Little stamps his mark on V24 Europeans

Pete Little and navigator Gavin Brown made their presence felt in the V24 Offshore Powerboat European Championship in Arendal, Norway on Sunday (18 July) taking the chequered flag in superb style having led from the first lap. Problems with safety boats had led to a decision being taken by the organisers to cancel the 'round the island' race and replace it with a 'circuit' race close to the shore and the enthusiastic spectators.

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More images from this event can be found here

Racing in the stunning fjiord, just outside Arendal, nine V24s thundered down the start straight to thrill the crowds still making the effort to watch the race despite on and off rain all morning. Racing neck and neck to the first mark, Little and Brown led the way in V69 sponsored by Brita Water, closely followed by Tom Powell and Danielle Strawford (V7 Playfair Offshore) and Ricky Hill and Alan Layton (V9 Colourpro/Colourmet). With just two tight turns on the course and very flat water the race was all about top speed and turning ability. Little underlined his position as one of the sports top drivers, retaining a consistent lap time throughout the 13 lap race and maintaining his strong lead.

Powell (V7) and Hill (V9) battled for second place with Mark and Odette Priestley (V16), who had won the invitation race staged on the Friday evening. The Priestleys just did not have the speed to stay in contention and succumbed to the pressure mid race falling back to 4th position.

Behind them, Mark Pascoe and Peter Phillipson (V11 Sportrib.com) remained in 5th place all the way, unable to gain the extra seconds needed to catch the Priestleys. The Jaguar Racing team of Ted Mannerfelt and Richard Agnew (V8) were out for the first time together this season and enjoyed a superb dogfight with Martyn Weeks and Jason Nichols (V1 Lamco design). Both teams finished disappointed with their positions but they certainly provided plenty of action packed moments for the watching spectators.

The final two laps of the race gave spectators a real glimpse of close V24 racing at it's best with Powell (V7) and Hill (V9) fighting tooth and nail for second position. Hill managed to get the better line on the final turn and they blasted down the finishing straight to cross the line just 0.7sec apart in front of a very excited commentator!

Charles Gardiner and navigator James Sydenham (V24 Doritos Extreme) just could not find the power to make their way up the field and despite managing to pass Glen Mir and Mifi Mifsud (V4 Spirit of Gibraltar), could do no better than remain in 8th position. Spirit of Gibraltar had a difficult race, struggling with a relay on the trim tabs, and finally retired on the seventh lap.

'We had a really disappointing race from a personal point of view,' commented Gardiner, promoter of the V24 series. 'However, despite some logistical problems at the start of the event, the final race has been a huge success for the V24 series. Arendal is a great location and our teams put on a great show for the spectators.'

'This first 'outing' overseas for the V24 teams proved a great success, if not without it's hiccups. It has given us the chance to demonstrate the V24s in true racing style and we have come away with more opportunities for next season which is great news for the series.'

The final European Championship race will be held in Oregrund, Sweden on 13-15 August. Meanwhile the V24s make their way to Largs in Scotland for the RYA National Championship (round 4) and V24 Championships (round 2) to be held on 24/25 July.

Race results:

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