A RISING powerboat racer has landed his second trophy for his cabinet after winning his first competition in Benoni recently.

Levi Shepard (7), from La Lucia, raced in the Formula One Powerboat South African Grand Prix at Rynfield Dam against eight other competitors.

“It was a fun race and I’m so glad I drove fast. There were lots of other boats that also raced including the F1 power boats,” he said.
“We have three heats in an event. In this event I placed third in the first heat, first in the second heat and second in the third heat, taking overall first place for the day,” said Levi.

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Levi is certainly a chip of the old block as his dad, Paul, is a six-times power boat racing champion, who taught Levi how to race from the age of five.

“I watched many of my dad’s racing videos and looked at his racing pictures over again; I wanted to try and race myself. My dad taught me how to drive in a small development mouse boat and after my first session, I was hooked,” said Levi.

The little adrenaline junkie says what he loves the most about the sport is the speed.

“I love how fast I can drive on the water and race against other people,” he said.

“I am so happy that I am able to race like I do and race so fast. I love my boat. My dad mentors me and I am very happy to have him teach me how to race and drive my boat,” he added.

Levi’s next competition takes place at Hazelmere Dam on June 25.

Event information will be posted on the F1 Powerboat Racing South Africa Facebook page soon.