Outerlimits takes the podium for Top Speed in Malta
 

OUTERLIMITS TAKES THE PODIUM FOR TOP SPEED IN MALTA

High winds and high seas made the second day of the Powerboat P1 season opener unsafe for racing on the brutal Mediterranean Sea which had wrecked boats and bodies on Saturday. However, race officials created the ideal substitute in the calmer inner harbor of Valetta, the capital city of Malta where the races were staged, and the event proved a perfect showcase for the new Outerlimits SV-40.

A course was set, starting out in the rough water, then charging in to the inner harbor, lined with thousands of fans, and each boat ran two passes from one end of the course to the other in Kilo Run fashion. The speed run provided the elements of racing and close-up viewing which delighted the fans. For racers, it was an opportunity to run their boats wide open and test their equipment. The Outerlimits boat was heralded by the announcers as it ran, after the larger and diesel powered boats of both the SuperSport and Evolution Classes, dazzling the crowd with its sleek looks and visible speed. The Outerlimits boat flew though the channel, taking the first place position in 48.68 seconds. “The Americans proved something today,” said the radio announcer, “They have a very fast boat!”

The speed run provided points compensation for all the participating teams and led to an “explosive” podium awards ceremony, thanks to Jarvis of St. James Champagne, a sponsor to the series. The top three racer teams and front row fans got the first taste of the bubbly as the celebrators sprayed each other, happy to shower the Americans in the #1 position.

The Outerlimits team came to its first Powerboat P1 race and took a commanding lead quickly after the start of Saturday’s race. However, after making it half way around the island, a water pump housing broke from the impact of dropping into a hole created by a six-meter wave in the extremely rough water. “The good news is, our boat ran so well and now everyone here knows we will be competitive,” said Mike Fiore, owner, president and throttleman of the Outerlimits team. But as driver Joe Sgro pointed out, “It doesn’t matter how fast your boat is if you don’t finish. We have some work to do to catch up in the other races!” he added.

Eight-time U.I.M. Class 1 Champion Steve Curtis was in town for the race and ran the Outerlimits boat in a test earlier in the day. “The boat handled so smoothly—especially at higher speeds, it just evened out,” he said. “We know this boat will run in smooth or rough water,” said Fiore, “We have a variety of races and water ahead and the competition will be tough—especially after the other boats [that were not yet completed] get to the circuit.

The team was impressed by the high level of professionalism and participation in the Powerboat P1 circuit and looks forward to the next race in Naples, Italy on May 25 and 26.

Video of the Sunday speed run will be available at www.americanpowerboattelevision.com and video of future races will be available at www.outerlimitspowerboats.com.

To see live racing video of the Outerlimits P1 boat please click on the following link Outerlimits P1 in Malta