[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]25,000 strong crowds gathered on Newcastle’s Quayside on 1st and 2nd September to watch the inaugural NE1 Zapcat power boat Grand Prix on the River Tyne, held between the Tyne and Millennium bridges.

12 teams from across the country congregated in Newcastle to compete for the first NE1 Zapcat Trophy. Thousands of people lined the Quayside to cheer on the teams as they competed in 28 strongly contested heats over the two day event.

The NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix City Championship Trophy was won by Zapcat Team 37, State of Mind, piloted by Royal Marine Commando duo Captain Richie Lake and Andy Farmer.

The event was a major spectacle on the water, with the lightweight, highly manoeuvrable boats reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour and capable of making tight and intricate turns.  The challenging course was marked out on the river with a series of buoys and provided a tough route for the experienced teams taking part in the event.

Stephen Patterson, Head of Marketing and Communications for NE1 Ltd who brought the Zapcat Racing Championship series to the Tyne said:

“It has been a fantastic weekend.  Thankfully, the weather was great and it was fantastic to see thousands of people come down to the Quayside to watch the races over the two day event. I would like to thank the Port of Tyne and Newcastle and Gateshead Councils who made the event possible.”

Mike Sandford of Zapcat Racing added:

“The teams were extremely enthusiastic about coming to Newcastle and competing for the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix title. Newcastle did not disappoint. The weather was fantastic and the central Quayside location allowed spectators to get close to the action and cheer on the teams. Given the success of the inaugural NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix, we hope to make the race an annual fixture in the Zapcat Racing Championship Racing calendar.[/vc_column_text][social_buttons hide_share_count=”true” facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-1″ el_class=”latest-news”][/vc_column][/vc_row]