#99 Fountain win Italian Evolution Enduro thriller

Saturday 10 May 2008

The #99 Fountain team celebrate their victory in the Italian Endurance race

It was a case of survival of the fittest in the first Evolution class race of the 2008 Powerboat P1 season, and the story of a likely – yet also unlikely – victor as we had an incident-packed finale to the first day of the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea weekend.

The reigning champion #99 Fountain Worldwide crew of pilot James Sheppard and throttleman Craig Wilson shrugged off their late arrival in San Benedetto del Tronto and powered through their rivals’ misfortune to start their title defence in winning style. But it certainly wasn’t easy as they admitted after the race.

The #77 Lucas Oil crew of pilot Shelley Jory and throttleman and team owner Nigel Hook took the early lead, first from the #60 GFN Gibellato Metamarine Corse entry, then – on lap two – the #10 Fantastic 1 boat of Cigarette Racing Team Europe, but then slipped into second behind the #10 Fantastic 1 boat on lap three.

Powerboat P1 newcomer Jory suffered a frightening moment a few moments later as the #10 Fantastic 1 boat slowed suddenly in her path with serious propeller problems. Some quick thinking and great driving meant a serious accident was narrowly avoided. There was more drama further back in the field as first the #60 GFN Gibellato boat was forced out in a cloud of black smoke with a major engine problem, then the #88 Kiton Outerlimits spun out in spectacular style with steering failure.

“I think the steering was broken after about three laps,” said team owner and throttleman Giancarlo Cangiano. “We lost pressure and eventually spun out. I wanted to finish the race, which is why we spun a second time. But we live to fight another day.”

All these incidents had allowed the #99 Fountain Worldwide pairing of Sheppard and Wilson to move into second place, but they certainly weren’t content to accept the position and rapidly closed the gap to the #77 Lucas Oil crew. On the penultimate lap, after some incredibly close duelling, Sheppard and Wilson moved ahead, and – ultimately – stayed there to the chequered flag.

Considering that the #99 Fountain Worldwide boat had only arrived in San Benedetto a few hours earlier after trans-Atlantic transport delays, and that Sheppard and Wilson had only had a few hours running, it was a spectacular display. Equally big kudos to Jory and Hook, though, with the pair working together for the first time, and Jory having her first race in the Evolution class.

So, some great stories, some thrilling incidents and a fantastic Evolution race. What a start to the year…!