The 2008 Zapcat National Championship roars into Cromer next weekend as the resort plays host to the fourth Grand Prix of the 2008 season in the world’s largest one-design powerboat series. For the first time in the competition’s history two days of high octane racing are set to unfold against the backdrop of one of Norfolk’s most attractive seaside resorts.

Zapcats race in small packs around a specially designed course, hitting speeds of up to 50mph. With a power-to-weight ratio of 340bhp per tonne the Zapcats can outmanoeuvre any boat of a similar size and the pilots and co-pilots are subjected to up to twice the force of gravity in the tightest of turns. For spectators it is thrilling to watch and they will have an excellent view of the course from the beach to the west of Cromer Pier, even more so if conditions allow the teams to get off the mark from a standing start in the shallows on the shoreline.

There will be 20 heats on both Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July when Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2008 Zapcat National Championship will take place. Practice sessions begin at 11am each day with racing getting underway at midday. More than 20 teams are due to take part in the Cromer Grand Prix.

Defending champions Mick Pritchard and Baz Minns in 01 Pegasus Vortex Racing will be out to consolidate their lead at the head of the Championship standings. A spectacular flip in the Division 1 final of Round 5 meant a blip in their perfect 2008 record which has proved once again that they are the team to beat. Pushing hard for a place on the 2008 Zapcat National Championship podium is the 98 Team Suffolk father and son pairing of Greg and Kieron Richardson who took second place at the Bournemouth Grand Prix to maintain their challenge on the leaders.

It is the first time the Zapcat National Championship has visited Norfolk and Championship organiser Chrissy Winchcombe says, “We’re really looking forward to this Grand Prix. Cromer’s the perfect location for it and I’m sure it’s quickly going to become one of the racers’ favourite venues. Spectators who come down to the beach to watch the action aren’t going to be disappointed – the racing is great fun for adults and kids.”

2008 Zapcat National Championship standings after Round 6

1          01 Pegasus Vortex Racing     550 points

2          03 Commandos Predator       470 points

3          02 Vortex Racing                    465 points

4          88 Team Bladerun                  435 points

5          98 Team Suffolk                     418 points