The E1 series, set to be the world’s first and only electric powerboat racing series, held its first virtual online competition to find the UK’s fastest pilot.
London teenager Lewis Appiagyei beat all others to be crowned the inaugural champion of E1 series’ fastest lap competition. He set a time well over 3 seconds to his nearest rival in just his second attempt. To be fair, Lewis set his first Guinness World Record at the tender age of 10 and made history by being the youngest person in the world to set a motor racing simulator record.
The 17-year-old champion racing driver Lewis Appiagyei from Camden is steadily making a name for himself as a global teen star. He featured in Forbes magazine America and has appeared in a BBC news feature about his racing. Lewis, who was named the youngest on the prestigious Forbes ’30 under 30’ Africa list last year, aims to become a Formula 1 champion. At 17 he is already an ambassador for the biggest youth sporting event in Europe, the London Youth Games. Lewis is very impressed by the fast pace of the E1 RaceBird with its futuristic striking looks, so much so that he would even consider doing a stint in the series in 2023.
If the E1 series can attract the likes of Lewis Appiagyei right off the bat, then they’re on to something good. Teenagers like Lewis often command a lot of power through their notoriety. Lewis’ almost iconic status comes with legions of Fortnight playing, Gran Turismo racing fans who are as hard to please as the teenage racing protégé himself, but will follow this talented sportsman because he is one of them.
Using innovative hydrofoil technology, the electric RaceBird powerboats will rise above the water’s surface, allowing for minimum drag and maximum energy efficiency. Being lifted above the surface will not only improve performance, but also promote close and competitive racing with a reduced wake when following an opponent.
The UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series was established to create an exciting, competitive racing platform to promote sustainable electric watercraft and reduce the environmental pressures being placed on the ocean, rivers and lakes. It will see up to 12 teams competing on the water in spectacular global race locations. The pilots will tackle
tight and technical circuits, reaching speeds close to 50 knots (93 km/h or 58 mph) behind the wheel of the RaceBird powerboats designed by SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine. The E1 Series was launched in 2020 by two close friends from the automotive world, Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso.
