Round 9 of the National Championships was started under a very overcast sky and in between rain showers that lifted mid afternoon.  With a rising tide and a stiffening breeze, the sand bars were coming into play making conditions very tricky for all Zapcat teams in both divisions.  

Last years’ championship runner up Neil Frazer and Jeremy ‘Naz’ Nazarin were making their first appearance of the season and were out to prove that their goal of getting back into the top flight before the last race is achievable by winning their heats early on going toe to toe with Who the Hell.  Local boys Westgate were working hard to find their winning Barry form...

Thank you to all the teams who made the Zapcat Racing Welsh Tour so entertaining!

Thank you to our sponsors in particular all the council staff from Denbighshire County Council for the event in Prestatyn and to the Vale of Glamorgan for last weekend in Barry Island we look forward to returning to both venues very soon.

A big thank you to all the spectators who enjoyed and also braved the weather over the four rounds of the championship, we know the conditions made for some very thrilling racing and judging by the number of photographers some great photos too!

All the championship standings have been updated and the first of the official photos posted in the gallery.

Yesterday was the first time I have been bruised and battered into submission until I agreed to pen something about a brand. Yesterday morning, three intrepid retailers and I set off with the Rotary gang and the powerboat racer it sponsors Shelley Jory-Leigh. We joined her team aboard powerboats and Zapcats to head to Cowes for the annual boating celebrations.

The idea of the day was to launch the iPhone app for Rotary’s Aquaspeed watch.Of course, Rotary didn’t just have us adrenaline junkies just standing around pressing our touchscreens mutely, we had a go on a range of Powerboats, with skippers Trevor and Neil getting us up to speeds of 70mph, which feels pretty exhilarating in an open boat with the wind in your hair (and your face). Trevor (Shelley’s husband) steered us around the bay at such full force that we felt like we were in a plane taking off from a runway. The centrifugal force as he cornered the boat made you really appreciate the full potential of these awesome and powerful feats of engineering. The highlight of my day, though, was my three trips on the inflatable powerboat Zapcats.

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."

July 2009 Vale of Glamorgan Council pulled out all the stops, quite literally a couple of weeks before racing was to due to be held and as a last minute event it was seen as a great success, everyone agreed that it must come back to Barry the following year.

The Council despite budget constraints has worked tirelessly again to ensure Barry plays a major role in the Zapcat Racing calendar for the 10th Anniversary season. The 'Barry Island Zapcat Grand Prix' will be held again in August, this time on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th and is set to be one of the showcase events for the 2010 with the largest number of race entrants so far (up to 30) and more Sky TV & Channel 5 coverage.