What is Z class?
Z class is spectacular powerboat racing for everyone. The boats are around 1/16th full size and their scale speeds exceed 500mph! Their engines can rev in excess of 40,000 rpm and develop almost 1,000 bhp per litre. The racing is for two, 15-minute heats around a rectangle or triangle, where every corner and every straight of each sub 30-second lap is your opportunity to get past the boat ahead!
Z class is a subsection of the Offshore Model Racing Association. It was proposed following difficulty accommodating an ever increasing number of model offshore racing enthusiasts at popular events. A separate section was required with a separate set of races. In the spirit of OMRA, the idea of racing smaller boats to present a greater challenge in rough conditions was adopted. The smallest yet easily available engine size was chosen, resulting in Z class being for engines marked '12' ( up to 2.11cc approximately 0.129 cu. in.). Although the smallest and cheapest offshore class, Z class boats are definitely not slow; 43 mph being the fastest recorded so far and speeds increase every year.
The engines used are mainly those designed for model car racing that have been converted to water cooling. The car engines are powerful, plentiful and comparatively cheap and many OMRA members can do the marine conversion for around £25. The radio control is usually just two function and there are several makers of racing boats specifically designed for Z class. The boats and racing are subject to OMRA rules.
You
could be the next Z class driver's champion. The championship consists of around 10 races each year, where your 7 best
scores count, but competitors are welcome to as many events as they wish to
attend.
Local clubs are also encouraged to run their own internal or inter-club Z class events. You
could also design your own boat, as there is also a manufacturer's championship
to compete for.
If this racing is for you, the
best way to get started is to come to a Z class event and meet and talk to as many
people as possible. Despite very competitive racing, the drivers are all great enthusiasts and
always keen to help one another.
Your
first step is to read the rest of this website. Have a look at the results in
this year's calendar to see what boat/engine you may be interested in racing,
then join OMRA. Membership of OMRA gives you insurance for racing and newsletters
covering all the offshore classes. If you haven't yet joined,
please check with us before travelling to see any event to confirm its date and
location. If there is any other way that I can help you, please contact
us and I
will be delighted to help.