Powerboat P1’s UK racers head to USA for exclusive test drive of new racing powerboat

Two UK Powerboat P1 racers have just returned from a very special trip to Washington, North Carolina, USA, where they were amongst the first in the world to test drive the brand new P1-28SS racing powerboat. John Wilson (SuperStock Champion in 2010) and Robert Booker (SuperStock Rookie of the Year 2010), also had a unique opportunity to witness their own new boats on the production line undergoing the finishing touches before being shipped to the UK in time for the start of this year’s P1 SuperStock race series.

The long-awaited production P1-28SS is a culmination of many months spent perfecting design, performance and quality, and for Wilson and Booker, this was an exclusive and exciting opportunity. More usually found racing in competing boats, Wilson and Booker together took to the same boat to put it through its paces on the famous race track waters of Pamlico River.

The windy, choppy conditions encountered on the day allowed them to truly experience the handling and turning of the boat. Coming ashore, Wilson commented; “The boat handles like an absolute dream and it certainly put a big smile on our faces. It is genuinely a huge leap forward.”

Fellow Brit, seven-time world powerboating champion Neil Holmes, has been heavily involved with the boat’s development programme from the outset, making regular trips from his Southampton base to the USA. He said; “As John and Robert have proved from their test drive, the P1-28SS has been designed and built for use on open water; it is tremendously well engineered. Structurally it is very strong and rough water racing will be a real thrill in this boat. It really is a phenomenal race boat, although its intentional dual purpose as a race and leisure boat makes it easy to underestimate its racing pedigree. However, good racers and co-racers will learn how to gain more out of the boat thanks to the new engine lift, trim and weight distribution set up.”

Now that they have had a taste of what the P1-28SS is capable of, the two British racers are looking forward to the arrival of their new boats in the UK in the near future, so that they can pit their skills against fellow UK racers in the forthcoming P1 SuperStock race series.

Whilst in the US, Wilson and Booker spent some time working with Powerboat P1’s production team to put the finishing touches to their boats. Wilson commented; “The facilities in North Carolina are great. It’s a very impressive production line, and the quality and finish of the new boat is outstanding. I’m 6ft 5in tall, so we spent a lot of time getting my seat right; they raised the frame and adjusted the seat sides to make it more comfortable - it’s perfect.”

The visitors also had the good fortune to meet powerboat racing legend, Reggie Fountain, courtesy of P1 USA’s hospitality. “That was a really special treat,” said Booker. All in all it was a brilliant trip. We are very excited about the boat and can’t wait to get started.”

Both racers plan on making one more visit to P1 USA to take advantage of the incredible facilities before their boats are shipped. Meanwhile, anticipation for the upcoming racing season continues to build on either side of the Atlantic. Both race series are scheduled to start in June, with the UK venues including Jersey, Lymington and Liverpool, and Detroit, Cleveland and Morehead City in the USA.