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99 Fountain win Italian Evolution Enduro thriller
10.05.2008 |
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| 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. |
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| 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 Shepperd 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, Shepperd 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 Shepperd and Wilson had only had a few hours running, it was a spectacular display. |
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| Reigning Powerboat P1 Evolution class champions James Shepperd and Craig Wilson have said that their win in the #99 Fountain Worldwide boat in today’s Italian Grand Prix of the Sea Endurance race was probably one of the hardest of their career. “I’ve never had to work so hard in my life,” said pilot Shepperd after emerging from his Ilmor-powered Fountain boat. “My hands hurt. Everything hurts. We didn’t have much setup time, but there was some superb stalking by Craig that allowed us to get ahead in the closing stages of the race. That was tough, but a great start to the year.” Throttleman Wilson was equally exhausted after the race. “We got left behind a bit at the start, so we struggled early on in everyone else’s wake,” he said. “We’ll keep working on the boat tonight, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.” |
| 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. Although Jory and #77 Lucas Oil throttleman Nigel Hook were pipped at the post by the reigning champion #99 Fountain Worldwide pairing of James Shepperd and Craig Wilson and had to accept second place, it was an exceptional debut for the new pairing. “I couldn’t believe it,” a delighted Jory admitted after the race. “To be out in front for the first race was absolutely amazing. The Fountain team did an exceptional job and drove really well. We tried to hold them off, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I’d like to do better tomorrow, but – for today – I’m just happy to keep smiling.” |
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