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Pilots Nigel Hook and Michael Silfverberg are enthusiastic about the results achieved in the April test phase of the new #77 LUCAS OIL Scandinavian Offshore Challenge, an Ilmor powered Vector. Race test headquarters in Belgium at Bernico International, owned by Nico Bertels, not only provided work shop, cranes, convenient marina hotel, and restaurant, it also offered immediate access to the Channel Willebroek, facilitating high speed propeller test runs.
Expectations were exceeded during the sea trials, with renowned naval architect, Ocke Mannerfelt on hand to witness the impressive rough water handling capabilities of his new design.
The twin Ilmor V10 powered #77 LUCAS OIL Scandinavian Offshore Challenge crushed the 6 to 7 foot waves as it flew across the turbulent North Seas in Zeebrugge recording G-Forces up to 6.4G.
The 2010 UIM Powerboat GPS World Championship has already made waves by replacing CEO Asif Rangoonwala and reorganizing under the direction of the UIM, the international sanctioning body for all water motorsports. Jean-Marie Van Lancker, President UIM Pleasure Navigation and veteran race organizer, has taken the helm providing untold hours and relentless services to fulfill the World Championship obligations.
All test session data was logged on the new Race Technology system, which synchronizes four video cameras, all the Ilmor engine ECU information, and sensor data received from the electric-hydraulic control systems. This allowed the team to review and analyze the testing statistics and leverage the knowledge of all resources in the team including onsite support from Ian Hawkins, GM Marine Division Ilmor and former Formula One engine guru.
Team Captain Nigel Hook gives high marks to the new team that has come together so successfully since its inception just five months ago. |
The #77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge premieres a spanking new boat for the 2010 season — the Vector V-40 from Vector Powerboats, designed by the famous Swedish duo Ocke and Ted Mannerfelt. Legendary architect Ocke Mannerfelt's designs are no stranger to the podium. “The design of the bottom is very fast and still forgiving,” Mannerfelt said.
Vector Powerboats constructed the race boat at their facility in Kelowna, Canada. Vector has set a new standard in safety with structural design and high-tech composite lamination.
Hook said what sold him on the boat was how it handles going into sharp turns. The boat’s strakes and running surface go to the bow, which Hook believes helps with handling. “It runs nice and light on the water and you can turn it really hard,” he said. “You can drive it hard into a turn like an old traditional V-bottom.” Hook ran the V-40 at high speeds with the aerodynamic stabilizers in and out, and said there is a noticeable difference in handling.
The boat will be powered by two highly efficient Ilmor MV10 engines complete with transmissions and INDY drive system — the first in a racing environment.
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According to Paul Ray, CEO, Ilmor Engineering, "We are very pleased to be working with Scandinavian Offshore Challenge. Their new boat, design line, PR strategies, and way of working with their partners is what made us choose to enter this cooperation with the Swedish team." |
Swedish driver Michael Silfverberg and veteran Anglo-American Nigel Hook are uniting their two nations to pilot the new #77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge in the UIM Powerboat GPS.
Michael Silfverberg, driver, is an adventurer, businessman, and entrepreneur who brings a fresh energy to the team. A native of Stockholm, Silfverberg excels from a lifetime on the sea, with service as a commercial captain, a navy submariner, and leader of a marine dealership for yachts and high–performance boats.
Nigel Hook, throttleman and team captain, signed Lucas Oil as the main sponsor, hence the team name #77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge. They will compete as a Swedish team in the Evolution class of the UIM Powerboat GPS, which starts in May and runs through September. The team will be based in Stockholm at Biskopsuddens Marina and in Italy.
The team’s owners are Michael Silfverberg and Martin Ohlsson; the team captain is Nigel Hook. Other members of the team include Janet Wilson, team manager; Gabriella Williams, finance manager; Nico Bertels, crew chief; Craig Archer, chief mechanic; Jason Witt, telemetry; Mauro D’Alessio, communications; and Ian Hawkins, Ilmore engine guru.
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