Powerboat racing returns to city

Youngsters will be racing in K class and K1000 races

Powerboat racing will return to Bristol Docks later in May after an absence of 14 years.

The high-risk grand prix event in the city's harbour used to attract thousands of spectators.

Bristol was renowned as having one of the world's most dangerous, and popular, powerboat courses. The event was axed after a driver died.

The sport will return to the city when the Junior National Powerboat Grand Prix Series is held on 15 and 16 May.

There has not been any racing in Bristol since the death of Danish driver, Jorgen Askgaard in June 1986.

He was killed after his boat crashed into the old Gas Ferry jetty at 80mph, splitting the boat in two.

At the time the organisers blamed the city council for not eradicating the old, possibly redundant, jetty.

Safety has been increased for this latest series of races and the boats used by the youngsters are not as powerful as those used by adults.

Two junior world powerboat record holders will be in the starting line-up.