Rynfield Dam will host the last race of the Formula One Powerboat South African Grand Prix on April 23.
Competitors will compete in the juniors, F30, GT15, RubberDucks and F1 classes and 10 boats will compete.
The event will begin with a drivers’ briefing session for all classes at 07:00, with the action starting with the F1 class practice session at 08:00. Qualifying sessions and heats one to three will follow the practice sessions, with the event concluding at 17:00 with a prize-giving ceremony.
The sport is back on the local scene after 15 years following the retirement of poster boy and local attraction Peter Lindenberg in 2004.
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It gained massive popularity and enjoyed a successful run in the 1990s, attracting big sponsorship and international competitors.
But following Lindenberg’s retirement, interest in the sport faded because of politics. Sponsorship dried up and the sport slipped into obscurity and remained in the shadows for many years.
In 2020, Laszlo Berko and a few interested pilots got together and devised plans to revive the sport. Following their successful engagements, F1 Powerboat South African Racing was revived and the first event was held last year.
“We had seven boats competing last year and even though it was held amid the Covid-19 restrictions, there was genuine excitement and the event was successful.
“This year, we have 10 boats in competition. It’s going to be exciting, as there will be a dedicated spectator area and food stalls. It’s going to be an interesting event. Entrance for adults is R25 and free for children,” Berko said.
He added that for the new season, which they hope will begin in September, events will be scheduled in every major province with a development series to uplift communities and give them a taste of what boat racing is.
For more information, call Berko on 083 323 3952 or SA F1 boat racing chairperson Paul Sheppard on 078 161 5004.
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