James Tapp is only 34 and has already retired more times than Frank Sinatra.

The 2016 UIM P750 Pro-Stock World Champion has decided to give his battered body another season of punishment in pursuit of the 2017 RYA British National ThunderCat Championship.

Teaming up with co driver Ed Redman, the multi championship winner has secured sponsorship from Nationwide Vehicle Assistance and the Headland, a hotel situated by Fistral Beach for his Tohatsu powered Aquarius inflatable hull.

Tapp’s cerebal driving style suits the surf, which is handy as the 2017 ThunderCat Championship will host its first 2 rounds at Newquay this weekend.

Tapp, a father of 2 young daughters told me;

I am really looking forward to the surf, the 20 boat competition and hopefully receiving podium laurels from a representative of The Headland after the races on the Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Sitting on the sidelines last year was awful and I’m chomping at the bit to get back on the water.

The racing starts at midday on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend at Fistral Beach.

Photo: Mike Powell