Mercury backs power-to-weight engine stability

Thursday 13 November 2008

Engine manufacturer Mercury is one of the mainstays of Powerboat P1

Mercury Racing president Fred Kiekhaefer has praised Powerboat P1’s continued development of the sport’s power-to-weight regulations, saying it’s a key part of encouraging engine manufacturers to participate in, and continue with the series.

Mercury Racing supplied engines to five Evolution-class and five SuperSport-class teams in 2008, winning the SuperSport-class title with the #44 Conam Yachts Racing Project team.

“We credit Powerboat P1 with bringing stability and enforcing the rules this year, which were greatly improved from 2007,” Kiekhaefer said. “They have made a serious effort to make the power-to-weight ratio work and have made a big effort to bring balance back to the sport. Powerboat P1 has worked hard to clean up the rules and to keep people honest.

“The power-to-weight ratio approach – if properly enforced – works, and it should stay the way that it is, rather than creating a constant development and dollar war. There is no value in designing product to get around the rules.”

Kiekhaefer has also praised the organisation of how Powerboat P1 events are held. “The marketing orientation is important,” he said. “The events are positive. Powerboat P1 is doing right by the host communities, and they recognise the importance of the total package. The events are better than most, and the venues are first class and better than all but one or two of the best, long-established venues in the United States.”