The 2007 British Powerboat Grand Prix in Plymouth has been cancelled.
The race - one of eight held as part of the event - has been axed because of insurance and funding wrangles, said promoter Chris Parsonage.
The event, which has been held for the past six years in Plymouth is thought to generate 3.2m for the city economy.
Honda will also be taking its Formula 4-stroke series race, which has formed part of the grand prix, to Torquay instead of Plymouth.
Mr Parsonage said reorganisation of the sport’s governing body had led to in insuring the event anywhere in the UK.
As a result, the grand prix’s main sponsor, Honda, had pulled out of its 200,000 sponsorship.
Property developer Mr Parsonage, 49, who competes in the event in his own boat Negotiator, said he hoped the problems would be resolved and the event would return to Plymouth next year.
‘Best venue’
He said: “It’s very disappointing
“All the teams say Plymouth is the best venue of the season.
“Plymouth Sound is a natural for watching the racing and is the only place in the world where you can watch the entire race.”
The first of the season’s eight races is in Greece from 10-12 June.
Mr Parsonage added: “Other countries are vying for the race.
“We need to get our act together to bring it back to Plymouth.”
A for Plymouth City Council said: “While we are disappointed that the powerboat championships won’t be coming to Plymouth this year, we still have a very exciting line up of events in the city this summer.
“We hope to see the powerboat championships to Plymouth in the future.”
|