From Sahrol Daud in Kanowit, Sarawak - 20th of September, 2010 - X-TREME Viking of Kuching Sarawak dominated the Kanowit Powerboat Festival 2010 in a one-two podium finish of the F3000 category held at the Batang Rajang river in Kanowit yesterday. Brunei Darussalam’s Siong Racing Team who is set to leave the country next week for the F1 Powerboat World Championship Grand Prix in China finished third in the category in what was seen as a good preparation before departing for the Mainland of China.
The brother’s duo, Affendy Hj Kadri and Yanto Hj Kadri of X-Treme Viking showed no mercy to the other drivers including Maarof Mahari of Siong Racing Team by showing an impressive run from the start to control the race till the chequered flag. Siong Racing Team owner, Yii Tian Siong who put the trust on Maarof Mahari to piloted his powerboat in China next week said Maarof has shown a great performance in yesterday’s race however some technical problems inlcuding engine failure has dented Maarof’s performance to showcase his racing ability.
“We are a bit unlucky in today’s race due to some unexpected problems. Luck is not on our side today. However, we in the team are very happy with the result as Maarof manage to overcome the pressure from the Sarawakian drivers,” said the team owner yesterday. Another Brunei team, Miratrisya Racing team finished fourth in the F3000 category. Meanwhile, former Siong Racing Team driver, Ismail Hj Kabon who is now standing on his own feet by driving Seri Laila powerboat has shown his own class to the local spectators by winning several categories yesterday.
He first dominated both races in the 50 horsepower category. In the morning session of the 50 horsepower, Ismail left behind team Shadow 77 from Kapit and Suka-Suka 12 of Brunei Darussalam who finished second and third place respectively. Ismail then continued with his brilliant performance in the afternoon session putting his same morning rivals to settle in the same finishing. After failing to make the cut in the morning SST60 race category, Ismail mark his return with a win in the afternoon race of the said category. He ousted team X-Treme Viking and Sibu based Meligai Warrior who settles in the second and third place respectively.
The morning session of the SST60 category was won by team Meligai Warrior followed by another Brunei team Eighty Ninety and X-Treme Viking.
“This is a good start for me and the association (Brunei Powerboat Association) to represent the country in this competition. We are looking forward for more races in the future. And as for today, i am really happy with the wins,” said Ismail when interviewed by the Borneo Bulletin after the race yesterday.
In another category, Brunei team Along finished third in the loser pool 30 horsepower.
