aul Blackburn, transport manager at Birmingham-based international operator Chambers & Cook, is contemplating a wet and exciting summer.
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For the fourth consecutive season he is competing in the Formula Three Powerboat Racing World Championships, kicking off at Milan on the weekend beginning 13 May—he finished second overall in 1993 and 1994.
The boats attain speeds up to 115mph and Blackburn, 32, has been involved with the sport for 12 years.
Following Milan the championship legs tour Hungary, France, Italy, Poland, Holland, Great Britain, Greece and Poland. Will Blackburn pick up the trophy this year? "It's just having that extra bit of luck," he says. Last year he lost by three points, a very narrow margin since a race win accrues 20 points.
Competing is an expensive business: investment outstrips any possible winnings. Running a two-boat team costs £50,000, not including transportation. Fortunately, Chambers & Cook sponsors the transport costs.
Pat Blackburn, Paul's father, used to race in the UK; he's now managing director of Chambers & Cook and is a partner in the company which builds his son's boats. Castro' is another major sponsor, but more are sought.
The races will be televised by ITV, Sky and NBC so if anyone fancies their name on the side of a boat flashing by at more than 100mph, contact Paul at Chambers & Cook on 021-356 1441.