Champs Motul Monster will not be there to defend Saturday's 51st running of the T&T International Great Race from Williams Bay in Chaguaramas to Store Bay in Tobago, but 17th-time winner Mr Solo Too will not be phased, believing it will be an equal race to the finish for all participants.
Ken Charles, the Mr Solo Too driver, said his boat spent the past day under repairs after two of its blades were damaged by debris in the water while testing Wednesday. Debris will be Charles' main concern, with the unpredictable weather condition expected to bring with it loads of rubbish and other stuff that will be dangerous to the boats while at full flight.
But Charles yesterday, said he is expecting a bumpy ride in the Boca, due mainly to the falling tide, a condition that will affect all the boats. In spite, if this, however, Charles said: "We will be hoping to be out in front and achieve the win."
A win for him will lead to an unprecedented 18th title and the most wins by any boat. Monster's absence from the event due to personal reasons, is unlikely to enhance Mr Solo's chances of winning, Charles said, as his competitors in the feature 130mph A-Class category- Paramount, Iron Man, Big Thunder and Mr Cat Killer, have all done well at the regattas during the year.
Apart from Motul Monster, last year's second-place team Lucas Oil Silverhook, will also not be taking the starter's gun.
Twenty four boats in seven categories- 50mph, 60mph, 70mph, 80mph, 95mph and the 130mph classes, will be contested today, with all having the opportunity to cash in on several incentives, such as a $10,000 prize for the throttle man with the ability to maintain the highest speed consistently.
Besides, competitors will also have a chance to claim an unknown prize, for the fastest boat in a two-point race between the Five Islands in Chaguaramas and Pigeon Point in Tobago. The race will be streamed live on the association's Facebook page.