Date Added: 2007-11-15

ITV4 Fearless the 225 powerboat from the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Race Series celebrates victory with a new speed record of 68.24mph, which was set at the Powerboat Records Week in Lake Coniston. Rupert Pugh (driver) and Sophie Pugh (navigator) established a new national speed record for the F4SA series.

Coniston Powerboat Records Week is the only event in the Powerboat Racing Calendar to bring together all classes of boats. Entry is open to all from tiny hydroplanes, through inshore circuit racers to the largest offshore boats. It is the finale to the racing season. Competitors and officials from all over the country assemble annually for what has been a popular event since it's inception in 1970.
Rupert said, “The record came on day 3 in rain and gusty winds; it was a real challenge to trim the boat to its ultimate performance, and I am delighted to set a new standard for the F4SA series”.

ITV4 Fearless ended the F4SA 2007 series on a high as they ripped up the waves at the Liverpool Dock to finish the championship event in 1st place bringing them 5th in the overall standings. Crowds witnessed the fight between Negotiator and Fearless, both from the Honda 225 class but the result was clear as Rupert and his navigator Danny Whitfield pushed on to claim top honours.

Steve Curtis MBE and Director of the F4SA Race Series is presenting his Powerboat Village at the Earls Court Boat Show in December where the public will be able to see some of the series boats and get a chance to speak to the drivers and navigators about their racing experiences. The growth of the series in size and popularity has been incredible. 2008 will see the F4SA team visiting 5 more locations across UK coastlines as the team throw the 150 and 225 fleet into action for more daredevil racing than you can shake a stick at.

Alongside Steve, Shelley Jory from Team Raymarine takes on the role of Ambassador for the Earls Court Boat Show. Shelley and her navigator Libby Keir ended the 2007 Honda 225 series in third place after a thrilling race in Liverpool at the championship in September. The Raymarine boat will be on display at the Powerboat Village where fans of the series will get a chance to meet the girls and find out more about their plans for the future of Team Raymarine as 2007 saw the popular all-girl team announce their intention to move on from Honda 225 racing. “I’m not revealing which class we’ll be getting into yet,” said Jory “but Team Raymarine will be back, so watch out!”.