Formula powerboats head to Grafton

8:09 AM Wed 30 Dec 2009 GMT

'Australian champion Shane Vella will be out to be ’the one to beat’ at Grafton. - Formula boats at Grafton' Theo Spykers

Formula powerboats head to Grafton

Round two of the Australian Formula Powerboat Association meet is scheduled for next month (February 6-7) on the mighty Clarence River at Grafton, on the NSW far north coast.

Racing will include Formula Futures, Mono Hull, Formula 1, 2 and 3, with each class contesting three races each on the Saturday and the Sunday. Both NBN and Fox Sports will be telecasting the events.

Rob Beasley at the wheel of ’Chance’ in action at Taree during the opening round. - Theo Spykers

The action begins with a 'meet the drivers' function at Grafton's Crown Hotel at 4pm on the Friday (Feb 5) afternoon, followed by a 5.30pm street parade of competing boats.

A barbecue and welcome dinner for drivers, crews, sponsors and guests will be held later in the evening.

The Crown Hotel car parking area has been designated as the pit area for the weekend; it is fully fenced and will be under security control from 6pm each evening.

Scrutineering has been scheduled for 3-4.30pm on Friday and from 7 to 9am on Saturday.

All drivers and officials will be subjected to breath testing on both days, with zero alcohol level demanded.

Driver briefings have been set for 8.30am on the Saturday and 8am on the Sunday.

Grant Trask plans to be one of the front runners when the Formula 1 boats clash at Grafton. - Theo Spykers

Peter Evans, vice-president of the association, expects at least 10 Formula 1 crews to line up.

'We anticipate up to 12 Formula 2 entries, at least eight Mono Hull and 10 juniors contesting Formula Futures,' he said.

'At this stage we're not sure how many Formula 3 boats will enter, as we believe several former competitors have stepped up and purchased Formula 2 boats. 'That can only be good for the association long term,' he added.

Racing begins on Saturday morning with the Formula Futures first away at 9m. Practice sessions for Formula I, 2 and 3 will follow.

Throughout both days, spectators will be treated to non-stop action, culminating in the finals on Sunday afternoon with the Formula 3 at 12.30pm, Formula 2 at 2.15pm and the 'first graders', Formula1 at 3pm.

Sydney’s Tim Bollins at Taree will be looking for an improved performance ay Grafton. Brother Geoff contests the Formula 3 class. - Theo Spykers

Presentation and (and commiserations?) will commence at 5pm.

Current series leaders, Damien McKenzie, of the Gold Coast (Formula 1), Port Macquarie's Michael Page (Formula 2) and Sydney's Geoff Bollins (Formula 3) are confirmed starters.

For further information contact Craig Truslove (0411 754 787) or Peter Evans (0417 204 772.

by Bob Wonders

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