Pete ready for world speed record attempt (From Witney Gazette)

Pete ready for world speed record attempt

9:00am Wednesday 18th October 2006 in Witney By Jo Duckles

POWERBOAT racer Pete Little is gearing up to make a world speed record attempt this month.

Mr Little, of Eynsham, will be making his attempt after coming third in the Class Three Two Litre 2006 European Championships in Italy last month.

Next he will attempt to break the class three two litre powerboat record of 77 miles per hour on Coniston Water, in Cumbria.

The attempt will be made on the water where car and motorboat driver Sir Donald Campbell crashed to his death in 1967. Mr Little said: "The world and European championships have given us valuable experience in preparation for the forthcoming record attempt.

"We've been building gradual momentum in time for what I believe will be a landmark event for the team at the end of October."

Mr Little's boat has seats for a driver and a navigator, and features a safety capsule, complete with oxygen and hydraulic steering.

The boat weighs 900 kilogrammes, and during races can reach 90 miles per hour. The boat, sponsored by Bicester-based BRITA Water Filter Systems, underwent major repair work following an incident earlier in the year, in time to gain Mr Little another placing in the World Championships in July.

Ian Nicholson, director of marketing for Brita Water Filter Systems, said: "We are delighted to see Mr Little and his boat doing so well in some prestigious races, and look forward to seeing how his attempt at breaking the existing world record goes.

"We wish him the very best of luck."