Although the race in Sicily didn’t become the spectacular third finish finale our rookie team had hoped for, a look back at our season enlightened the great experiences we have enjoyed in 2009.
The different podium places with Sweden as the absolute highlight have been truly amazing. This, coupled with the aggressive drive, of the organization, to plan to continue to grow Grand Prix of the Sea to a world class event, despite the financial world turmoil, is very important in our decision to grow with the Grand Prix of the Sea in our following races, for years to come.
The results of the 2009 season are begging for more and as a competitor and a business person there is always that goal to build maximum balance between race results and financial efforts. Unfortunately, many times the competitive edge is there to go without the financials going easy and for that it’s a relief that we can announce that we have friends and businesspeople alike who value our team’s efforts in 2009, and who give us the opportunity to start and compete in the 2010, under ultimate conditions.
For that I am proud to announce that the “Spirit of Belgium” again will be fighting for the podium places in the 2010 season. With the changes in the rules for 2010, we have chosen to commission a complete new race-boat. Although we had many choices, the decision is made to have the same trusted manufacturer, Nor-Tech Powerboats, custom build this new battle wagon to our specification, and Mastry Engine Center will again work closely together with them to provide the power and dial in the race-boat.
With this proven recipe of years of experience in the various levels of powerboat competition, we feel we have an excellent chance to compete for the titles. Since this all happens in the mild Florida climate, and we are following every step on location from start to finish, we enjoy perfect conditions for testing and follow up so we can come out swinging hard in the 2010 races, and win the heart of the many spectators and sponsors, to continue to grow for our beloved sport.
The official new and exciting team will be introduced in January 2010, as we are now in the final phases of negotiations and we are looking forward to some exciting news there as well. Wish you All Joy, Fun & Races to remember in 2010
Sincerely Huybreghts Patrick ( Throttle nr 17 ) Spirit of Belgium