Date Added: 2008-02-14

HONDA Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series’ 2007 Rookie of the Year Andy Phipps is determined to take home the title in this season’s 150hp class.

Phipps, pictured, from Swanmore in Southampton, will again race with fellow award-winner Jak Cockman, from Devon, in the Cider Daze boat. The pair last week took part in their first tune-up for the season, which begins in May, in the Brass Monkey Powerboat Race, in Poole, where they finished seventh.

After a fourth place finish in their first season, Phipps has his eyes set firmly on the top prize this time round. “We had quite a few podiums last season and we are going for the big number one this year,” he said. “We were only four points away from third, which was a bit of a downer, but it was a good season.”

Team manager Dave Cockman also shares Phipps’ confidence for the coming season. “The boys are young, keen and fit and they’re going for it,” he said. “They came very close last year, they won Rookies of the Year and I think this year they are going to win the championship.” The first race of the season takes place in Torquay on May 24 and 25 and will be followed by meetings in Plymouth, Lowestoft, Liverpool and the Isle of Man.