Press release from Xcat: The XCAT GP of Basilicata kicked off today at Porto degli Argonauti in Pisticci, delivering an exhilarating day of competition in the world’s premier powerboat racing championship. Following the races in Sicily, and ahead of the next stops in Saudi Arabia, the first day of the XCAT Grand Prix in Pisticci did not disappoint.
The Italo-Australian crew of 222 Offshore started from pole position and dominated the early stages of the race, only to suffer a mechanical failure that forced them to retire. Their misfortune paved the way for SWECAT, the current leaders of the world championship standings, to take control of the race. Once in the lead, SWECAT remained unchallenged through to the finish line.
TEAM GB Flips Points.
At Powerboatracingworld.com, we find the Xcat rules and results from this event somewhat perplexing. In most motorsports, a crash typically means the end of the race for that team—simply put, you lose. Xcat operates differently. According to the press release:
However, the final moments of the race were filled with thrilling episodes. Team 96 encountered a major mechanical issue, while reigning world champions Team GB spectacularly capsized during a turn. Immediately following the accident, a red flag was raised, freezing the race and effectively locking in the positions as they stood at that moment. This allowed Team GB to retain an impressive third-place finish, despite the spectacular crash.
A Shocking Revelation from PRW :
It’s astonishing that a World Championship series in the premier UIM category could be decided by points earned in races where teams don’t finish. Team GB s 3 place after stopping the race is one, the 2nd excample is HPI. Already stopped, three laps down due to a breakdown when the race was red-flagged, and they still managed to secure 12 crucial points. Currently, HPI holds second place in the overall standings. This outcome could have significant implications as the season approaches its conclusion in Dubai, where the World Champions will be crowned.
Disclaimer: We do not hold Team GB or HPI accountable for this situation; like any team, they are simply competing for every point available. It is the responsibility of the rulemakers UIM and organizers to ensure a fair and consistent framework for the championship.
The rest of the press release :
The final standings saw Sweden’s SWECAT emerge victorious, followed by Victory Team from the UAE in second place. Team GB claimed third, with Blue Banca taking fourth, Q8 Oils finishing fifth, and Consulbrokers rounding out the top six.
In the overall championship, SWECAT extended their lead, tightening their grip on the standings ahead of Sunday’s race, which will also take place at Porto degli Argonauti.
How can a championship be considered fair when points are awarded under such conditions?
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