Powerboat P1 proves great help to Ilmor

Thursday 02 October 2008

Ilmor and Fountain have become synonymous following their Evolution title success in 2007

Ilmor Marine Engines’ title success in Powerboat P1 over the last two years could be the spearhead of a move into the European offshore consumer engine market, says President Paul Ray. The Ilmor-powered #99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team clinched their second consecutive Evolution class title last weekend.

After the #99 Fountain Worldwide team’s first title in 2007, Ilmor badged its marine engines for the US market with the Powerboat P1 logo, following increased US media interest in the championship and Ilmor’s success. Ilmor is currently understood to be looking at obtaining EU certification for its engine to break into the European market.

“Ilmor is a professional racing company, and we race at the highest levels,” Ray said. “Marine was a new departure for us. We race what we sell, so racing is the way we test our products. We are known in Europe as a motorsport brand, so Powerboat P1 was an ideal, cost-effective way to get brand recognition in Europe for the marine engines.

“The benefit from Powerboat P1 has been absolutely fantastic. The US media covers Powerboat P1 to a greater degree than other series, so the US marketing benefit is unbelievable. In the European market, we haven’t seen growth yet because we don’t have an EU certified engine. Growth in terms of product knowledge, yes. Many are interested, and we’ve done a couple of one-off boats, but we can’t really gear up a sales effort without a certified engine. We are getting enquiries, though.”

To take a look back at the 12 moments that made the 2008 Powerboat P1 season so great, click here.