ALCONE AND US1 TO CHALLENGE WORLD’S ELITE
Norwegian venues to stage ultimate Class 1 showdown
American offshore race ace, Matt Alcone, has thrown down the gauntlet to the World’s leading Class 1 powerboat racers by announcing his participation at a select number of races in this year’s U.I.M. Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.
Alcone, 46, from Irvine, California, has dominated the sport on American waters for the last five years, and has confirmed that he will compete at back to back races at the Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, July 18 and the Scandinavian Grand Prix in Oslo, July 25.
"This year, I’m not going to limit myself to pursuing points just in the USA," said Alcone, who has won every American title possible. "I have picked the places that I would most enjoy racing, and the events in Norway would give me the chance to compete against some of the most highly respected racers in the world."
Alcone’s decision to take on the best in the world sets the stage for one of the most exciting confrontations ever seen at the top level of offshore powerboat racing. The showdown, set for July 18, will pitch Alcone and his throttleman, Jerry Gilbreath against a formidable line-up of adversaries that include; defending World Champions Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, double World Champions Saeed Al Tayer and Felix Serrales, the Kings of Speed, Laith Pharaon and Edoardo Polli and the winners of the opening round in Savona and current Championship leaders, Mohamed Al Ghaith and Khalfan Harib.
The all American paring of Alcone and Gilbreath will
compete in their Alcone/Team Fountain race boat, aptly named US1, a Douglas Marine built,
45’ Skater catamaran powered by twin sterling power plants each putting out 1250hp
and capable of speeds in excess of 150mph.
The decision by Alcone to race in Europe has been welcomed by two of the sports leading lights. Triple World Champion Steve Curtis is clearly looking forward to the prospect of taking on America’s winningest powerboat racer.
"Matt has a great reputation and has achieved all there is to in America. Obviously there is a considerable difference between the boats from a technical aspect and the fuel they run. On paper his boat has more power and torque so in a straight line he may have a slight advantage but on a tight course and in rough water it will be an interesting battle."
Equally pleased at the prospect of going head-to-head with US1 is IOTA President, Edoardo Polli who said wryly. "It’s great for the sport and I am looking forward to it. We have a quick boat too."
Alcone has enjoyed unprecedented success in America since founding Alcone Motorsports in 1994. In his first season of racing he opened his account with a win, collecting five more on the way to the first of his four Superboat National titles. He was crowned A.P.B.A.’ World Champion’ in ’95 and lifted both the A.P.B.A. and Superboat ‘World titles’ in ’97. To cap an incredible run of success, last year he was voted A.P.B.A. driver of the year and inducted into the A.P.B.A. Hall of Champions.