IN AN exclusive interview with The Resident, the 2006 SuperSport Class World Champion and the winner of the 2007 British Grand Prix SuperSport title, Jackie Hunt talks candidly about her success and the upcoming Powerboat race in Portimão on September 29 and 30.
Jackie Hunt and her husband and co-pilot Mike Shelton appear to be the pairing with the Midas touch as they secured their second consecutive home win at the end of August.
They are now going into the final two races as championship leaders but they must first get through the Powerboat P1 Belgian Grand Prix of the Sea in Zeebrugge this weekend, September 8 and 9, before they can tackle Portimão.
Great shape
Speaking about their success so far, Hunt said: “It was amazing, beyond anything we could have hoped for. We don’t take part in any sport without the desire to win. We did a lot of testing over the winter and made some changes”, and now she feels confident that the boat is in great shape.
With many changes occurring in a fast-paced sport, Hunt said: “There are a lot of new boats in SuperSport this year, each with very experienced crews. The competition is harder, but it makes the racing even more exciting”.
Since beginning her career in racing nine years ago, she has learned a lot and for the last seven years her husband has been her co-pilot and has shared her glory, especially during the past two years.
“We both love the sea. When we are not racing boats, we are racing jet skis, sailing or simply enjoying a pleasurable day out. We have shared some pretty amazing experiences with the sea, and we respect each other immensely. That said, we still plan to win!”
As a partnership personally and professionally, Hunt believes it is easier for them. “We think the same way and can usually do what the other one wants or needs before they ask. If things do not go well, we argue like any other team, but we always agreed to leave what happens in the boat, in the boat. That way, win or lose, we still enjoy a good drink together afterwards!”
Total freedom
Hunt appears to relish the freedom that the sea offers and said she would not like to be constrained by a track. This is what she feels gives her an edge. “You have total freedom! Most car racers find this hard to deal with. The road moves! The sea is so unpredictable that it adds a dimension that no other motor sport has! Effectively, the track changes every lap!”
The exhilarating experience of being on water is magnified by the conditions of each race. “The sound of twin 550hp petrol engines at full tilt echoing off the water is simply amazing”, she said.
As a top seed contender, she has a great deal of respect for the sport that she loves and the organisation behind it that has brought it into the forefront of people’s minds as action packed and adrenaline rushing field. “They have built a platform that doesn’t exist anywhere else. The combination of world class boats and teams, world class events and locations, top TV and press coverage and the spectacle put on at each event in addition to this is something special!”
She is anxious about the Powerboat P1 Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea, in Portimão, which takes place on September 29 and 30 and she said she could not predict the outcome. “The season finale in Portugal is hard to beat though, the SuperSport title looks like it will go down to the wire again this year and they certainly know how to party out there!”
On Wednesday, September 26, a joint The Resident/BPCC evening event is taking place at Boca do Rio in Mexilhoeira da Carregação, at 7.30pm. Jackie Hunt, the female contender in the Powerboat world, will be the main speaker. For reservations, email vania@portugalresident.com. More details soon!
