WILBY HOPING FOR A ROUGH RIDE

Rough Cut Racing has an “outstanding chance” of claiming overall third position in the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship in Lymington this weekend.

Since Evans Heritage Developments have pulled out of the race on Saturday, Ian Brusby and Andy Wilby’s claims on the bronze medal have been strengthened with the duo now in pole position to finish their first season of powerboat racing together amongst the prizes.

“It’s been a good year for the team and we are very proud of our hard work,” said Wilby. “We’re a new team racing against experienced campaigners, so to come out and win a Grand Prix of the Sea in our maiden season and to be in third position in the championship, is a great credit to the team’s outstanding efforts."

Wilby has enjoyed his racing return to UK waters after becoming a familiar face on Powerboat P1’s international circuit in recent years. He said: “It’s gone very well and has been a great opportunity to help Ian and join an exciting new championship.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s action, Wilby says the boat is running well and he is confident that the team can capitalise on the choppy conditions expected for Saturday’s racing.

“The Cougar Marine boat and Mercury engine has been a good package this year. It’s brought more speed and stability to the boat. There has been a lot of good, close racing, and the only thing that separates the fleet is the amount of time each team has spent out on the water.

“Rupert has had a distinct advantage over everyone else considering he has worked with the package the longest, but everyone is catching up now, so if it’s slightly rough in Lymington, then I think that we are very capable of being in with a shout.”