JOHN WILSON SETS SIGHTS ON GOLD IN PWLLHELI
P1 SuperStock Championship 150 Class leader John Wilson is confident of securing his third consecutive Grand Prix of the Sea trophy in Pwllheli this weekend.
The Premier Cru pilot is currently sitting at the top of the standings having won five-out-six races so far this season. Speaking at Thursday's media launch for the Pwllheli Grand Prix of the Sea, Wilson was in a positive mood ahead of taking on the Llyn Peninsula's "extremely challenging" racecourse.
"The ever-changing sea conditions in Pwllheli make this one of the most difficult circuits on the calendar," said Wilson. "The profile of the sea bed as well as the different wave patterns approaching either side of the racecourse almost makes it two entirely separate contests, particularly around the chicane."
Premier Cru suffered the first blotch on its previously unblemished card during race three in Galway and after watching the jubilant celebrations from Eclipse pair, Rose Lores and Sara Cureton, following their inaugural P1 SuperStock triumph, Wilson is adamant that the ladies' joy will be short lived.
"Rose and Sara drove their little hearts out and fully deserved their win in Galway but we still took home the trophy. I'm sure it's given the other teams a little bit more belief and I'm sure they'll be gunning for us here in Pwllheli."
The 58-year-old is predicting a series of extremely tight races this weekend with Team Fox duo Martin Colligan and Gideon du Val among those likely to be sniping at Premier Cru's rooster tail.
With the choppy conditions set to offer a stern test of the nerve and skill levels of both driver and navigator, Wilson is relieved to have the expert analysis of co-pilot, Neil Scarborough, to rely on. He said: "100 things can go wrong in such a small period of time when you race powerboats, so a steady hand and a good working relationship with your navigator is paramount.
"Neil is a fantastic communicator and we have an enormous amount of respect for each other. It gives us a strong advantage over our rivals.
"You can set up the powerboat to the best of your knowledge but it is no substitute for the ability to read the water and keeping cool under pressure. It is a fascinating test of coordination."
Eleven SuperStock teams have docked at the fantastic Pwllheli Sailing Club facility. 300 Class pacesetters Heights of Abraham are aiming to continue its imperious form in north Wales with unbeaten pair, Rupert Pugh and Dan Whapples, showing no sign of easing their foot off the throttles.
There is growing belief amongst their foes that the unnerving sea conditions may bring the competition closer together this weekend. Maurice Lacroix and Evans Heritage Developments will both fancy their chances in Pwllheli's taxing conditions whilst Rough Cut Racing also foster strong ambitions of gatecrashing the party.
Disappointingly for local supporters, Andy Musgrave will not be racing in Pwllheli after his Mr. Daydream team was forced out of its home Grand Prix of the Sea. Equally as upsetting is the absence of The Fuel Girls from this weekend's line-up that includes debutants Team Aztec who join after missing the opening rounds in Penzance and Galway.
