Tiff Needell Joins Powerboat P1!
Added: (Tue May 01 2007)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
TV presenter and racing driver, Tiff Needell, has confirmed that he will become P1's 'Ambassador' for the 2007 season, undertaking a variety of roles including that of expert summariser within the globally distributed championship TV programme and Master of Ceremonies for VIP guests at each Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea event.
Currently presenting the popular 'Fifth Gear' motoring programme on Channel 5, Tiff is one of the UK's most respected TV presenters on all-things motoring and his long and successful career has included BBC's Grandstand, World Rally and Top Gear. On the track he started racing in 1971, driving a Formula Ford Lotus 69F and claimed his first major title in 1975 when crowned Formula Ford Champion. His racing career has seen successes in single-seaters and sports cars where he has competed at Le Mans on 14 occasions including a podium finish in 1990.
With his enthusiasm and popular style of delivery, Tiff Needell has the skills to educate the wider public of the finer points and intricate details of a sport that combines spectacular race action with bravery and great seamanship. Although Tiff is widely known for his exploits on four wheels, powerboating is in his blood; his father was a mover and shaker of British Powerboating for over 30 years and Tiff raced powerboats as a teenager. Infact, his familiar orange race helmet originated from those early water-based racing adventures.
"We are delighted that Tiff has agreed to work with us," explains Barry McGovern, General Manager of Powerboat P1. "In any sport the more you understand the more enjoyable it is to follow. It is important for people to become more familiar with the challenges facing boats and pilots and the tactics and talent involved in guiding a 40ft plus 2000horse power machine through high seas against fierce competition at speeds of around 90 miles an hour. There are few people better equipped to do that than Tiff Needell!"
The dynamic lifestyle sport of Powerboat P1 is one of fastest growing in Europe. The first event of 2007, the Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea, takes place over the weekend of 5th/6th May.