winners in 43 Seagull Chaudron and finishing officially in fourth place, after receiving over speeding penalties. The penalty to the Baia Attolini team gave to the 2008 title winners with the new 43 Seagull Chaudron second place after ending the race in third. Same story for 17 Mas Force Spirit of Belgium who will sure be happy of there third place. Also a 4:30 of penalty to the 2007 and 2008 title winning Racing Project 44 Iko Casa now all female driven boat, which put them back to only one step in fifth position. Team Al & AL Racing two boat entry finished both at the end of the line up with a retirement for the old 22 Big Sergio boat and a fifth place to the new 28 Blue Shaft.
Evolution Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 34:02.00
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 34:44.00
3. #88 SNAV OSG 35:14.94
4. #47 Silverline 35:08.23
5. #66 Cranefield Wines 35:26.75
SuperSport Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #26 Team 26 Racing 37:20.65
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 37:25.98
3. #17 MasForce 38:57.98
4. #38 Baia Attolini 41:09.00 includes 4:00 penalty
5. #44 Ikocasa 43:49.00 includes 5:30 penalty
6. #28 Blue Shaft 38:50.33 retired after 9 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED

May 8, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Power Pole Metamarine Accident


The Powerboat P1 season get going with the first Power Pole in Malta with 43 Seagull claiming the SuperSport timing and 88 SNAV OSG taking Evolution honours, but the talking at the pits where all dedicated to the incident involving the 53 Metamarine Pignolo boat during sea test just half an hour before the official start.
Metamarine was involved according to testimonies in a 360 spin out while going out from Valletta's Grand Harbour, and later on at a slow speed went on to hit the harbours break water. Both drivers at the helm Marco Pennessi and Max Ferrari where taken to hospital, one suffering from slight and the other from grievous injuries, but both stable and comfortable after the accident. The boat according to Metamarine stuff suffered non mechanical damage with hull, propellers and rudders looking good, but the topsides mostly the engine hatch and closed cockpit wind shield showed all signs with the impact to the water.
 In Supersport the domination of the Chaudrons seem to continue with both the new 43 Seagull and double title winner Racing Project 44 Ikocasa taking one and two. Third place for 38 Baia Attolini who are over eight seconds late from the 2008 title winning drivers and there new boat, sister to the 2008 and 2007 winning hull but powered with new Ilmor engines. 17 Mas Force with renowned and longer boat in the Supersport fleet 43 Nortech boat came fourth. Team Al&Al will feel a disappointment pinch with there new Blue Shaft placing sixth, and the old no.28 Big Sergio fifth. Lastly British Wreckless Team 26 did also a fine job placing initially fourth, but a miss to a pole put them in last place. We spoke to Kim Collins the team driver who told us after competing as a wild card in Vigo in 2008, wants to make all his best to win as much as he can for the first full season. Kim Collins also explained Team 26 important project racing in this season with a Donzi 38 ZR, but also a plan for a new boat in the future. Still Team 26 managed to compete just in time as two hoses where managed to be fixed before the start of the pole.
In Evolution team OSG seems to want a repeat of its previous successes in Malta, by taking the Powerpole for close to two seconds from the other new Outerlimits Lucas Oil boat. Worth to note that Team OSG won the 2007 and 2008 Malta Grand Prix. 47 Silverline making the step from Supersport to Evolution will be happy of there third place, and Cranefields Wine missed completely the buoy during the run up therefore losing time and placing last from the competing boats. Cigarette Smash Poker did not start after having trouble with one engine during the sea trials.
OFFICIAL TIMINGS:
SuperSport
1. #43 Seagull 03:27.92
2. #44 Ikocasa 03:31.00
3. #38 Baia-Attolini 03:36.64
4. #17 MasForce 03:42.14
5. #22 Big Sergio 03:51.55
6. #28 Blue Shaft 04:36.81
7. #26 Wreckless 03:42.14 *missed pole 
Evolution
1. #88 SNAV OSG 03:02.88
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 03:04.68
3. #47 Silverline 03:22.45
4. #66 Cranefields Wine 04:42.45
5. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker Did not start
6. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 Did not start