British Champions crowned in Bedford

The 2025 Circuit Powerboat Association British Championship concluded at Stewartby Powerboat Racing Club in Bedford with a spectacular finale, as the waters roared with excitement and the air was thick with anticipation.

This year's championship showcased the exceptional skill and tenacity of its competitors, culminating in the crowning of five British champions who demonstrated unparalleled prowess and strategy throughout the races.

Race fans were treated to breathtaking races across various classes, each more thrilling than the last, as racers navigated the challenging circuit with precision and speed.

The championship not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that defines the world of British powerboat racing.

GT30 Class

The GT30 Class saw Oulton Broads Mason Jessup secure his first British Championship title as the sixteen year old continues to progress into a formidable racer pushing his boat to the limit. Mason held a solid lead heading into the weekend but knew the pressure from his rivals would be intense. He quickly got down to business securing himself pole position. From pole he put in a flawless performance taking four for four heats wins to climb onto the Stewartby Grand Prix podium top spot and bag himself the British Title.

Jamie Atlee put in a commanding performance to take silver for the weekend and boost himself into the runner up position in the championship table in a successful return to the sport for the youngster. Completing both the Grand Prix podium and also securing British Bronze was defending champion Jonny Brewer who fought back to finish the season on a high after missing the second round of competition following an operation.

F4 Class

The F4 catamarans roared back to life as the highly anticipated showdown approached, setting the stage for a thrilling race to determine the new British champion.

With the stakes higher than ever, Ben Morse entered the weekend as the frontrunner, holding a ten-point advantage over his fierce competitor, George Elmore.

The atmosphere was electric, as fans gathered to witness the high-speed spectacle and cheer for their favourite racers.

Each competitor was determined to leave their mark on the waters, navigating the course with precision and skill.

As they sped across the water, the tension was electric, as each driver battled with every turn of the course looking to secure pole position potentially tipping the scales in this closely contested battle. The following four races promised not only to test the limits of the catamarans but also to showcase the sheer determination and expertise of these elite racers.

Disaster struck for Morse when his engine blew up just after clinching pole position.

Whilst Morse battled to get back on the water George Elmore grabbed he opportunity to go into battle with Oban Duncan to fight for the top spot.

Elmore won the weekend with Oban securing silver at the Stewartby Grand Prix. But Morse had done just enough to claim his 20th British Championship title in a highly decorated racing career. George Elmore grabbed the British Silver Medal and Oban Duncan brought home the bronze in another fantastic season for all drivers.

T850 Class

The season was nothing short of exhilarating, as a fierce competition unfolded on the water, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Five talented drivers vied for the prestigious title, each bringing their unique skills and strategies to the forefront.

The championship was a true test of endurance and skill, with a different winner emerging at every round, adding an element of unpredictability that left enthusiasts buzzing. As engines roared, the battle of epic proportions captivated audiences, making each race a spectacle of speed, precision, and determination.

The relentless pursuit of victory showcased not only the drivers' tenacity but also the thrill of motorsport at its finest. Heading into the final weekend three drivers were in contention to take the championship title and the battle was going be intense. Club. Commodore Nigel Edwards make the first move by securing the vital pole position from rival Mark Williams.

The battle ensued and at every turn of the course the pressure intensified with both drivers searching for the final piece of silverware for the season. Edwards stormed to four heat wins to claim the Stewartby Grand Prix win but sitting in a strong second for the weekend was enough to secure the Lowestoft driver his 28th British Championship crown. With Edwards forced to settle for a strong second place finish. Returning acre to the scene for the 2025 season was Andy Hood who fought off strong competition to secure Bronze in his comeback year.

OSY400 Class

Another class that was far from decided was the OSY400 Class with five drivers still in contention for the championship title it was all eyes on the prize and one false move from any driver could cost them the championship crown. James Bowman held a narrow lead heading into the weekend but with Ben Sallis and Jason Mantripp breathing down his neck the pressure was on.

Little separated the fleet in qualifying but Bowman just edged ahead of Ben Prewer and Mantripp and Sallis were not far behind.

Bowman secured the first three heat wins and in doing so secured the British Championship crown to add to his ever growing list of accolades. Meanwhile the battle of the Ben’s ensued both fighting for the GP silver medal and hoping for a British Championship podium medal. Sallis stormed home in Silver also securing the British silver medal whilst Rookie racer Ben Prewer finished third in the Grand Prix narrowly missing out on the British bronze to returning racer Jason Mantripp who completed the British Podium line up.

F2 Class

In testament to the calibre of British Powerboat Racers heading into the final weekends competition the F2 British campaign was far from decided. With several of the World’s Best F2 drivers competing in the competition this was to be a battle of epic proportions with the previous two rounds producing different winners.

Ian Blacker and Steve Hoult would go head to head in the hopes of lifting the 2025 CPA British Championship trophy.

Steve Hoult drew the first blood as he edged ahead of Blacker with just 0.20 of second separating them but heading in to the heats it was Blacker that grabbed the first heat win. With the inside line to first turn for the following heats Blacker used this to his advantage and soared home to win the weekend.

Calculators at the ready Blacker bagged the British Championship crown with Hoult securing second and the silver British medal ahead of Mette Bjerknes who stole the British Bronze medal.

Stewartby Powerboat Racing Club Commodore Nigel Edwards had this to say following a successful weekends’ racing “We have crowned five British Champions this weekend in a phenomenal performance of power and skill. Heading into the weekend no class competition was a forgone conclusion so there was still everything to fight for and what a performance off the water.”

He continued “I’d like to congratulate all the British Champions on their titles and also to our junior racers who will decide their championship in a few weeks time here at Stewartby but put on a really strong performance this weekend and lends for an exciting finale.”

With two of the British competitors competing in Sweden at the weekend at the UIM European Championships their championship finale will take place at Stewartby on the 18th & 19th October.