My interest in the sport began when I received a Red Letter Day gift to go along to the Midland Powerboat training day at Kingsbury Park, Birmingham in June 1997.
I drove several kinds of powerboats - a Monohull, a Formula 4 and an OSY400. My circuit time in the OSY400 was � of a second off the European Champions' time. The trainer on the day jokingly said to me "If you have any money at all, go and buy yourself a boat and drive!" From then on, my love for the sport has flourished, so I began to race.
Eventually, I managed to find an OSY400 for a reasonable price. I stripped the engine so I could fully understand the technical side. I went along to club meetings at the circuits in the UK; Stewartby, Kingsbury, Oulton Broad and Carmhill to gain experience.
After my World Champion victory in 2000, my goals and ambitions were greater than ever. I was invited by the Burghan Racing Team to join them as one of their drivers. This was an excellent opportunity for me to progress to a higher class, being Formula 4. I took part in four races of Formula 4 and in the European Championships in which I was placed second. I was also given the opportunity to take part in one round of the World Championships at Victoria Dock in London. A technical fault prevented me from completing the race but a fantastic experience nonetheless.
In early February 2003, a boat building company from New Zealand were looking for a British driver to drive their new KRB prototype boat in Formula 2. They contacted me and asked if I would be interested. I was delighted to accept and took the trip to New Zealand to meet the guys and see this amazing piece of machinery. The whole experience was exhilarating and one I will certainly never forget for the rest of my life. I felt so privileged to be a part of it. After the boat was built I took part in the most prestigious race in New Zealand, The King of the Harbour. This was my first time in the boat on the water, needless to say I was slightly nervous but very excited all the same and, I won!
"Together with my dedicated team, we are pursuing greater success for the 2005 season. With the World Championships and the National Championships in our sights, I am committed to maintaining our professional and successful International Powerboat Racing Team. We want to be World Champions again."
I am 41 and run my own business, Cooks Cars in the UK, transporting and caring for special needs and severely disabled children. I have two children, Stephanie nine and Matthew, seven. The 2004 season was an unusual one. The delayed arrival of the boat from the Presidents Cup in the Middle East and a serious illness with my father prevented me from competing in the World Series. However, I have taken the opportunity to complete some invaluable testing and enhancements on the boat which has given me a solid foundation for the coming season. My immediate racing goal is to complete a full season in Formula 2 and finish in the top three.
