f1 powerboat racing

Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is returning to Shreveport in 2024

Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is coming back to the Shreveport-Bossier area after six years.

“We are looking forward to bringing Powerboats back to the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier in 2024-2026,” said Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.

According to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown is scheduled to take place during the Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through May 26, 2024.

This event will feature approximately 50 high-speed powerboats along the Red River.

“On behalf of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship, we are very excited to bring Formula 1 powerboat racing back to Shreveport-Bossier for the first time since 2018,” said Tim Seebold, Managing Director of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship. “Shreveport holds a special place in my heart as it was the site of my last National Championship before retiring from driving.”

The Formula 1 Powerboat Championship is an 8-race series contested across North America.

US Powerboat racing has a 120-year heritage that began with the formation of the American Powerboat Association. For the last six decades, F1 powerboats have been recognized as one of the world's most spectacular racing vehicles.

This Powerboat event provides a prime opportunity for Shreveport-Bossier to highlight its expertise in hosting water-based sporting events.

The Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown will happen the same weekend as Mudbug Madness 2024 in Festival Plaza.

“On behalf of the Mudbug Madness Festival, we are excited that Formula 1 Powerboat Racing will be taking place the same weekend as our festival on the Shreveport Riverfront,’ said Terri Matthews, Event Coordinator for Mudbug Madness.

The F1 Powerboat event will present viewers with heart pounding, up close and personal, racing action in downtown Shreveport.

General admission viewing is also free to the public and there will also be a VIP area at the Shreveport Aquarium and tickets will go on sale at a later date.

“Events like this, held in conjunction with Mudbug Madness, help raise awareness and showcase the recreational opportunities available along the Waterway," said Dustin Hayes, Marketing Director for the Red River Waterway Commission.

For more information on the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship, visit  www.f1powerboatchampionship.com .

More: From CORK to BREW and the Revel: Here's the dates for the 2024 festivals in downtown Shreveport

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is returning to Shreveport in 2024

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Lake Toba welcomes F1 PowerBoat Championship 2023 enthusiasts with natural charm

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ake Toba, North Sumatera, is the upcoming venue for the F1 PowerBoat Championship from Feb. 25-26, 2023. Touted as the biggest PowerBoat tournament, the Championship will feature 20 athletes spread across 10 teams from six countries.

Aside from being the most important event in powerboat racing, the Championship will provide ample opportunity to promote the natural beauty of Lake Toba and its surrounding areas to international spectators flying in from all over the world.

“This event is as important as the MotoGP in Mandalika, Lombok last year. Thus, we believe that the F1 PowerBoat Championship will be the perfect event to showcase the attractiveness of Lake Toba to international audiences.” said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno.

“The influx of travellers coming in from all over the world would surely boost economic recovery in the area, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES),” he added.

In between adrenaline-pumping powerboat races, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural allure of Lake Toba, one of Indonesia’s five Super Priority Tourism Destinations. The lake, with an area of more than 1,145 square kilometers and a depth of 508 meters, was formed from by a violent prehistoric volcanic eruption 74 thousand years ago.

Other destinations around Lake Toba are not short of charm either. Situated on the south of the lake, the town of Balige offers a magnificent view of Lake Toba and surrounding mountains. The town was also a witness to the native Batak people’s first revolt against the Dutch government.

Upon visiting Balige, travelers are treated to a scenery of Lake Toba from a variety of different viewpoints at Tarabunga Hill, Pahoda, Lumban BulBul Beach or Samosir Beach.

The Lumban BulBul Beach sets itself apart from other beaches for being a freshwater beach lined with white, sparkling sands. Visitors can take part in exciting water-based activities such as banana boating, riding on the traditional solu boat or renting a motorboat to do some sightseeing around the lake.

Not too far away from Balige is the Meat (pronounced may-ut ) Village in Tobasa Regency. Sitting at an altitude of 919 meters above sea level, the village is often said to be the lowest geographical point in the Toba Samosir region.  After a walk among verdant paddy rice fields, visitors can visit local dance studios and watch performances of the traditional Sipitu Cawan dance.

The nearby Desa Wisata (Tourism Village) is the perfect place to learn about local wisdom. Floating in the middle of the lake is Samosir Island, where two tourism villages, Tomok and Simanindo stand. Home to the Batak ethnic group, residents of both villages still celebrate their ancestors’ rituals and traditions. Here, you can experience a Sigale-gale Puppet ritual that calls upon the spirits of deceased ancestors.

Traveling to North Sumatera is not the same without visiting local workshops and admiring the beauty of Lake Toba’s traditional textile, kain ulos . This signature textile is not just an important cultural heritage to the Batak Toba people, but it’s also a sacred artifact that symbolizes blessings, love, compassion and unity.

Lake Toba is also a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Finding halal food is no obstacle because the region is home to a goldfish dish called Dekke Na Niarsik (Arsik goldfish). Goldfish sourced from the area is cooked until dry and seasoned with various spices, including the Andaliman pepper,

A species endemic to Lake Toba and a staple in Batak Toba cuisine, Andaliman has recently gained attention due to its popularity among culinary enthusiasts from outside the area. People in the area, especially MSMEs, have come up with creations to promote Andaliman with mouth-watering dishes such as andaliman pizza, sambal, bandrek (herb drink) and more.

A boon for the recovering economy

Since its first run in 1981, the F1 PowerBoat Championship is considered to be one of the most challenging sports in the world. Racers require a certain amount of finesse to maintain the balance of their powerboat against the water current. The acceleration of powerboats can exceed that of race cars, reaching 160 km/hour within four seconds. While gliding at incredible speeds, drivers must race against each other without the use of breaks or clutches.

In anticipation of international spectators flocking in to see competitors testing their might at the revered volcanic lake, the government has pushed for infrastructure development and other supporting facilities. Sandiaga himself has also assured that the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister has also collaborated with other ministries and agencies to ready the human resources around the area.

The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has assisted locals in setting up homestay and tourism village tour packages, as well as developing MSME products. The ministry also provides hospitality training, tourism awareness sessions and more.

“Hospitality is key to avoid tourists feeling disappointed after their visit to Lake Toba. We will ensure that the impact of this event can be falt by MSMEs by conducting training sessions and strengthening the supply chain of local products so they can be used by hotels and inns,” Sandiaga elaborated.

The Championship will also have a number of side events including culinary festivals (including a grilled fish festival), watch parties and MSME exhibitions. There will also be entertainment from celebrities and various cultural art attractions from various regions of North Sumatera.

“We expect a 3.7 percent increase within two years post-event. The F1 PowerBoat Championship is predicted to generate 180 million digital impressions and an economic impact of Rp 212 billion (US$ 13.98 million) for the economy of North Sumatera,” said Sandiaga.

The minister further reminded visitors coming to the Lake Toba area to continue adhering to health protocols such as wearing masks, keeping their distance, washing hands regularly, and taking the required booster vaccinations before travelling into the area.

For more information, visit the website indonesia.travel or follow the social media accounts @wonderfulindonesia on Instagram, @wonderfulid on TikTok, @wonderfulindonesia on Facebook, @wonderfulid on Twitter or the Wonderful Indonesia Youtube Account and receive updates about tourism, creative economy and other attractive events in Indonesia.

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INSIDE F1H2O

• What is F1H2O?
• The Championship
• The Grand Prix
• Rescue&Safety

The UIM F1H2O World Championship is the 'flagship' international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing.

Highly competitive, intensely challenging, risky and entertaining, the F1H2O World Championship is the ultimate adrenalin rush and regarded as one of the most spectacular and exciting sports in the world.

The series attracts up to 20 of the world's leading drivers and is a sport that has to be seen to be believed as these diminutive tunnel-hull catamarans enter hairpin turns at over 90mph and top 140mph on the straights.

Picture the scene; 18 to 20 sleek, powerful and lightweight catamarans lining up on the start pontoon. Inside each cockpit sits a lone individual peering through a tiny windscreen. One hand grasps the steering wheel, the other poised over the start button. The tension inside the cockpit is intense as the drivers wait for the crucial start. Beyond the cockpit, an eerie silence descends over the entire arena, all attention fixed on the start.

No sooner does the wait end when 10,000hp of highly tuned brute power bursts into life sending the fleet screaming towards the first corner leaving nothing but a glorious fountain of white spray in its wake.

However, with the thrilling high-speed action comes the risk of ruin as drivers endure brain-numbing G-Forces - their rigs taking hairpin turns at over 90mph while they dice deck-to-deck in often zero-visibility.

Now in its 36th year the four decades of the World Championship have witnessed considerable change and evolution; the seventies and eighties saw multiple promoters and two giant corporations of the sport OMC and Mercury vying for supremacy to be the pinnacle of the sport.

OMC were touting their 3.5litre V8 package that became known as the OZ class, Mercury pushing their 2.0litre engine and called the ON class, the disparity in power would soon lead to bitter wrangling and infighting amongst competitors.

The split came in 1981, FONDA was formed running the ON class engine with the OMC backed PRO ONE run series running the OZ class engine, both rival championships claiming the right to use the title World Championship, a dispute settled by the sport's governing body the UIM later that year awarding the OZ class the accolade.

1984 saw the beginning of yet another twist as safety became a major concern with engine development and increasing power of the V8s taking its tragic toll and signaled the slow demise of the OZ class internationally, ending in 1986.

The door was now opening for the existing FONDA World Grand Prix series to reinvent itself. From 1987 to 1989 there was no official UIM World Championship, and with no challenger, the UIM reinstated the World Championship status and in 1990 the FONDA World Grand Prix Series became the UIM F1H2O World Championship, Mercury's 2.0litre engine the preferred power-plant of the time, the Mercury 2.5litre engine coming in in 2000 and used today.

In 1993 the UIM appointed Nicolo di San Germano as Promoter; his ongoing 30 year tenure has brought stability, a new direction, improved safety and an ever broadening geographic footprint encompassing Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia and with this expansion a growing commercial value.

Over the last 38 years the sport has played out 295 Grand Prix in 33 countries across five continents, 15 drivers have captured the World title, 48 becoming members of the illustrious Grand Prix winners club.

Of the 15 World Champions 8 are multiple title winners; Italy's Guido Cappellini is the most decorated winning 10, Italy's Alex Carella and American Scott Gillman with four, France's Philippe Chiappe, Italian Renato Molinari and American Shaun Torrente with three each, Finland's Sami Selio and Britain's Jonathan Jones with two apiece.

While today's F1H2O catamarans bear a striking resemblance to those in action throughout the 1980's there is a world of difference in terms of driver protection and general safety.

The early boats were constructed from thin plywood with drivers sitting in an open, exposed cockpit with the risk of injury a high probability in the case of an accident.

With safety at the forefront of boat development, British designer and racer Chris Hodges set about improving the situation and constructed a safety cell that was produced from an immensely strong composite material.

Instead of the cockpit being part of the main structure Hodges' capsule was separate and was fitted to the hulls and centre section.

For the first time drivers were actually strapped into their seats. The idea was that if a boat was involved in an accident, the timber hulls could break up and absorb the impact forces while the driver remained well protected inside his cell.

The new device proved itself on several occasions and the U.I.M. called for it to become compulsory, and in the early 1990's Burgess introduced canopies that made cockpits fully enclosed.

In the late 1990's further developments saw the introduction of an airbag in the cockpit that would inflate in a crash to ensure the capsule wouldn't sink before rescue crews could attend.

Over the years boat construction has been developed and today few if any are built of timber, now replaced by modern composites.

In 2023 ten teams and 20 drivers from 12 countries will compete at Grand Prix in Europe, Middle East and Asia for the coveted World title, the prestigious number 1 plate will be carried by the defending World Champion Shaun Torrente driving for Abu Dhabi team.

The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the world governing body for all Powerboating activities. It is fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is a member of the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF) and of SportAccord for whom the UIM President serves as President and Board member. The UIM has almost 60 affiliated National Federations. Circuit, Offshore, Pleasure Navigation and Aquabike are among the main disciplines. The UIM has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to further its range of environmental initiatives and to share expertise.

President: Dr. Raffaele Chiulli General Secretary: Thomas Kurth

Idea Marketing is the sole and exclusive worldwide promoter of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, the UIM-ABP Aquabike World and Continental Championships and the UIM H2O Nations Cup World Series.

The company is the worldwide television and commercial rights holder for all Championships and responsible for all commercial, marketing, television, media and organisational activities.

Founder: Nicolo di San Germano Vice President: Lavinia Cavallero

h2oracing.net f1h2o.com aquabike.net

The F1H2O World Championship is the leading formula in single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing and was sanctioned by the UIM in 1981.

It is a multiple Grand Prix series of eight events taking place in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Points allocated at each Grand Prix count towards the overall World Championship standings.

In addition to the World Championship, points are also allocated for the BRM Pole Position and Team Championships and the Fast Lap Trophy.

A three-tiered qualifying session is run over 60 minutes, the multiple lap Grand Prix run over a minimum 45 minutes, not to exceed 60 minutes.

In 2023 ten teams, 20 drivers from 12 countries plus technicians and support staff will compete for the coveted World title.

DAY 1 Documentation and registration Technical scrutineering Drivers' briefing (compulsory for all team managers, drivers and radiomen of each boat) Free practice Boats and racing equipment (including racing gear of the driver) must be in the pits 24 hours before starting the technical scrutineering

DAY 2 Drivers' briefing (compulsory for all team managers, drivers and radiomen of each boat) Free practice Official Qualifying Podium presentation

Pole position and starting line-ups are determined by a three-tiered qualifying session, Q1, Q2 and Q3 preceding each Grand Prix race. Stateof-the-art timing equipment records the performances of each boat to decide the final classification and starting positions.

Q1 : A twenty-minute session with all boats entitled to run multiple laps at any time during the session, with the 12 fastest progressing into Q2. The times set by those that didn't qualify for Q2 denote their starting positions.

Q2 : After a seven-minute break, the times will be reset and the remaining 12 boats will then run a fifteen-minute session - again they may complete as many laps as they want at any time during that period. At the end of the session the six fastest boats will progress into Q3. The times set by those that didn't qualify for Q3 denote their starting positions.

Q3 : The times are reset and the top six boats from Q2 will run all together for 10 minutes and the arrival order at the finish line will decide their start positions.

If a driver is deemed by the officials to have stopped unnecessarily on the circuit or impeded another driver during qualifying, his times may be cancelled

No refuelling allowed during timed trial.

Every race circuit is different in size, but are generally about 2000 meters in distance. Each circuit has at least one long straightaway and several tight turns, mostly left with one or two right turns.

The turns produce a G-force of up to 4.5 on the driver, which means his weight is multiplied 4.5 times as he makes a tight U-turn at over 100 mph.

Water is a constantly changing unstable unpredictable surface and conditions play a major part in the outcome of each Grand Prix.

With water current and wind conditions varying on every lap and spray being continually showered over the tiny console screen, drivers are quite often driving 'blind' at full speed, mere inches away from their rivals.

In the event of a 'barrel-roll' (capsize), a mandatory air bag installed above the pilot's head will inflate upon contact with water. This enables the cockpit to remain above water until rescue arrives.

All drivers have a self-contained air supply fitted inside the capsule as an added safety features.

LIGHT SIGNALS Each entry must have the electronic time-keeping device and lighting equipment. Compliance is required for scrutineering clearance. Lights signals are used in accordance with these rules to designate specific times or to give instructions to pilots.

Lights and their purposes are as follows:

YELLOW : Reduce speed to 3000 rpm maximum - extreme caution on race course - hold current position - no overtaking - follow pace boat

RED : Race stopped, slow down instantly and return to the start dock, identical to actual black flag.

WHITE AND BLUE caution FLAG : Rescue boats must be given the right of way. A complaint from rescue personnel will be penalised.

Boats that have broken down and pulled to the infield or off the racecourse will be towed to the trailer or the start dock only during a "race stop" condition and if pick-up boats are available.

During the time trials and the race, one crewmember should always remain at signalling area and maintain radio contact with his driver during free practice, timed trials and race.

Each team consists of a manager, two drivers, mechanics, radio coordinator, technical coordinator and equipped with infrastructure such as trailer workshop and welcome marquee.

They should have two catamarans fitted with a 2.5 litre engine and compete at 8 to 10 Grand Prix events in a season.

Imagine this: up to 20 lightweight, 17-foot carbon fibre catamarans hurtling around a racing circuit at speeds topping 220km/h (130mph); all boats are powered by highly tuned V6 outboard engines, each pumping out 400HP at close to 10.000 rpm; they boast an awesome power to weight ratio and weigh in at around 500 kilos.

HULL : Twin sponson, tunnel-hull catamaran

MANUFACTURERS : BABA, Blaze, DAC, GTR, Molgaard, Moore, Victory

HULL MATERIALS : Carbon fibre, Kevlar, synthetic fibre, airex & nomex

LENGTH : 5.10 metres (min)

WIDTH : 2.1 metres (min)

WEIGHT : 550 kg (including residual fuel and oil), the driver with personal equipment, but excluding loose water, circa 380 kilos (not including driver or engine)

FUEL TANK : Carbon constuction, built to accomodate circa 120 litres

ENGINE : Mercury or equivalent outboard engine 6 cylinders 2-stroke

ENGINE CAPACITY : 2.5 litre up to maximum 3 litre

STEERING : Cable with electronic power assist, ratio open to driver preference

GEARBOX : Fixed ratio direct drive

PROPELLERS : As gearbox is fixed ratio, various diameter and pitch from 10.5 by 16 inch upwards (dependant on length of circuit). Forged stainless steel alloy CNC machined

HORSE POWER : circa 400 HP @ 10,000 rpm

TOP SPEED : Over 220 km/h (136 mph)

ACCELERATION : 0-100 km/h (60mph) in circa 3 seconds

BOAT CONTROLS : Hydraulic ram systems controlling engine angle and height operated by a series of switches on steering wheel, dash and foot rest. Foot throttle controlling engine power delivery

SAFETY FEATURES : Cockpit built in composite materials, crash boxes built with energy absorbent foam. HANS head and neck support, airbag, polycarbonate nine millimeter screen and deformable frontal areas to stop penetration in event of accident. Life support system, air bottle and demand valve with helmet attachment used if boat capsizes and driver unable to exit cockpit prior to arrival of rescue boat and team. Inside cockpit the driver is strapped into a carbon hybrid moulded seat with 5 point harness and detachable steering wheel for easy entry and exit. Cockpit canpy latched into closed position for maximum protection against water pressure

The Osprey Powerboat Rescue Team provide rescue services for many powerboat racing events and has a fleet of 6 specialist drop front ambulance boats, 2 of these boats are permanently assigned to providing rescue services to the UIM F1H2O World Championship.

Each boat is manned by four fully trained individuals 2 qualified rescue divers in full kit; 1 qualified helmsman; 1 radio/communications operative; Every member of the crew holds a current Basic Life Support Certificate. Every member of the crew wears a wetsuit as maximum flexibility is required.

Carried on board each boat are the following 2 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus; 1 stabilisation frame in the event of a race boat being upside down; 1 Lift bag to prevent a race boat sinking in the event of extensive damage; 1 fire extinguisher; 1 spine board and stabilisation blocks; 1 oxygen set; 1 radio for communications with the shore based medical team and officials; 1 comprehensive medical kit that contains specialist resuscitation and trauma equipment, details below:

To control catastrophic haemorrhage - CAT tourniquet - ‘Quick Clot’ ACS sponge - 6” Haemorrhage control bandage

To control airway with c-spine control - Suction – hand held with spare spout - Nasopharyngeal airways - size 24 (child) & 28 (adult) -Gels size 4 adult (50-90Kg) size 3 (30-60Kg) - gel sachet on each

To control breathing - Non-rebreather oxygen mask x2 - Ambu-bag, connector & Facemask

To control circulation - Cannula x2, tape, IV giving set, IV fluids – Saline 1000, Gelofusin 500 - Protection and General Kit: gloves, field dressing packs x2, tuff-scissors, stethoscope, saline eyewash, foil blanket, triangular bandage, safety pins, light bandages x2

At each event the team brings A training rig to train and test drivers in escaping from an upturned cockpit. An air compressor to fill diving air cylinders and drivers’ emergency air cylinders carried on the race boats. Generators to provide power A Global Positioning System to ensure the course is laid correctly and to specification.

An overview of F1 Powerboat

WHAT IS FORMULA 1 RACING?

Formula 1 Powerboat racing is the most spectacular watersport in the world. It has been described as driving the F1 race car at full speed over a ploughed field. Formula 1 Powerboats accelerate faster than even the most state-of-the-art F1 cars; they are capable of going from standstill to 160 kilometres per hour in only 4 seconds.

Impressive as this is by itself, they compete at these speeds without the use of brakes or gears. It is competitive, fascinating, challenging, daring, risky and entertaining. Formula 1 Powerboat racing is the ultimate extreme sport.

DEFYING THE LAWS OF GRAVITY

Formula 1 Powerboat racing has to be seen to believe. Spectators who are new to this most spectacular watersport are invariably left spellbound when they witness these lightweight catamarans defying the laws of gravity and virtually lifted in the air during high-speed manoeuvre with only a portion of the boat in contact with the water.

It is amazing that these boats can manage to maintain their balance in more than 225kph, taking hairpin turns at 150 kph without brakes and shifting gears, what's more with limited visibility, One tiny error of judgement would spell high-speed disaster.

Driving a powerboat is like piloting a fighter jet. F1 pilots need to have that split-second decision making capability and nerves of steel because once strapped into his fully enclosed safety capsule, he has only his skills, courage and a certain amount of luck to achieve success on the race circuit.

The rivalry between powerboat pilots often thrill the crowds with near-collision overtaking and daring acts as they blazed their boats across the water in high-octane velocity, considerable dexterity and finely tuned driving skills.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Inaugurated in 1981, this international competition is similar to F1 for cars and similar rules apply. Across the world, teams of different nationalities compete in the Grand Prix, which is regulated by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACES

Races are organised at selected locations around the world based on the water conditions, infrastructures, public access, local hotels amenities and telecommunication facilities. Starting 2009 season, during each F1 World Championship venue there are two Grand Prix races – one race on each day of the venue. Each race lasts for 30 minutes of racing time + 2 laps with up to 24 boats hurtle around the race circuit at thundering speed of 225kph (130mph). All races are broadcast worldwide on TV, on local channels and international networks.

THE CIRCUITS

Every race circuit is different in size, but are generally about 2000 meters in distance. Each circuit has at least one long straightaway and several tight turns, mostly left with one or two right turns. The turns produce a G-force of up to 4.5 on the driver, which means his weight is multiplied 4.5 times as he makes a tight U-turn at over 100 mph (F1 car drivers endure only 2.5).

WATER CONDITIONS

Water conditions play a major part in the outcome of each Grand Prix. With water current and wind conditions varying on every lap and spray being continually showered over the tiny console screen, pilots are quite often driving 'blind' at full speed, mere inches away from their rivals. In the event of a 'barrel-roll' (capsize), a mandatory air bag installed above the pilot's head will inflate upon contact with water. This enables the cockpit to remain above water until rescue arrives. All pilots have a self-contained air supply fitted inside the capsule as an added safety features.

EVENT STARTING POSITIONS

Pole position and starting line-ups are determined by a qualifying session preceding each Grand Prix race. State-of-the-art timing equipment records the performances of each boat to decide the final classification and starting positions.

Each team consists of a manager, one or two pilots, mechanics, radio coordinator, technical coordinator and equipped with infrastructure such as trailer workshop and welcome marquee. They should have one or two catamarans fitted with 2.5 litre engine and compete between 8 to 10 Grand Prix events that make up a full season.

Imagine this: up to 24 lightweight, 16-foot carbon fiber catamaran hurtle around a racing circuit at speeds topping 225kph (130mph); all boats are powered by highly tuned V6 outboard engines, each pumping out 425 horsepower at 10,000 rpm; they boast an awesome power to weight ratio, weighing in at around 500 kilos with a 425hp fully-tuned engine strapped on the transom; they have no brakes or gearboxes. Yes, These are F1 Powerboats.

THE CHAMPIONS

In the last four years there have been four different drivers who have become World Champion. The latest is the American Jay Price who drives for the Qatar Team.

There are a number of new pilots who are making the race more competitive than ever. At each event, about twenty to twenty four pilots represent at least 12 nations, not to mention the countless sponsors, managers, radiomen and women, team members, safety crews and boats, medical staff, doctors, and spectators. The atmosphere is buoyant as tension mounts amongst the competitors, all of whom have worked so hard to be worthy of competing in the F1 Powerboat World Championships.

Nominees Profile

• APBA Offshore Championship
• Asia Powerboat Championship
• Australian Offshore
• Bermuda Offshore
• British Offshore Racing
• P1 Offshore
• P1 Superstock
• P1 Superstock US
• Race World Offshore
• Raid Pavia Venezia
• Super Boat International
• UIM Awards Giving Gala
• UIM Class 1
• UIM Marathon
• UIM Pleasure Navigation
• UIM V2 World Powerboat Championship
• UIM XCAT Racing
• UK ThunderCat Racing

• Australian V8 Superboat Championships
• Circuit Powerboat Association
• E1 World Electric Powerboat Series
• F1 Powerboat Championship Series.
• Powerboat GP
• UAE F4 Championship
• UIM OSY400 European Championship
• UIM World Circuit Endurance
• Unlimited Hydroplane Racing
• F1H2O Nations Cup

• P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship
• UAE Aquabike Championship
• UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship

Powerboat Racing World

Frode Sundsdal

What is prw.

It’s a powerboat racing website that has covered circuit racing, offshore racing and PWC since 2016. Maintained by The Race Factory based in Norway who have specialists in event planning and promotion, social media, graphic design, and photography. We are currently working on our vision and believe that we can and will make a different in powerboating. We will dedicate our time to produce accurate factual stories and to promote the sport to a wider global audience.

In the 1980’s South African F1 powerboat racing was all the rage and took an even bigger jump in popularity when Peter Lindenberg was leading the UIM F1 World Championships in 1989, winning the British Powerboat Grand Prix along the way. Unfortunately, he was banned from two races for being a South African in what was still the apartheid era, so he finished the season in second place. When not racing overseas though he would dominate the local scene taking the National title on fifteen occasions.

During the 1990’s the country boasted the biggest domestic class of F1 boats in the world. Drivers including Guido Cappellini , Fabrizio Bocca , Pelle Brolin, Thomas Ericsson, and Carlos Maidana were invited to compete with local teams at International Grand Prix held in Durban, the Vaal River about 60km south of Johannesburg, and at Sun City.

Alas, following Lindenberg’s retirement from Formula One racing eighteen months after he was involved in a near fatal racing accident in Saldanha Bay in September 2002 which left him in a coma for a week, the sport slipped into obscurity and remained a shadow of its former self in the years that followed.

Equipment gathered dust and the sport nationally saw little to no action for fifteen years. Then in 2020 a couple of racers got together to gauge interest and discuss the potential for restarting a local series.

With old hands onboard and new blood coming through the ranks, there is now genuine excitement once again as the sport is thrust back into the spotlight.

Events have now been scheduled at national level in every major province with the F1 main attraction being supported by junior races, where youngsters looking one day to make the jump to the F1 class will compete.

Now, a demonstration event with five boats in action will take place on Saturday, 12 February at the Theewater Sports Club , located just outside Villiersdorp, one of the most popular water sports venues east of Cape Town.

Team Dixon Batteries, who previously had won three F1 championships, will be fielding two boats for Ronan Dixon and Keagan Frankiewics, while other entrants include Bruce Repsold, Nico Wessels, Michael Wessels and Team RDS driven by Laszlo Berko.

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Indonesia Sukses Gelar F1 Powerboat 2024 di Danau Toba

Raimondo, Direktur F1H2O Racing, kagum atas kesuksesan F1 Powerboat di Danau Toba.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Kompetisi F1 Powerboat digelar di Danau Toba, Sumatera Utara pada 2-3 Maret 2024. Pada ajang ini pembalap Sharjah Team, Rusty Wyatt keluar sebagai yang tercepat dan menjuarai F1 Powerboat 2024. Selain kompetisi Powerboat, diselenggarakan juga ajang olahraga air aqua bike yang juga diselenggarakan bersamaan.

Raimondo, Direktur F1H2O Racing, kagum atas kesuksesan event F1 Powerboat di Danau Toba, 2-3 Maret 2024. Raimondo merasa bangga atas hasil yang telah dicapai.

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"Ini luar biasa, kita telah memberikan pertunjukan yang sangat baik. Saya sangat bangga dengan hasil yang telah diperoleh," ujar Raimondo, dalam keterangan persnya, Ahad (3/3/2024).

Raimondo juga menyampaikan terima kasihnya kepada para pihak atas penyelenggaraan event yang luar biasa ini. Kesempatan untuk menggelar event di Toba membuat Raimondo merasa sangat bangga. Baginya, penyelenggaraan event di Toba merupakan salah satu pengalaman terbaik yang pernah dia alami.

Raimondo dan timnya berharap event di Toba ini tidak hanya menjadi sukses untuk saat ini. Juga menjadi tonggak penting dalam memajukan industri balap Powerboat di Indonesia dan membawa nama Indonesia ke panggung dunia.

Selama dua hari kompetisi berlangsung, pantia menggandeng Le Minerale, sebagai partner air mineral yang menemani para riders, tamu undangan hingga seluruh pengunjung. Kerja sama ini merupakan bukti nyata Le Minerale yang secara konsisten mendukung dunia olahraga.

Yuna Eka Kristina, Head of Public Relations and Digital Le Minerale mengatakan, kerja sama ini menjadi kebangaan serta bukti nyata akan kualitas yang terkandung dalam Le Minerale. Ajang F1 Powerboat 2024 adalah kali kedua Le Minerale menjadi air mineral pilihan. "Dengan kandungan mineral esensial pada Le Minerale, Le Minerale membantu memenuhi kebutuhan mineral dan cairan semua yang terlibat," katanya.

Dia menjelaskan, nenjaga tubuh tetap tercukupi kebutuhan mineralnya saat berolahraga adalah hal yang sangat penting. Pasalnya, asupan mineral memiliki pengaruh yang besar terhadap performa, keamanan, dan kenyamanan saat berolahraga.

Saat berolahraga, mineral tubuh Anda akan hilang melalui keringat. Apabila tidak diimbangi dengan asupan air mineral dengan kualitas mineral yang baik, maka dapat mengalami kekurangan mineral dan tubuh menjadi lebih bugar. Sebaliknya, tubuh yang terpenuhi mineralnya dengan baik, sebelum, saat, dan setelah berolahraga akan mendukung kondisi fisik.

Sebab, lanjutnya, dengan terpenuhinya kebutuhan mineral, kinerja berbagai sistem di dalam tubuh, seperti pengaturan suhu tubuh, sirkulasi darah, kerja otot, serta mood akan lebih baik. "Le Minerale kualitas tinggi standar internasional dengan kandungan mineral esensial yang baik untuk mendukung kebugaran dan menjaga performa pembalap sehingga mereka bisa tampil maksimal saat berkompetisi," kata dia.

Di edisi spesial F1 Powerboat ke-300 kali tidak sekadar ajang balapan yang penuh tantangan dan memacu adrenalin saja. Untuk hiburan, nantinya ajang perlombaan perahu super cepat ini akan turut menampilkan band-band Indonesia ternama.

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FORMULA 1 POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER FOR RED RIVER RUMBLE F1 POWERBOAT SHOWDOWN

Shreveport-Bossier, LA – The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission is thrilled to announce the return of Formula 1 Powerboat Racing to Shreveport-Bossier with the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown, scheduled to take place from May 24 – 26, 2024, over Memorial Day weekend. This event will feature approximately 50 high-speed powerboats along the Red River.

“On behalf of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship, we are very excited to bring Formula 1 powerboat racing back to Shreveport-Bossier for the first time since 2018,” says Tim Seebold, Managing Director of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship. “Shreveport holds a special place in my heart as it was the site of my last National Championship before retiring from driving.”

The Formula 1 Powerboat Championship is an 8-race series contested across North America. US Powerboat racing has a 120-year heritage that began with the formation of the American Powerboat Association. For the last six decades, F1 powerboats have been recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular racing vehicles. This Powerboat event provides a prime opportunity for Shreveport-Bossier to highlight its expertise in hosting water-based sporting events, drawing more visitors to our vibrant city.

“We are looking forward to bringing Powerboats back to the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier in 2024-2026,” says Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. “We are excited to host this event in conjunction with Mudbug Madness and showcase the world class Formula 1 drivers! Thank you to the Red River Waterway Commission and Margaritaville Resort Casino that have already come on as sponsors for the event.”

The Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown will happen the same weekend as Mudbug Madness 2024 in Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. This F1 Powerboat event will present viewers with heart pounding, up close and personal, racing action in downtown Shreveport, and will enhance the Mudbug Madness experience for festival goers. General admission viewing is also free to the public and there will also be a VIP area at the Shreveport Aquarium and tickets will go on sale at a later date.

“On behalf of the Mudbug Madness Festival, we are excited that Formula 1 Powerboat Racing will be taking place the same weekend as our festival on the Shreveport Riverfront,’ says Terri Matthews, Event Coordinator for Mudbug Madness. “Our mission is to support and promote projects and events to enhance downtown and the synergy this will bring will do just that.”

The competition begins with 20 boat fields lined up awaiting the start. At the drop of the flag, the drivers ignite their engines and accelerate towards the first turn. This spectator-friendly event provides non-stop racing action due to the tight courses which are made up of right and left-hand turns. No two laps are the same due to the changing wind and water conditions, making the F1 boat one of the most challenging racing machines to conquer.

“The Commission is excited to announce its participation in the F1 Powerboat Championship Series in 2024! Our primary objective is to promote the economic and recreational development of the Waterway,” says Dustin Hayes, Marketing Director for the Red River Waterway Commission. “Events like this, held in conjunction with Mudbug Madness, help raise awareness and showcase the recreational opportunities available along the Waterway. We highly value our ongoing partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and eagerly anticipate future collaborations as we serve the people of Caddo-Bossier and the surrounding areas encompassing the Red River Waterway District.”

In addition to the riveting races, the event will feature a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with an open pit area that allows fans to meet the drivers and get a close look at the machines they drive. This opportunity to connect with the sport and its athletes adds an extra layer of excitement for attendees of all ages.

“We’re excited to be the exclusive casino sponsor for the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown in 2024,” says Dan Ihm, General Manager and Senior Vice President for Margaritaville Bossier City. “This sponsorship reflects our commitment to boosting community engagement and economic growth, while bringing the pulse-pounding excitement of high-speed boat racing to Shreveport-Bossier. Get ready for a weekend of Margaritaville-style thrills!”

The Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown promises to be an exhilarating blend of high-speed competition and family-friendly entertainment. Boating enthusiasts and community members are invited to join for a memorable weekend of powerboat racing along the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier.

For more information on sporting events in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveportbossiersports.com . For information on things to do and see in Shreveport-Bossier, including area hotel and restaurant listings, visit www.visitshreveportbossier.org and www.sbfunguide.com , or call (800) 551-8682 . Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission is proud to be sponsored by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers as the official chicken meal provider. More details on Raising Canes Chicken Fingers and the group ordering services can be found here:

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