A fleet of 20 powerboats will converge on Douglas Bay this weekend (19th - 20th September) for the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Grand Prix.
The world's largest two-class offshore powerboat series made such an impact upon its Island debut in 2005 that the Department of Tourism and Leisure has welcomed the competitors annually since then.
Representing the Island as always will be Stephen and Michael Baggs, who are competing in the 225hp Vortigern boat.
Currently sitting sixth in the Championship, the team is now just looking forward to having some fun in home waters as Douglas Bay is always a favourite during the season for them.
“We are looking forward to racing at our home venue and hoping for some calm weather so that the spectators and competitors can enjoy the racing,” said Stephen Baggs.
Martyn Quayle, MHK Minister for Tourism and Leisure, commented, “I am thrilled that the Honda powerboats are returning to the Motorsport Capital of the World and it is most pleasing that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, along with the Department of Tourism and Leisure, is supporting this great event as a major sponsor.
"The event will undoubtedly provide a great spectacle for our visitors and local residents and I am sure it will be a big success.”
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said, “The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has had a long association with motorsport events on the Island through its involvement with motorcycle racing and car rallying.
"We are pleased once again to be sponsoring the Isle of Man round of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat series as it reaches its finale in Manx waters.”
The Honda Formula 4-Stroke fleet will be travelling from Heysham to Douglas next week in time for the start of the Grand Prix weekend on Friday 18th September when all crew will be required to attend a drivers' briefing at the Manx Museum.
The museum opened a new temporary exhibition this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of Honda’s arrival at the TT in 1959 and the arrival of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke race series is said to be the celebration of Honda on water at this huge finale of the 2009
Grand Prix Championship.
Pictured: Team Vortigern on the water.
