Formula powerboat on course for Port Macquarie
by Bob Wonders on 25 Jun 2010
Spectacular race start at Taree. This is a sample of the action the Formula 1 boats will deliver to Port Macquarie. Theo Spykers
Port Macquarie, a popular tourist town on the NSW north coast, is the setting for round five of the Australian Formula Powerboat Association 2010 championships over the weekend of July 24-25.
More than 40 boats and crews will contest Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Sports Mono and Futures classes.
Although the boats have raced previously at Port Macquarie, round five will be staged on a different course.
Current point score leaders are Damien McKenzie (McKenzie Racing, Formula 1; Michael Page (Cullens Carpets), Formula 2; Geoff Bollins (Bollins Racing), Formula 3 and Tim Fenwick (Southern Cross), Sports Mono.
Organisers have arranged a ‘Meet the Drivers' session for the Friday afternoon (July 23) at the Settler's Inn, on River Drive, complete with a ‘sausage sizzle' and media briefing.
The pit area has been allocated to McInherney Park, also in River Drive and will be fully fenced with security on hand from 6pm. Scrutineering will take place on he Friday (3pm to 4.30pm) and the Saturday morning (7am to 9am). An official dinner will be staged on Friday evening to welcome drivers, crews, officials, sponsors and guests.
Racing gets under way at 9am on the Saturday morning.
At 9.30am. Formula 1, 2 and 3 drivers will each be allowed 30 minutes practice prior to their afternoon races.
Formula Futures will compete through the morning and early afternoon.
Sports Mono entrants will contest two races on the Saturday, at 11am and 1pm.
The Formula racing begins at 1.30pm with the Formula 3 boats flagged away, following by Formula 2 at 2.15pm and Formula 1 at 3pm. A similar program will be followed on the Sunday.
Anthony McEnnally, Formula 1 delegate, said all crew were looking forward to Port Macquarie.
'It's a great little town and there's always a good crowd in attendance,' he said.
'I'm certainly hoping for a better result, I've had a tough season to date with boat problems, but hopefully we've got things sorted out and I can try and claw my way back to a podium finish.'
For further information contact the secretary, Cherie Vella, telephone 0417 238218 or visit the website, www.formulapowerboats.com.au
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