The Kingfisher Fire and Security Powerboat Racing Team have proved that passion and persistence go hand-in-hand as they claimed a double victory in the third and final round of the CPA British Championship after a whirlwind summer season of international competition — spanning five major events, across six weeks, and over 8000 miles.
Following an action-packed summer season of international competition in both Formula 4 and Formula 2 powerboat racing, the UK based team rounded off their jampacked schedule with the ultimate prize – victory.
Over the weekend of 27-28 September, the team competed in both F4 & F2 classes at Stewartby water sports club in Bedfordshire in the final round of the Circuit Powerboat Association (CPA) British Championship.
In F4, George Elmore (aged 20) from Chatham, Kent – left himself with it all to do following a mishap in qualifying, when George clipped a turn buoy meaning he started the first race from back of the grid. Although George did not let his earlier error deter him, he went out in each of the following races showing grit and determination, so much so – he put in a faultless performance and went on win each and every one of his races over the weekend. George secured the ultimate prize – first place.
In F2, Ian Blacker – Team Owner, Manager and also driver (aged 55) from Reading, was behind the wheel and determined to get results. Ian has been lead mechanic, travelling and guiding the team across Europe in previous weeks, where they’d competed in both F4 and F2 World Championship competitions.
Ian went out in qualifying and unfortunately only achieved P2. He decided to cut the session short due to an engine misfire, leaving the session open to the competition and his rival – Steve Hoult stepped in to claim P1 and match Ian in the championship standings. Ian and the team got straight to work to fix the issue. When it came to the race he went out and totally smashed it – he drove a perfect race to overtake all the competition and achieve four straight heat wins to claim overall victory. Not only did this give Ian top spot on the podium for the race weekend, but he was also crowned 2025 F2 British Champion. A huge achievement and testament to all his hard work, energy and dedication to the team and sport.
When asked about the win, Ian said: “We’re only a small race team and it’s been an enduring and tiring schedule both physically and logistically over recent weeks, but to see both George and myself occupy the top step of the podium with a double victory in both classes in the third and final round of the British Championship makes it all worthwhile.
“And to be crowned the F2 2025 British Champion, is simply brilliant – it clearly demonstrates that hard work and determination from the whole team can and has paid off for us this time. I could not have achieved this without every member of the Kingfisher Team and I’d like to personally thank each of them for the role they’ve played in helping us to achieve success this year.”
Although the 2025 competitive racing season may be over for the Kingfisher team – work does not stop. Next, Ian and his team, will be back out testing the boats and looking to fine tune and improve performance at every level possible whilst firmly setting their sights on the 2026 season and what next year’s season of racing may well bring. With long hours, cross-continental travel, high-stakes racing, and late nights prepping boats between rounds, Team Kingfisher continues to showcase what true dedication to motorsport looks like – proving what it means to go all-in for racing. They truly are in it to win it and for the sport they love – Powerboat Racing.
You can catch behind-the-scenes content, testing news, and future race updates via the team socials @kingfisher.race.team on Facebook. Here’s a quick look at Kingfisher Fire & Security Powerboat Race Team journey over recent weeks:
- 23–24 Aug – UIM F4 World Championship, Mons, Belgium
- 29–31 Aug – UIM F2 World Championship, San Nazzaro, Italy
- 12–14 Sept – UIM F2 World Championship, Peso da Régua/Porto, Portugal
- 19–21 Sept – UIM F2 World Championship, Vila Velha de Ródão, Portugal
- 27–28 Sept – UIM CPA British Championship (F2 & F4), Stewartby, Bedfordshire, UK
