Antigravity Batteries Sponsored Powerboat Pilot
Antigravity Batteries is proud to sponsor the SMS Motorsports Powerboat Team, piloted by Chris Swanson of La Porte, IN! This year Chris and his #54 team are competing in 2 National Series: the USF1 Powerboat Tour, and the NGK Spark Plugs F1 Powerboat Championship. 2017 is their 3rd season competing in a National Series in Formula Lights class.
NGK F1 Powerboat Championship
Most recently, Chris qualified 3rd for the Gulfport Grand Prix race in Florida. This was the first stop on the F1 Powerboat Championship Series Inaugural Tour. The newly formed 6-race series runs April – September featuring Formula 1, Formula Lights, Tri-Hulls, and J Hydro powerboats. The tour’s very first race held April 29-30 weekend was also Chris’ first podium finish in 10th career start.
“We battled rough waters to take home a 3rd place finish at the inaugural Gulfport Grand Prix last week. We also came home to a dead battery in our personal vehicle – but no worries because our Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start XP-10 saved the day and had it running again with minimal effort – BEST jump starter EVER!”
USF1 Powerboat Tour
US Formula 1 Powerboat Tour is North America’s premier race tour for Formula One (“champ boat”) and Formula Lights (also known as SST-45). For several decades the F1 outboard has been recognized as the world’s most spectacular racing powerboat – sleek and extremely light & maneuverable, propelling up to 130 miles per hour. Similar in appearance to the F1 machines are the Formula Lights, which typically reach speeds up to 75 mph, and are the entry level class to tunnel boat racing.
The SMS Motorsports #54 F-Light powerboat piloted by Chris Swanson has a top speed of 80 mph and is a 13′ long 2012 McCourtie with a 750cc (45ci) 2 cylinder 2 stroke Evinrude engine. It was equipped with an Antigravity lithium ATX12-20 Battery but now Chris will be using the ATX12-24.
Swanson has a history of performing well in the USF1 and other races. In 2015 he received the USF1 Powerboat Tour Formula Lights Rookie of the Year award. He also finished top 10 in points Rookie season.
Chris Swanson’s Other Career Highlights
- Qualified 3rd in 2016 Pittsburgh (8th career start – Three Rivers Regatta)
- First top 5 (4th) in heat 2 at Port Neches Riverfest 2016 – led 6 laps ( 6th career start)
- Featured in Let’s Race magazine (summer 2016 issue)
- #54 boat was featured in all event posters and apparel for the 2016 Maple City Grand Prix
SMS Motorsports is a solid team: Chris’ wife Sunee Swanson is an ER Nurse but is also radio spotter on race day; and their children are dock crew and handle race prep. They won’t have to travel far for the June 10-11 USF1 race in their hometown of La Porte Indiana! Then the #54 F-Lights Powerboat Team will be off to Nashville, Tennessee for the NGK F1 Championship Series, June 16-18.
Connect with SMS Motorsports on Faceboook for the latest event news and more #54 Formula Lights action!
CHRIS SWANSON
ANTIGRAVITY POWERED
Check out the ATX12-24 Lithium Battery powering his #54 race boat.
