New look AquaX UK comes to Cowes in 2012

P1 AquaX UK is set to go from strength to strength in 2012 thanks to progressive category changes, the introduction of modified skis and a major overhaul of the calendar.

This season AquaX UK will be contested by riders in three new classes whilst Promoter Powerboat P1 has added an all-new AquaX UK Cup in response to massive interest from potential new riders. All five races are being staged alongside the P1 SuperStock national powerboat championship in a combined event under the title ‘Grand Prix of the Sea’.

“We have had an incredible response to our first season of racing and lots of potential new riders have contacted me to say they’ll be racing in AquaX this season”, commented AquaX Championship Manager Lisa Barsby. “We have had very positive feedback from the riders and now have a clear strategy to broaden the series’ appeal.”

The change in format is designed to make AquaX even more accessible so the Amateur and Elite categories are gone opening the new classes to more riders. Technically skis remain strictly stock except for handling modifications and like for like (no performance gain) replacement parts.

Newcomers will still qualify for the reduced rate RYA Race licence fee and stand a chance of collecting the Rookie of the Year Award at the end of the season. The age limit in the 200 class will be lowered to 16 years at the time of competition, whilst in all other classes will remain at 17 years at the time of competition.

The 2012 AquaX Championship Classes are as follows:
AquaX 200 - modified 2-stroke and stock naturally aspirated 4-stroke 160bhp and below
AquaX 250 - stock 4-stroke including turbo/supercharged 250bhp and below
AquaX 300 - stock 4-stroke including turbo/supercharged 300bhp and below

Championship points will not be awarded in the AquaX Cup as its purpose is to spice up competition for the overall winner on the day. The AquaX Cup is open to all, including those with modified craft falling outside the new class structure, but who want to experience the thrill of racing in AquaX.

“AquaX Cup opens up the racing and makes it more competitive for all the riders as it brings more potential skis into the ring. Although there are no points, the AquaX Cup riders can fight for overall victory and if they win the race can claim the top step of the podium and the weekend’s glory”, added Barsby.

New venues Eastbourne and Hull join favourites from last season Plymouth, Cowes and Liverpool. “We have a new-look calendar with two new venues and much easier access for the racers”, Barsby said. “I am really looking forward to July when we will team up with the Eastbourne Extreme Festival giving us the opportunity to launch skis from the beach and create a really colourful and exciting atmosphere. Hull is another new venue with a great marina location in walking distance from Hull’s city centre. The high banks of the river Humber will provide excellent views of the race course, allowing the spectators to get close to the action. 

P1 ‘Grand Prix of the Sea’ events 2012:
Saturday/Sunday 19th and 20th May – Plymouth
Saturday/Sunday 16th and 17th June – Hull
Saturday/Sunday 14th and 15th July – Eastbourne
Saturday/Sunday 25th and 26th  August – Cowes           
Saturday/Sunday 15th and 16th Sept – Liverpool *
*subject to change

The 2012 P1 AquaX UK Series is being launched on Thursday, 12th January at the Autosport International Show for the second year running. Both P1 AquaX and Superstock UK will be exhibiting on Stand 6245 throughout the show until 6pm on Sunday, 15th January.