Honda to stay with the sport

Sponsorship deal to continue for at least two more years

Geoff Matthews, General Manager of Honda (UK) Power Equipment and head of the outboard division announced on the eve of the final two rounds of the 2008 Honda Formula 4-Stroke championship in the Isle of man on Friday that his company would continue sponsoring the series for at least two more years.

Honda has financially supported this category of offshore racing since 1999, now the largest single one-design class in the world. However concern has existed for some time that with the current economic climate they may well announce their withdrawal. This reassurance will now do much to bolster other marine sponsors in this time of uncertainty

The news was received by crews with great enthusiasm. It ensures their current investment in the sport can continue at least until 2011. Meanwhile the same announcement was made by eight time world offshore champion, Steve Curtis MBE, during the opening of the Southampton Boat Show

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