Offshore racing driver goes in at the deep end on River Mersey

Sep 19 2007 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

THE River Mersey will play host to the fast and the furious later this month as Liverpool welcomes the world’s largest offshore powerboat championship.

Among the 40-strong fleet taking part in the final two rounds of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series is a Liverpool team nearing the end of its first season at a respectable fifth place.

One of the team’s drivers for the Saturday event, in which boats will reach speeds of over 70mph, is Martin Campbell, who got behind the wheel of a powerboat for the first time last week.

Mr Campbell, 28, from Wirral, says he has always been a fan of powerboats. He went to a race as a spectator a few weeks ago, decided to take the plunge, and bought a stake in Team Williams.

“I have been thrown in at the deep end and I am petrified,” said Mr Campbell, who runs a skip company in Wirral.

“I want to do well, but I will be happy if I complete the race in one piece.”

Mr Campbell will be competing in the 150hp category, while his team-mate, Scott Williams, of Oxton, Wirral, will be driving Team Williams’ 225hp boat.

Mr Williams, a surveyor for Wirral Roofcare, has been powerboat racing since he was 12. After taking a break from the sport for some years, he joined the Honda series at the start of the season.

He is hoping Team Williams’ relative success in its first year will attract sponsorship for next year to help with running costs.

He said: “It’s not a cheap hobby but it’s worth it because the adrenaline rush is amazing. The boats get so close to each other, you could reach out and touch the other drivers. It’s hard work but the thrill is something else.

“I can’t wait to compete in my home city. It would be great if one of the teams got a podium position. I am hoping the conditions will be really choppy.”

Local knowledge will be an advantage in the race, which is the only city centre venue on the calendar, and is expected to be the series’ closest of the season.

The course, which can be seen from the Albert Dock, will be a combination of fast straights and tight corners. It’s the second year running the Mersey has staged a Honda powerboat race.

Martin Sanders, general manager of Honda UK Power Equipment, said: “We’ve had a phenomenal action-packed race season so far.

“Liverpool is the perfect place to host the finale, and what a finale it promises to be.”

The Albert Dock will also host the Honda RYA Youth RIB Champion of Champions event on Saturday 29 September.

Leader of Liverpool Council Cllr Warren Bradley said: “We look forward to welcoming the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Series back to Liverpool.”

“The historic Mersey waterfront will once again provide a superb backdrop for what promises to be a really great weekend.”

With nearly 40 teams competing, there will be two races on both Saturday September 29 and Sunday September 30. Spectators can watch free from the river bank.

The sea wall provides an excellent vantage point.

The races begin at noon on Saturday 29 September and 12:30pm on Sunday 30 September.

* DON’T miss Jessica’s video report, online at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk