Chatham teenager George Elmore is the British Formula 4 Circuit Powerboat Association (CPA) champion for 2024.

It’s been a debut season in F4 racing for the 19-year-old, who has been competing for the Kingfisher Fire and Security Powerboat team.

Elmore produced exemplary performances in the hotly-contested competition and at the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club, in St Helens, Merseyside was announced as the overall F4 championship winner.

He won both of the first two rounds at Lowestoft and Stewartby earlier this season.

Following a serious collision in the Stewartby Sprints competition a few weeks ago, the Kingfisher boat was unfortunately out of action and has been returned to its original boat builder in Denmark for extensive repairs.

It meant Elmore was without his usual boat to compete in the final round but due to other competitors having injuries, boat damage and personal commitments, the round was cancelled for all the F4 teams.

He said: “I would have preferred to have raced the final round but unfortunately it was not possible.

“To have been awarded the title after my two previous wins is simply superb!

“Since the crash at Stewartby I thought my dreams of an F4 championship title this year were over. To still be awarded the F4 title was just the best news ever.

“I’d like to thank all the Kingfisher team for their support, although in particular I’d like to thank team owner Ian [Blacker].

“Ian took the risk of putting me in his boat this year with no real experience in the class, he believed in me and after investing in the boat and equipment has fully supported me at every stage.

“I’d also like to thank my parents, they’ve been with me throughout, even when I turned the boat over and ended upside down and swimming - twice! - at the very start when I began learning!”

Blacker, who is also team manager, said: “I’m really proud of George for achieving the 2024 Formula 4 title for the team in his debut season in the catamaran-style boat.

“He drove faultlessly in the first two rounds and led the way in every race, he very much deserves the title. He was indeed involved in a nasty accident last month and it was good to see him back out on the water racing another boat.

“The Kingfisher F4 boat will be returned to the UK very soon and we will look to get it re-set up and running asap, so George can once again get back in the driving seat.”