TEAM SPEEDY HIRE LOOKING TO RETAIN THEIR BARRY TITLE

Interview with Daren Ford pilot of Zapcat 03 Speedy Hire, defending Barry Grand Prix champion prior to his return to the Vale of Glamorgan this weekend.

Why did you enjoy the Barry Island event last year?

“Barry was a great venue last year, a fantastic beach and a very appreciative crowd and even more special for Sam & I because it was our first Grand Prix win and the only GP title that Bluesheets did not win in 2009.”

When did you start racing Zapcats?

“I started racing in 2006 but a skiing accident kept me out of the 2008 championships.”

Which season has been your best so far?

“Last year was my best year, not only because I was fit enough to compete again but also because Sam and I finished third overall in the National Championships.”

How are you doing this year?

“We are currently tied in third place and I know it will be a close run thing with # 9 Delta Jets all the way through to the end of the season and we have a couple of new venues too, including Aberdeen and the docks in Salford.”

Do your family support you?

“We always have a lot of support, my family travels with me to most of the races and we also have a big online following, we also meet quite a few Speedy employees around the UK who see the logos on the boat, when we go to Manchester in September we should have even more as the Head Office is based there.”

Who do you think is going to do well this weekend?

“I expect to see the Welsh teams do well again at Barry and look forward to being joined on the beach by my team mate Neil Fraser in # 2 PatioDoorStore even though we cannot contend for the Team Title as we had hoped this year, I know that Neil will take away some valuable points from other teams.”

“The Bluesheets guys are the ones to beat and I know Delta Jets and BladeRun will be quick too, there will be quite a few more boats in division one this time so getting in the finals each day will be harder, last year we won overall by being consistent.”

How did you get into Zapcat Racing?

“I live on an island in Hampshire and have always had a love of speed and the sea, I saw Zapcats on Sky TV and thought that I should give it a go!”

If someone sees the TV coverage from Barry and was thinking about racing, what would you say?

“Just try it, call the Zapcat office and go for a demo or buy a Zapcat experience and if you like it then get yourself a boat and possibly a sponsor or two, however it is an affordable motorsport.”

Which events do you prefer?

“I have always preferred the breaking surf and the sea to flat water as it adds more variables but it did cost me second place last year as I managed to throw Sam out in a couple of the finals!”

How did you end up racing with Sam?

Sam is my nephew and being a teenager is into all things extreme and I can stuff him into a six foot wave and he doesn’t moan or at least I can’t hear him from under his helmet!”

Thank you Daren – Good Luck for Barry this weekend, we look forward to watching you and Sam racing on Saturday & Sunday.

Arcticle and picture courtesy of ZapCat Racing