2009 Season Preparations
Date added: 24/04/09
Preparations for the 2009 powerboat racing season are well underway at the Area 31 Racing Team. Engine rebuilds and a new restoration project has kept the team busy during the winter months.
©Richard Johnstone-Bryden
Top of the to do list after the end of the 2008 season was to get the 1964 Crescent 500cc engine running smoothly.
Although it powered the restored Rhune hull around Oulton Broad during 2008 it never reached it's full potential. Area 31 Racing Team have completely stripped and rebuilt the engine to try and solve the problem with the help from Barry Turner, Graham Cook and also some European influence from engine builder Pavel Konny.
Being such an old engine only time will tell if the 500cc Crescent will reach full speed during 2009.
Engine rebuilds have also been undertaken on two 500cc Konig engines that will power the restored Cabover in 2009.
The first engine is a 1973, 3 Port Konig which Area 31 raced last season winning races at Oulton Broad. The second engine being rebuilt is a more powerful and modern 5 port 500cc Konig.
The final piece of pre season news is that Area 31 Racing are currently mid way through a third restoration project which is hoped to be relaunched during the 2009 season.
The hydroplane being restored is currently being kept behind closed doors to surprise hydroplane racing fans when it is relaunched later in the season hopefully reliving more memories of yesteryear.
©Richard Johnstone-Bryden
