Cowes on the Isle of Wight is preparing for the arrival in a fortnights time of the UKs fastest growing form of motorsport, the P1 AquaX Championship, when at least 30 jet-ski racers will take to the waters around Egypt Point on Saturday, 25 August. Featuring a total of four all-action classes, P1 AquaX has taken a massive leap forward in 2012 in terms of both competitiveness and popularity. Following a highly successful debut season last year the series is attracting more and more riders from the length and breadth of the UK. Vastly experienced offshore racer Russell Marmon (Christchurch, Dorset), the inaugural champion, is currently leading the way in the premier 300 Class astride his trusty Kawasaki Ultra 300 but he is being chased hard by fellow Kawasaki rider Jim Goodchild (Hemel Hempstead). Just seven points separate the two main contenders going into the two AquaX races in Cowes, the fourth event of the season, but should either slip-up Tim Batte (Hinckley) and Kevin Ashley (London) are close behind. Fifth in the 300 Class, and also leader of the standalone Sea-Doo Challenge, is Steve Robinson (Hedon) but he has his hands full in the battle for Sea-Doo honours with ever-improving car racing champion Paul Rivett (Banstead) who is in his first season of jet-ski competition. Rivett, who doubles-up by racing in the AirAsia Renault UK Clio Cup where he is the 2011 title holder, has taken the class victory in the last three races and is an increasingly realistic threat to the aspirations of fellow RXP-X 260 mounted Robinson. As in the headline 300 Class, the 250 battle is extremely close with Kawasakis Mat Shipley (Peacehaven) holding a slim five point advantage over fellow Ultra 250 racer Dave Huddleston (Milton Keynes). Huddleston has gradually closed the gap to Shipley over the last two events in Hull and Eastbourne and could move to the top of the table in Cowes if he continues in that form. The Kawasaki duo are currently well clear in the 250 championship fight, meaning that third placed Rob Sired (Littlehampton) needs to rely on misfortune for his rivals if he is to mount a late-season push on his Sea-Doo RXP-X 255. Last, but certainly not least, is the heavily subscribed 200 Class in which Duncan Johnstone (Fareham) is on course to retain his crown. Having said that, the Yamaha FX 160 rider is only nine points ahead of Kawasakis Khris Leach (Maidstone) as AquaX heads to the Isle of Wight due to the latter making up some ground on his rival last time out. Third in the 200s is female racer Anya Colley (Long Eaton) who has delivered some sensational performances so far. At the last event in Eastbourne, the multiple title-winning racer joined forces with former X-Factor contestant Katy Bullock (Doncaster) to establish an all-girl team. Neither are in AquaX to simply make up the numbers theyre fast, talented and extremely determined! Joined by the P1 SuperStock Championship as part of the British Powerboat Festival in Cowes, P1 AquaX will be in action at Egypt Point on the Isle of Wight on Saturday, 25 August, with the racing taking place between 11.30 and 16.30. Further entertainment will be provided, as ever, by freestyle jet-ski champion Jack Moule. For further media information please contact: Simon North, P1 AquaX Media Officer at 020 179 1959 or simon@grovewood.co.uk
