Green Lane in Stewartby will be the location for seven new British Powerboat champions to be crowned this weekend (2 and 3 August) as the culmination of the British Powerboat Championships comes to Bedford.
From junior racers to more established classes, this event promises to showcase the skills and precision of the drivers, as well as the cutting-edge technology of the boats themselves.
The first class in action is the GT15 Junior class where six junior drivers will battle it out to become the 2025 GT15 Sprint champion.
Leading the British Championship is Poppy Stewart, who looks favourite to seal the double crown but with four heats to be battled through in this standalone championship, the crown is anybody’s for the taking.
Reigning sprint champion, Zach Jelf will be back in the hopes of defending his title as he continues the Jelf family legacy on the water.
In 2008, Colin Jelf made history by becoming the first driver to win the UIM F2 World Championship three times in a row, while Ben Jelf followed in his father’s footsteps to become the first ever UIM GT15 European Champion in 2011.
The likes of Tate Mantripp and Riley Hudson are also looking to steal the crown while rookie racers, Millie-Rose Bowman and Jack Roberts are on the hunt for their first Championship win.
The GT30 class promises an electrifying showdown as competitors gear up for the British Sprint Championship, with world bronze medallist, Ashley Penfold and reigning British GT30 champion, Jonny Brewer in contention.
They will have to catch Mason Jessup, who is the current leader in the British Championship standings, as he looks to seal his first British title.
Williams searches for 28th national title
One name that continues to reach the summit in the world of powerboat racing is Mark Williams; the veteran powerboat racer is in line to claim his 28th British title in the T850 Monohull class, but faces formidable opponents in the form of Nigel Edwards and Bill Owen.
Edwards commented on the occasion, calling Green Lane a “battleground”.
“The anticipation is building, and Britain’s top racers are gearing up to compete fiercely for the prestigious British sprint crowns.
“This event not only serves as a battleground for the nation’s finest powerboat talent, but is also as an opportunity for fans to witness high-speed action and skilful manoeuvring on the water.
“The spirit of competition and the promise of thrilling races make it an unmissable occasion for both participants and spectators.”
Other classes include the OSY400 class, where James Bowman is hoping to defend his British sprint title after claiming a valiant silver at the European Championships, with Ben Sallis – who finished 4th in the same European competition – hot on his tail.
The Outboard Hydro Class sees James Green looking to defend his 2024 sprint title, with fierce competition from his cousin, Wayne Turner and the ever-competitive Thomas Mantripp, along with rising star, Alfie Sallis and veteran, Paul Hart.
The F4 Catamaran class promises to be an exhilarating spectacle as reigning champion, Ben Morse gears up to defend his title, but he faces a formidable challenge from George Elmore, who is keen to add to his impressive array of trophies with his first F4 sprint championship.
Finally, the F2 Powerboat Racers gear up for an intense battle in the quest for the British Sprint crown.
Reigning champion, Steve Hoult will defend his title against a line-up full of big names, including former British champion, Sam Whittle, Mette Bjerknes, Matt Palfreyman, and Owen Jelf, who will also be in the mix.
Onlookers will be able to see the action from the perimeter of the lake, however access to Stewartby Water Sports Club is for members only, with qualifying beginning at 10am on Saturday 2 August, followed by the heats from approximately 1pm to 5pm.
There will be a short free practice session to begin Sunday’s action from 10am, which will then head straight into the remaining heats.
Each of the seven classes will compete in four heats on Sunday (3 August), with all points accumulated going towards crowning each champion, with the trophy ceremony at approximately 4pm.
You can find out more about the current standings and all of the event details via the Circuit Powerboat Association here.
This article was updated on 31 July 2025 at 10:50am to reflect the entry information
