Racing

Powerboat racing in the UK is organised and regulated by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to who LPRC are affiliated. LPRC is one of several clubs in the UK where powerboat racing takes place. You can find links to other clubs in the UK here.


Club Racing takes place between April and October with races generally being held at either Saturday or Sundays.
 
The UK National Championship tours Powerboat Racing Clubs throughout the country including Carr Mill between May and September. Carr Mill also plays host European and International Races where drivers from across Europe and the World come to St. Helens to compete for their team and country in various classes of the sport.
 
We have a number of National & International Powerboat Racers within the club. You might see the following classes on the water. 
 
The sport is always open to new participants so, if you are interested in getting involved with national racing or club racing either as a driver or even giving a helping hand, then please come in and see one of the LPRC officials or contact us, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome. 
 
What is Club Racing?
 
Club racing is one of the most exciting ways to race a boat. All races are handicapped according to the performance of the boat and the experience of the driver. All types of boats can take part from recreational ski boats to full blown racing outfits. Each race consists of a timing heat to evaluate the boats performance, followed by three heats of 9 minutes duration. Juniors can also race from age 9 years again in a handicapped system with slightly smaller engines.
 
Due to the handicap system all boats from the fastest to the slowest have an equal chance of winning. So why not come down to the club on a race day and see what it’s all about. You’ll be very welcome.
 
 
Can I race my Ski Boat?
 
The simple answer is YES. There are a few small modifications which may be required namely a foot throttle. This is easily fitted and can easily be converted back to hand throttle if necessary. See Boat Requirements for a full list of requirements.
 
 
 
Racing Classes
 
Racing Classes
 
JT250 / GT15  

This is a fantastic circuit racing class for young people, aged 9 to 16, to get started in and with complete rigs costing less than £3500 it is a great entry level for powerboat racing. The boats are small monohulls fitted with standard stock 15hp engines and are capable of speeds of up to 40mph.All racing is carefully supervised by trained RYA powerboat racing personnel and licences are issued only after a satisfactory standard has been reached.

Each year, an annual 5 round British National Championship is held at different venues across the UK and in addition, an international World and European Championship series is also held.
 
 
Engine Type Hull Type Top Speed
Up to 250cc Monohull 40 Mph
 
T850 / Monohull  

This class is limited to simple monohulls powered by standard stock outboard engines.   Powertrim is now permitted in the senior classes.   These are single hulled boats similar in design to a small ski boat.   The driver sits down to race it.

Each year, an annual 5 round British National Championship is held at different venues across the UK and in addition, an international World and Continental Championship series is also held.
 
 
Engine Type Hull Type Top Speed
Up to 850cc Monohull 70 Mph
GT30  This class is designed to be a intermediate class between Junior (JT250) and Senior Monohulls (T850) powered by a 30HP standard stock outboard engine.   These are single hulled boats similar in design to a Junior Powerboat. Can be raced from 14 onwards.  The driver sits down to race it.
 
 

 
 
Engine Type Hull Type Top Speed
up to 30 HP Monohull 55 Mph
 
Formula 4  

These are twin-hulled boats.  The driver sits restrained inside a safety cell to race.   Most boats have an enclosed cab-over style cockpit.

Each year, an annual 5 round British National Championship is held at different venues across the UK and in addition, an international World and Continental Championship series is also held.
 
     

      
 
Engine Type Hull Type Top Speed
Up to 850cc Catamaran 85 Mph
 
Formula 2  These are twin-hulled boats.  The driver sits restrained inside a safety cell to race.   Most boats have an enclosed cab-over style cockpit.

In excess of 200km this action packed, water based form of racing is fast becoming one of the most senior, professional and popular forms of national and international circuit powerboating.

One of the reasons for this classes’ success is the fact that it is a ‘stock engine class’, and any tuning or modification to the original engine is strictly forbidden. This keeps the financial running costs to a minimum for teams and ensures that success will come to the most talented and knowledgeable drivers.

Each year, an annual 5 round British National Championship is held at different venues across the UK and in addition, an international World and Continental Championship series is also held.
 
 
Engine Type Hull Type Top Speed
Up to 2000cc Catamaran 120 Mph