David Trask triumphs at Toukley

by Belinda Doyle on 18 Apr 2007 Trask Development Corporation's David Trask lead from start to finish, at Round 2 of the XLR8 Home Loans Australian Formula One Superboat Series, on the beautiful Lake Budgewoi.

With his machine set to European engine regulations coupled with the newly introduced Australian requirement for rev limiting to 9650rpm, Trask was able to hold of the opposition. Qualifying fastest with a time of 31.30sec, Trask beat brother Bob by only three tenths of a second. Bob was unable to finish the first race after an encounter with debris, leaving the team with time to concentrate on David.

With a time of 32.40sec, third qualifier and current Australian Formula 1 Champion, Rhys Coles finished second in race 1 and third in race 2. Unfortunately he was let down by battery problems on the restart of race 3, placing him sixth overall for the round.

Shane Vella qualified in fourth position with a 33.18sec lap. The Panarottis Pasta Pizza crew decided on a new strategy this weekend and kept Vella out of the transporter. It paid off with Vella finishing third in race 1 and second in race 2. Race 3 saw a throttle linkage come unstuck on the first lap. Some quick thinking and repairs during the stoppage was enough to get them right for the re-start. Vella got off to a great start and put it all on the line to chase down Trask. It was so close yet so far, with Vella crossing the line behind Trask, but finishing fifth due to missing the first two laps. It was enough to take home the second place trophy for the round.

Local star Mick Beasley came into the new season fired up and ready for the challenge. Qualifying sixth, he was a little off the pace of the higher budgeted teams. Rovet Electrical and Lighting at Erina must have provided the extra spark needed to get him going. The Slightly Twisted team were aiming for consistency and this was successfully achieved. Finishing fourth, fourth and third, gave them third place for the round and the team a trophy on debut.

A point behind and finishing fouth place overall was Beasley's old team mate Anthony McEnnally and Water Sports Marine. Second place in the final race was a great result, having finished fifth in each of the first two races.

Craig Truslove had some teething problems in the new boat and won the 'roll, what roll' award for his barrel role on the third lap of the final race. The XLR8 Home Loans machine rolled, landed upright and then proceeded to sink. No damage was sustained by driver or vessel, with both drying out eventually.

Sean Ellery struggled with engine problems during practice, putting him out for the weekend. Todd Boaer encountered various problems on Saturday, leaving the Jet Worx Marine team high and dry for the event.

For the first round of 2007, Formula 2000 driver, Peter Evans, was joined by Grant Trask, 2006 Formula 3 Champion and former F1 Driver Michael Page. Series management had to make the tough decision to combine the F2000 class with the F1 class, due to Evans withdrawing from the weekend after suffering engine problems in practice on Saturday. Disappointing for the Dickies Towing and Tilt Trays entry given their new setup looked to be on the money. The Cullens Carpet One and Blinds sponsored Page Racing machine was fired up for a solid challenge against Seaquest Sports Cruiser's Grant Trask but a mechanical problem brought their contest to an early end during Race 1. Young Trask, nephew of F1 winner David, raced hard to the finish against the F1's, finishing fifth overall and first for F2000. Looks like Trask is planning to follow in his father's and uncle's wake to win any championship on offer.

The F2000 production class is continuing to grow and gives teams a stepping stone on their way to F1. The combining of classes, unfortunately meant driver Matt Selby had no one to compete against with his Settlers Home Loans F3. The expectation of additional F3 competitors at Newcastle should give Selby the opportunity to shine and show his sponsors he is ready to step up to F2000.

Series Director Kirk Tsaccounis was pleased to see the season underway. 'It's great to get things going and it will build as we progress through the season. A special note of thanks to The Beachcomber and Toukley, for hosting the event and for their continued support. The pace on the water is getting up there and it will be interesting to see what round 3 at Newcastle has in store for us,' commented Tsaccounis.

Club Superboat entertained members and guests with various sponsors attending. The Series would like to thank XLR8 Home Loans, Tohatsu, Anglomoil, Seaquest Sports Cruisers, Jet Worx Marine, Mercury Racing, NBN Television, the Beachcomber Hotel, Wyong Shire Council, Greater Toukley Vision, Star FM, Central Coast Express Advocate, and Pearce Cranes for their support.

The VB flowed well into the night at the Beachcomber Hotel as the teams, sponsors and spectators celebrated a fantastic weekend of great racing and perfect weather.