NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix 2013

Crowds in the region of 25,000 flocked to Newcastle’s Quayside to watch the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix on Saturday 31^st August and 1^st September. The first NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix, held in 2012, attracted similar numbers of spectators and resulted in an average increase in trade for businesses on the Quayside of 56%.

NE1’s Newcastle City Marina (hyper link to the marina website), opened in 2012, once again provided the location for the Zapcat wetpits, allowing spectators to see first-hand the boats and teams. Zapcats are light weight, fast powerboats with a top speed of 45mph, capable of pulling upwards of 3Gs when cornering with racing teams consisting of a pilot and co-pilot. All of the light weight powerboats are of the same design and specification which leads to a very competitive race series.

 

Chris Smeed and Adam Hewlett of boat number 25 ‘Road Runner’ taking a spill

The NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix 2013 saw 16 teams competing for the coveted NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix Championship trophy which was won by team 82 ‘Haggis Hunters’ made up of father and daughter racers David Finlayson (Pilot) & Ashleigh Finlayson (co-pilot). On Friday 30^th August, press and VIP guests were invited to have a go on the Zapcats, with press coverage achieved across all regional press channels. To view Sky Tyne & Wear’s coverage of the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix click here. Stephen Patterson, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd said: “It is fantastic for Newcastle to welcome back the Zapcat National Championships for the 2^nd annual NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix.  The new Newcastle City Marina NE1 opened last year has made it possible to bring the fast powerboat action into the heart of the city, Formula One for the water.  This is the only event on the Tyne which closes off the river and where speed restrictions are lifted for the weekend, providing an adrenaline fuelled spectacle for the crowds that were attracted to the Quayside over the weekend.” Jamie Stickler, Director of Zapcat Racing said: “We’re delighted that the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix is now a firm fixture in the calendar.  Newcastle is one of the most exciting racing venues of the season and the location is absolutely prime with spectators all around and up close to the action on the Quayside and on the bridges.  The race teams love coming to Newcastle and this year was no exception. It’s great to see rookie team ‘Haggis Hunters’ winning the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix Championship title.”