Marine
Torrente Goes Two for Two
Wins F1-ChampBoat Series Old National Bank Grand Prix
Series' Inaugural Race in Evansville, Ind.
FOND DU LAC, Wis., June 25, 2009 – Shaun Torrente of Homestead, Fla., captured his second consecutive checkered flag on the 2009 F1-ChampBoat Series after winning the Old National Bank Grand Prix Sunday, June 21, in Evansville, Ind. Torrente also won the pole position on Saturday during qualifying runs for Sunday's 50-lap final.
Race conditions were extreme with racers and fans enduring 113 degree heat indexes, and the mighty Ohio River playing host to a challenging six turn, 1.25- mile race course. Rough course conditions forced three different racers out of the race, resulting in a total of three restarts within the first 25 laps. The 29-year-old Torrente delivered perfect starts each time – maintaining a 14 second lead over second place finisher and defending series champion, Terry Rinker of Tampa, Fla.
“The boat ran great all day,” said Torrente. “We had it set up perfectly and it just got us through the right hander the way we wanted it, and made for a great day of racing for the whole team. Chris Fairchild and I had a great race back and forth for the first 12 laps before he had a problem with his engine and eventually finished eighth. We are ready for Bay City, and hope to do the same thing we did there a year ago, win!”
Terry Rinker, runner-up for the second straight race, said, ”We have made some moves with the handling that aren't quite working out yet, but we should have them fixed by this week and be ready for Bay City next weekend. We have had some wild moments at the River Roar event, and look forward for a win this time around.”
Taking third for the third time in his career was Tennessee driver Jeff Sheperd. Jose Mendana Jr. of Miami, Fla., and Canadian Brian Venton of Bomanville, Ontario, Canada rounded out places 4-5. All were powered by Mercury 2.5 EFI Champ race outboards.
With two straight victories, Torrente now leads the championship ahead of Terry Rinker by 37 points (1175-1138), with Brian Venton third with 1013 and 162 behind.
Round three of the 2009 F1-ChampBoat Series is the Bay City River Roar, Bay City, Mich., June 27-28.
Additional information can be found on the official Web site for the F1-ChampBoat Series at www.champboat.com .
About Mercury Racing
Based in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Racing, a division of Mercury Marine, is a leading provider of high-performance marine propulsion systems for discriminating boaters worldwide, offering an exciting and fulfilling power boating experience on the water. Using leading-edge technology, Mercury Racing produces high-performance outboards, sterndrives, propellers, parts and accessories. Mercury Racing-powered boats win more races worldwide and set more records as compared to boats powered by other marine engine manufacturers. Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the world's largest manufacturer of recreational products, including pleasure boats, marine engines, fitness equipment, and bowling and billiards.
CONTACT: Rick Mackie
Mercury Racing
Senior Marketing Manager
Phone: 920-924-2032
FAX: 920-921-6533
E-mail: rmackie@mercmarine.com
