May 8th, 2013 The 2013 Formula 1 season is set to kick off this weekend in Wheatland, MO at the Lucas Oil Speedway. This inaugural event is the first of three new race sites for the US Formula 1 Powerboat Tour in 2013. Lake Lucas, which is a purpose built drag boat facility, held it’s inaugural event in 2011 for the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series. Many have asked and wondered if a Tunnel Boat Racing can be done at this purpose built boat racing facility. After a successful pair of test runs last fall and last month, the Formula 1 boats are prepared to show their versatility and maneuverability as a full field of boats prepare to run for the 2013 North American Championships. Spectators will see first-hand the tightest and most competitive racing of the season.
Local favorite Tim Seebold will be racing in his hometown of Missouri for the first time since 2008. Seebold who is the Tours all time wins leader, will be driving his newly wrapped and NGK Spark Plugs sponsored Seebold Hull for Team Seebold NGK Racing. Seebold will be the race favorite and look to dethrone Terry Rinker who won the 2012 points championship. Rinker, who last competed overseas in the F1H2O Tour in December with an impressive second place finish, will look to carry Amsoil Racing to yet another Season championship and continue his climb up the all-time wins list in Formula One.
On Friday, fans in attendance will get to see a new twist to the US Formula 1 Powerboat events which will debut this weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway. Formula One Match Racing presented by Marine Max will kick off the Formula One racing activities before Saturday’s traditional heat races and final. The Match Racing will pair all drivers in a single elimination bracket featuring head to head competition. A series of two boat rounds will be used to eliminate competitors until the final two drivers are left in the championship round where they will then face off for the inaugural Marine Max Match Race title.
The 2013 Rookie of the Year championship will also begin at Lake Lucas with four drivers battling for the yearlong award. Ruben Ascencio and Tyler Welch who ran both races in 2012 will look to use that experience against Mike Beegle and Carlos Mendana who will be making their Formula One debuts this weekend.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.lucasoilspeedway.com Follow the weekend action on the F1 PROP Tour Facebook page for weekend updates on the action from the North American Championships at Lucas Oil Speedway.