Truslove wins Bridge to Bridge Classic

by Belinda Doyle on 10 May 2007 Congratulations to Craig Truslove and the XLR8 F1 Superboat team on taking out 1st Place in the 71st Bridge to Bridge Classic on Sunday 6th May.

Against Hydroplanes, Twin turbo and Supercharged Inboards and Drag boats, Truslove overcame power steering problems to be the first arrival at WindsorBridge.

The race commenced from Brooklyn Bridge at 9am on Sunday morning, with Truslove primed, prepped and confident, thanks to a full support crew, both in the air and on land. The 120km race is the world's longest and most dangerous powerboat race, offering many risks not usually faced in F1 Superboat competitions. For this reason F1 drivers usually arrange their own air support, consisting of Helicopter, Paramedic Diver, and Camera crew. With such a large distance to cover, safety crews can not be everywhere at once and Truslove is all too aware of what can happen when it all goes wrong. After he barrel rolled at the last round of the XLR8 Home Loans Australian Formula 1 Superboat Series, although he and the boat were unscathed, it was only quick work by the Tohatsu Safety Crew that saved his vessel from resting on the bottom.

Fortunately the diver was not required during the Bridge to Bridge. Although for a moment it looked possible, when, at the half way point, the power steering died whilst rounding a turn at Wiseman's Ferry, spinning the vessel at high speed. Quick to gather his thoughts and regain control, he powered through to the finish race without power steering.

'I'm elated with the win. We knew an F1 had what it takes to win. It's something I've wanted for many years. I'm still trying to get my feet back on the ground. I'd like to thank my sponsors and everyone in the team, without whom, this wouldn't have been possible' expressed a jubilant Truslove.

A race that took over 3 hours to complete when it first began 71 years ago, was run and won by Truslove in only 32min 27sec. This was not quite quick enough to beat the record of 31min 47sec, set by Ricky Howard in 2000 in his Hydroplane.

In only the second outing for the new boat, it seems that the XLR8 machine, powered by an F1 Mercury 2.5 litre engine modified by KT Marine, is sorted for both speed and handling. 'We're pleased about the win, we spent some days last week getting the boat back in shape after the barrel role at Toukley. The engine and electrics were submerged, so there was plenty of work to be done, then a day testing to get the set up right. The engine tune was very conservative and Craig has had very little seat time in the boat, so there is plenty left in him and the machine. Next year we believe we could go one better and take the record too!' commented Kirk Tsaccounis who prepares the machine.

The next round of the F1 Superboat Series will be held on the June long weekend on NewcastleHarbour. Even though Circuit Racing is very different from a Long Distance Race, Craig Truslove will be confident and definitely up for the challenge offered by current Series Leader David Trask, and 2006 Champion Rhys Coles. It will be in an event not to be missed.

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