Q:
How closely does the motor relate to the road-going version? Does much have to be changed to make it into a Marine engine?
CW:
Surprisingly close. If we needed a spare, then we'd be off to the local Dodge dealer looking for a Viper to borrow!
Q:
How did the partnership of James and Craig come about?
CW:
Craig Wilson, although British, is the President of Fountain Worldwide, the international sales agency for all Fountain boat products. When they realised how many of their competitors were going to race in P1, coupled with the success of Donzi and Dragon last year, it was a no-brainer for them. The fact that Reggie Fountain is so passionate about racing made the whole deal come alive.
The boat was brand new and based on the all-conquering SuperVee hull from 2007. The only proviso was that it had to be built 'heavy' to meet the P1 regs, about 2000lbs heavier than normal in fact. So it's strong: built for the Mediterranean, Baltic and English Channel!
Part of the arrangement with Fountain was that Craig would throttle and his company would provide the boat. It also happened that his father, Mark, is a consultant for Arneson so the surface drives came as part of the package as well. James Sheppard was recommended to me by Steve Curtis as one of the best drivers to come out of the UK
Honda powerboat series so employing him was an easy decision for me. He'd also proven himself by winning the SuperVee World Championships in Key West last year in a drive I set up for him with Nigel Hook. The fact that they beat the works Fountains helped convince Reggie he was the right choice.
Q:
What did James think of P1 compared to Class One?
CW:
That's a question you really need to ask James. I know he hasn't given up on Class 1. He's very ambitious, very focused and feels he still has a point to prove. Whether he ever gets the equipment underneath him and a throttleman as capable as Steve Curtis remains unanswered for the time being. Certainly monohull racing is his forte.
Powerboat P1 website:
www.powerboatp1.com
Ilmor Marine website:
www.ilmor.com
