The Formula 1 Offshore RIB racing team, Outboard Services.co.uk have won the BIBOA (British Inflatable Boat Owners Association) RIB World Cup 2007, in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Former BIBOA RIB World Cup winner in 2005, the Outboard Services.co.uk team won both the BIBOA National Championships and the BIBOA World Cup in 2007.
The Outboard Services.co.uk team consists of driver Richard Strawford and navigator Bruce Grant. Their RIB is powered by the Evinrude 200 H.O. E-TEC outboard engine. The Evinrude E-TEC is ideally suited for this type of competition thanks to the low weight design of the engine coupled with its torque, enabling racers to get onto the plane quickly.
Richard Strawford and navigator Bruce Grant
“All year we have had the smallest engine (if you can call an Evinrude E-TEC 200. H.O. small!) of any of the fleets racing. We have raced against the larger engines with no problems and our engine has performed all season better than we could have hoped for, given the rough seas we have battled through,” says Richard Strawford.
“On behalf of my navigator, Bruce Grant and myself I would like to give a big vote of thanks to our sponsors – Outboard Services & Marine, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, for all their help and encouragement this season,” adds Richard.
Outboard services.co.uk is sponsored by Evinrude E-TEC dealer, Outboard Services & Marine Ltd, based in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. The company is headed by former national and world champion powerboat racer, Steve Kent. Steve comments,
“What an achievement! To win both the National and World titles is absolutely superb and just goes to show the attention to detail and dedication of all the team has really paid off – well done!”
