Tomorrow sees
the second MPA
Powerboat Grand
Prix. Since the
MPA’s first
grand prix in
March there has
been an enormous
amount of
interest
resulting in
entries
increasing from
10-25 teams
which has
resulted in the
introduction of
two new classes.
The classes that
are racing are
as follows:
Class 5 up to
115hp
Class 4 up to
200hp
Class 3 up to
250hp
Class 2 up to
27ft + 600hp
Class 1 up to
38ft + unlimited
hp
All racers have
completed and
are now holders
of RYA Powerboat
Racing Licences
and have RYA
racing
insurance. All
new drivers have
had to complete
an RYA Powerboat
Racing Course
and pass a
subsequent test.
The MPA and RYA
are delighted
that all
drivers, so far,
have passed the
test first time
as safety is of
paramount
importance.
John Puddifoot,
Head of RYA
Powerboat Racing
and a UIM Racing
Commissioner
says “The RYA
are delighted to
be involved and
assisting the
MPA in their
first year of
running a
National series.
The standard of
driving and
enthusiasm is
very encouraging
for the future
of powerboat
racing in
Europe. The RYA
will continue to
send four
officials to
every race this
year to complete
the training of
Maltese
officials
enabling them to
run the 2009
series on their
own.”
This weekend’s
Grand Prix has
been made
possible by the
financial
support of all
MPA members and
various Bugibba
seafront
businesses. The
event would also
not be possible
without the kind
help offered by
the 12 marshal
and safety boats
who have offered
their time
voluntarily to
ensure the
safety of the
event, there are
many other
volunteers that
make the event
possible, the
MPA has thanked
these
individuals
which, however,
are too numerous
to name.
The MPA has also
announced that
the June and
September Grand
Prix are to be
supported and
sponsored by
Travelex
Financial
Services Ltd,
these two races
will be known as
the MPA Travelex
Grand Prix.
All races will
be held in St
Paul’s Bay, the
MPA would like
to remind all
mariners to
respect the MMA
notice to
mariners and the
St Paul’s Bay
Council Event
Permit.
