Trask clan shines at Formula 1 Superboat Series

by Belinda Doyle on 27 Jun 2007 The Trask clan certainly stole the show at Round 4 of the XLR8 Home Loans Australian Formula 1 Superboat Series on the Manning River at Taree.

Grant Trask won the F2000 class, and in the Formula 1 Series, his uncle, David won and his dad, Bob, finished the round in 2nd.

With a new control ECU ruling for all Formula 1 machines, competitors were expecting results to be a little mixed this weekend, as everyone settled into the changes. The Trask Development Corporation team quickly proved why they are doing so well, both in Australia, and in the World Series – put simply, they have a great team and a terrific package.

David was untouchable, finishing each race with a lead of over 9 seconds to Bob, who settled into the bridesmaid position for all 3 races. Craig Truslove put in a brilliant effort to finish 3rd in races 2 & 3, but a DNF in race 1 meant that 3rd place for the round, went to current Champion Rhys Coles.

The Andrew Page Memorial was run and won as Race 2 for the Formula 1 Superboats. This was the 8th year the Trophy was available, and for the first time was awarded on the anniversary of Andrew’s passing. Andrew suffered from Cystic Fibroses and was the son of Michael and Dianne Page (Page Racing/Cullens Carpet 1 and Blinds Port Macquarie). Due to his switch to F2000, Michael and family were able to watch the race together this year. They were touched by the generosity of fellow competitors, sponsors, officials, fans and members of the public who bid in the Charity Auction held on Saturday night at the Manning River Hotel. Over $5500 was raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to assist sufferers and their families. A special thank you to all who participated and donated items.

After contesting 2 rounds of the series the current standings are; 1st, David Trask (Trask Development Corp), tied for 2nd are Shane Vella (Panarottis Pizza Pasta) and Anthony McEnnally (Water Sports Marine).

In 4th place is Rhys Coles (Byron Bay Ale), with Mick Beasley (Rovet Electrical & Lighting at Erina) running 5th.

Postion 6 is held by Bob Trask (Trask Development Corp), 7th Craig Truslove (XLR8 Home Loans), 8th Todd Boaer (Jet Worx Marine) and 9th is Sean Ellery (Ultra Nova Print Media).

All the action from this and the Toukley round can be seen on Speed Machine, this Saturday, 30th June, on Channel 9 at 11am (check your local guide for details).

The event was proudly brought to you by the Manning River Hotel and supported by Hahn Super Dry, Greater Taree City Council, Manning Valley Tourism, ATF Fencing, Taree Coastal Cranes, Saxbys, Taree Hire, Sailos, Comfort Inn City Centre, Midlands Motel, Taree City Centre, NBN Television, Max FM, 2RE and the Manning River Times.

The next round will be at Port Macquarie on the weekend of July 21-22.

For more details on the Series, drivers and TV coverage check out www.f1boat.com.au