Race: Space Coast 16 August 2013 - 18 August 2013 - P1 Superstock

Andy Biddle and Tracy Blumenstein’s bid to become P1 SuperStock champions on both sides of the Atlantic this season received a blow yesterday when they were deducted nine championship points for technical infringements in the last round in Pahokee.

Just hours after clinching the UK title in the final round on the south coast of England, the Team Pro Boat pairing returned home to be told by Powerboat P1 officials that their penalty for infringing APBA rules in Round 3 of the USA championship on Lake Okeechobee included disqualification in the final heat. This decision sees Livorsi’s husband and wife team of Craig and Cynthia Belfatto travel to Florida’s Space Coast this weekend as championship leaders by a slender three point margin (see table below). With Morton Water and Pier 57 just a further three points behind in joint third place, the scene is set for fierce competition in this weekend’s four races at Jetty Park.

Championship Manager Azam Rangoonwala said: “The racing in Pahokee was amazingly close and, with just six points separating the top five teams, we can expect the championship battle to become even more intense in the remaining two rounds on the Space Coast and in Marathon. This is testimony to our belief in the excitement that one-design racing generates for racers, spectators and TV viewers alike. Fresh from their success in the UK series, the Team Pro Boat duo will be full of confidence as they aim to regain top spot in their home championship, but my guess is that the title battle will go right down to the wire.”

The packed, two-day race schedule (see below) on the Space Coast will include P1 AquaX racing in partnership with the International Jet Sport Boating Association. P1 USA launched the jet ski series in Daytona Beach in June and more than twenty riders will be competing. “The seas along Florida’s east coast are very unpredictable and the riders will be hoping for better conditions than they had to contend with in the opening event” commented Michelle Petro at Pro Rider Watercraft Magazine. “I will be expecting the highly experienced Eric Lagopoulos to return with a vengeance after enduring a mechanical nightmare in Pahokee, and in the 300 class Kevin Wassum will be determined to hang on to his lead. It’s going to be fast and furious.”

The P1 fleet will arrive at Bluepoints Marina on Friday and the action will begin with SuperStock practice at midday on Saturday.

For the full event timetable: click here

Current Championship Standings: Livorsi 48 pts, Team ProBoat 45 pts, Pier 57 44 pts, Morton Water 44pts, CL.Alpha.com 42pts, AO Coolers 37 pts, P1 Marine Foundation 31pts, BoatWrench 29pts, Space Coast 24pts