Green Lane in Stewartby will once again be the home of a major national final in the world of powerboat racing this weekend, as Bedford’s own Nigel Edwards aims to clinch the Double British Crown at the final round of the 2025 Circuit Powerboat Association British T850 Championships.
Edwards, who won the British Sprint Championship at the same venue at the beginning of August, heads into the weekend’s competition in second place, just six points behind Mark Williams who is fighting for a 28th British Championship title.
Read: National Powerboat champions crowned at Stewartby Water Sports Club
The title looks to be between the two biggest names, as third-placed, Bill Owen looks to be too far behind to catch alongside Andy Hood and Steve Cash, who will be on his tail for a bronze.
The format of the critical final round will see the competitors complete a timed qualification session, that determines who will get the perfect line around the course, and also secure what could be an all-important pole position.
There are then four heats that will determine who will win the weekend’s event, and ultimately, the British title.
And for Edwards, the stakes could not be higher as he looks to rein in perennial winner, Mark Williams.
“Mark is a formidable racer; he doesn’t have 27 British titles for being a push over, so he will make any chance of me taking the title as difficult as possible for me,” said Edwards ahead of the weekend’s action.
“But the fight isn’t over, and I am ready to push back to take away some silverware this weekend and another British medal, but the only thing to be determined is what colour will it will be!
“This weekend is going to be intense”, added Edwards.
“The boat was really handling nice and performing well at the sprints, so hopefully we can take that progress into this weekend and really push Mark for the title.”
This weekend’s British title battle is just the beginning of a busy fortnight for the Jelf Racing clan, as Ben Jelf jets off to China next week to compete in the next two rounds of the 2025 F1H20 World Championships.
The action for now is much closer to home, and onlookers will be able to see the racing from a number of vantage points surrounding the perimeter of the lake on Green Lane, however access to Stewartby Water Sports Club is for members only.
The action begins from 10:30am on Saturday 27 September, with the first day’s racing due to begin at 1pm following the practice sessions and qualifications, while Sunday’s racing also begins at 10:30.
