Balloch powerboat racer Oban Duncan has admitted she was blown away by the speed of her new Formula 4 boat.
The 16-year-old, who is backed by Clyde Outboards and HBR, will step into F4 from the GT15 class that she’s dominated in recent years, and expects it to be a tough learning curve.
Oban told the Lennox: “It’s been a really exciting few months, we got the boat back from Germany and then had to get everything ready for the first test last month. That was an amazing feeling.
“It’s been really annoying having to wait, but I was happy to make sure everything was safe and ready, and that the boat was ready itself. It was worth the wait. But it was difficult.
“It’s very, very different. It’s a big change and a big step up from GT15.
“People had told me it would be, but I knew it was a challenge I was ready for.
“I normally always say that my aim is to just get used to the boat.
“But I know what I’m like. I’m competitive so we’ll see how that goes.”
Oban’s first national race will be at the end of May, with testing and club racing beforehand.
And she can’t wait to get behind the wheel - admitting it’s the reward for her hard work in the junior classes.
She continued: “Stepping up to F4 means all the hard work has paid off over the years.
“It really means a lot to know that you’ve worked for this and are getting there.
“When I got in it I was just blown away by the speed and how it cornered.
“It’s very different, but it’s really good. The G-forces through the corners are incredible.
“It’s a long season but I really want to get started and see how we get on.”
Whilst Oban was loving being out on the water, mum Karen admits she could barely watch from dry land.
She said: “I’ll be honest though, I was terrified the first time she went out. I had to hide in the toilet so I didn’t have to watch!
“I had to build myself up to get closer and closer to the water.
“But Oban handled it like a pro. She was amazing.
“The smile on her face means everything.
“It’s not been easy from a parent’s point of view, but to see her doing well at something she’s good at, loves and knowing that she knows safety comes first means a lot.
“I didn’t like watching her at all at first. As a parent I really had to build my own confidence up.
“But by the end of the weekend of testing I was a whole lot more confident. I’m just so proud of her and what she’s achieved.”
