Outerlimits PR

For Immediate Release
Martin Allerton, U.I.M. Powerboat P1 World Championship ([email protected])
011 44 1242 241103.
Marilyn DeMartini ([email protected]) 954-564-7234, 954-649-4904 cell

Powerboat P1 and Virtual Spectator
Announce Exclusive Global Partnership


Powerboat P1, the growing Vee Bottom, U.I.M. European Powerboat Racing circuit, has aligned with Virtual Spectator, world leader in interactive sports visualization, to provide virtual 3D coverage of all Powerboat P1 races during the 2008 season. UK-based Powerboat P1 made the announcement, along with news of its new schedule, at the London Boat Show last week.

Powerboat P1 joins other premier sporting events like the PGA Tour, World Rally Championship, America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, which employ unique 3D visualizations to follow event action and educate viewers. Via the internet, VS technology will show offshore racing action as well as provide weather and the boats’ telemetry data, including race speeds and positions.

Virtual Spectator’s 3D animated graphics provide life-like digital representation and special effects. Each boat will be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit that will log a boat’s location via satellite at split-second intervals. The information will then be translated into a downloadable, virtual environment that allows fans to ride the waves in the heat of competition, simulating the ride of the P1 racers. Powerboat P1 sees Virtual Spectator as an integral part of its extensive Grand Prix VIP hospitality experience and also as a tool for team managers.

"While Powerboat P1 has successfully drawn crowds to events and built a global TV audience, the sport now has a new way to connect with fans," explains Robert Wicks, Sales & Marketing Director, Powerboat P1 Management Ltd. "We are the only powerboat series in the world to offer fans deeper knowledge of the competitors and the complexities in the sport. Our ground breaking deal with Virtual Spectator will revolutionize the way in which fans engage in the sport, using the online, real-time action to view from the air or any one of the competing boats. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership and the positive impact it will have on the sport," he adds.

"We are thrilled to be involved with such a spectacular sport," states Curtis Worthy, Executive Project Manager, Virtual Spectator, "The collaboration between Virtual Spectator and Powerboat P1 represents an ideal partnership of sport and technology. VS has a proven track record in other sports and will provide the powerboat fan base with a platform to understand and experience P1 racing in an entirely new and interactive way, VS technology will continue to grow the global audience and make the sport more accessible—virtually anywhere!"

For more information and high-resolution Powerboat P1 photography, visit www.powerboatp1.com/media

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