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November 23, 2007

Zululand OBSERVER

	Powerboats ready to rev Dave Savides THE excitement of Formula powerboat racing returns to Richards Bay this weekend with a full programme in the Small Craft Harbour off Naval Island. Hosted by the City of uMhlathuze and Remax-Marine, the event is presented by Race Promotions and promises to be a feast of spectator thrills and spills. Transnet National Ports Authority has supplied the venue and the good news is that there is no admission fee. 'Richards Bay is rated by the F1 pilots as a real driver's course, with its unique layout making it both dangerous and exciting, with spectators enjoying close-up views of the action,' said F1 pilot Christo de Jager, who heads the organisation of events nationally. He said successful running of the event could also lead to an international race in the Bay next year. Official F1 practice starts on Saturday morning with the main racing taking place on Sunday. There are plenty of excellent spectator vantage points so bring your braais and enjoy the occasion. Programme • Saturday 24 November 8.30 - 9am: F1 and Junior Pilots briefing 9am - 9.45am: Scrutineering 9.45am - 10.45am: F1 official practice 10.45am - 11.30am: All Junior classes official practice 11.30am - 11.50am: Mercury Development Class Heat 1 (5 laps) 11.50am - 12.20am: Junior Powerboat Classes A and B Heat 1 (8 laps) 12.20am - 12.50pm: F30 Time Trials 12.50pm - 01.10pm: Mercury Development Class Heat 2 (5 laps) 01.10pm - 2pm: F1 official practice 2pm - 2.30pm: F30 Heat 1 (9 laps) 2.30pm - 3.30pm: F1 Powerboats Time Trials • Sunday 25 November 8.30am - 9am: F1 and Junior Pilots briefing 9am - 9.30am: F1 warm-up 9.30am - 9.55am: Junior Powerboat Classes A and B Heat 2 (8 laps) 9.55am - 10.20am: F30 Heat 2 (9 laps) 10.20am - 10.30am: Official Opening 10.30am - 11.20am: F1 Grand Prix Heat 1 (15 laps) 11.20am - 11.40am: Mercury Development Class Heat 3 (5 laps) 11am - 12noon: Skydivers/Air display 12noon - 1pm: Lunch 1pm - 1.pm: F1 Drivers' Parade 1.10pm - 2pm: F1 Grand Prix Heat 2 (15 laps) 2pm - 2.30pm: Junior Powercoat Class A and B Heat 3 (8 laps) 2.20pm - 3pm: F30 Heat 3 (9 laps) 3pm - 3.50pm: F1 Grand Prix Heat 3 (15 laps) 3.50pm - 4pm: Lap of Honour F1 Grand Prix winner 5pm: Prize-giving