Hi Guys,long time since I last posted, good to see Manos is still on-line!There has been a few actually loads of changes in my life; one being that I now organise Thundercat racing based in Southampton which has taken over my life, I love it and have my oldest daughter working for me. We are slowly but surely building a secure future for the series which is a non-profit making organisation similar to Offshore racing and unlike Zap Cats which has a promoter and is a commercial venture, where you have to race only Gemini Ribs and buy the kit from them, with us any manufacturer's boat that fits the series can race and we try to make racing as cheap as we can for the competators.
Thundercat racing UK is only a small cog in a big worldwide series that has been going for years and has seen differnet series start and stop. The Southern hemisphere has dominated the sport and there are similar organisations like ourselves in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, Europe and more are following.
The GB Squad and myself have just come back from competing in the World Cup staged in East London South Africa, GB came 2nd in country but South Africa came 1st and overall winners individually. I'm very proud of the five teams that entered - Kevin Cruellin & Sarah Barrell, Jason Wyatt & James Agnew, Abhai Pandya & Mile Littler, Sean & Bryn Fisher and finally Daniel Williams & Damion Bowen.
The future for International racing is excellent with a World and European Championship in progress for 2006, many countries asking for the further three years, so lots to look forward too!
As for the UK, I am asking for local clubs around the UK to open their membership to our guys, bringing back the real 'grass root racing', training new drivers and fun events. That will give me more time to devote to a larger National Championship, finding new exciting venues and World events. We have 10 new racers so our fleet will vary between 12 to 24 boats this year and more to follow. We will be racing with various other extreme sports from Kite and windsurfers to Offshore racing, I dont want Thundercat's to grow to quickly so this is a good way to start - Competative safe racing on the water but keeping the fun and friendly community spirit on land!! I am especially aware of the cost factor so try at all times to get sponsorship, cheaper goods and freebies for the guys.
We are not competing against Zap Cats, some of our racers who's boats are not Gemini ribs cant race in their series. Zap Cat's is very professional operation and we wish them all the best for 2005. I have a lot of friends who actually race in the series and will also do some of ours this year - Thats what's nice about it.
As for T.V - Yes we will have it for 2005, I am about to sign a three to five year deal with a large production company. To keep up to date with whats going on. log onto the website
www.thundercatracing.co.uk occasionally or read Rib International.
Hope this helps, love to hear from any avid ribsters who would like to get involved
fiona@m2mracing.com
Fiona P x
OK I will annnounce tomorrows news on RIB.NET tonight!
There will be a Nationwide search for a fully sponsored all female team to race the 2005 Thundercat series. Any female interested over the age of 18 should contact us. Must be physically fit and enjoy high adrenline sports.
Fantastic photos Tim - you should come with us on some of our surf days! You would of love South Africa!
I knew if I got on the site again I would get addicted! he he he!! but it's nice to keep in touch - will never forget 'my' grass roots of Offshore and RIbs!! 
