|
Sports |
![]() |
|
|
|
Price wins Portimao F1 power boat race |
 IN one of the most exciting lap-to-lap duels in the past decade, American Jay Price of the Qatar Team scored a very popular and well- earned first-ever victory in the UIM F1 World Championship for power- boating in front of thousands of race fans on the Arade River at the 10th Annual Grand Prix of Portugal on Sunday.
The forty-nine year old driver, from New Orleans, Louisiana, came on strong, starting fourth off the dock and charging into second place after the first few laps. He chased down pole-sitter, Ahmad Al Hameli, of the Abu Dhabi team, as the young driver held the point for three quarters of the 55 lap event until Price worked his way past at the chicane and went on to cruise to a 16-second win.
“I knew from this morning that my set-up was going to work in these calmer conditions and it was just a matter of time until I pressured Ahmad, finally getting around him and, from there, it was just keeping the boat on the right line to the finish,” stated Jay. “Now we know we have a winning package and I will work harder to keep the championship lead with this great Qatar group around me.
This event sure beats fighting off spring storms back home in Louisiana. I can’t wait for the next two rounds in Finland and Russia next month.” For Al Hameli, it was a bitter- sweet day, knowing he was in position to win most of the afternoon only to finish runner-up at the end.
“I was holding my own and Scott (Gillman) was talking to me on the radio as my spotter and it was working quite well in holding off Jay until I felt a vibration and I realized my propeller was missing part of a blade and from that point on I couldn’t hold the pace,” said Ahmad, adding, “I’m happy cause this is by far my best result and I feel good about picking up 15 points and was happy with the boat.”
While the battle at the front was the major story of the day, the Portuguese fans attention was also focused on local driver, Duarte Benavente, who had another fine outing at his home Grand Prix in fourth place in his Interpass- sponsored, Dragon hull. The next race is scheduled for the first weekend of June in Lahti, the fourth Grand Prix of Finland. Jay Price currently leads the championship with 35 points with Jonas Andersson second on 20.
|  Return to Top
Home Page
Send by Email |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
| Birthdays |
| |
Les Chadwick - 65 - British bassist (Gerry and the Pacemakers),
Natalie Appleton - 35 - Canadian singer (All Saints),
Dave Gahan - 46 - British singer (Depeche Mode), |
|
| |
more... |
|
 |
|
