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Stamper, Stoneham set for showdown

`The Rumble outside the Jungle'? `The Clash of the (mini) Titanics'? Cliches aside, tomorrow's Round the Island Powerboat Race promises much excitement.

And while many followers of the event will be on the lookout for Guy DeSilva, who won Class A and line honours in 1995, even more await the impending duel between three time Class D defending champion Patrick Stamper and former multiple winner Andy Stoneham, widely regarded as Bermuda's best racer.

Stoneham and then co-pilot Ascento Russell thrilled all in 1994 with a dynamic display of driving skill and speed, piloting his Class C entry -- he is registered in Class D this year -- most of the way along South Shore with a broken skag which severely hindered steering.

Still, he was able to cross the line ahead of all others in a time of 41 minutes, 16 seconds.

Excellence has likewise marked the career of Stamper, who, without the flash and notoriety of Stoneham, has quietly dominated the class for the better part of the 1990's.

With co-pilot Louis Martin, Stamper won in each of the last three years, however he will have a different partner this time around, as Ian Bridges steps in, while Martin takes a turn at the wheel of his own Class C entry.

Both men were this week eagerly anticipating the challenge of finding out who indeed is the `Top Gun', with Stoneham, who has teamed with Otis Ingham, holding no doubt about what will happen, barring mechanical failure.

"The boat is up to the task and if everything comes together and things run as I think then Patrick is in deep trouble,'' said Stoneham, who will steer the red Thoroughbred, one which he and former partner Timmy Boyles purchased back in 1991, but crashed just weeks before that year's event.

"I have two engines and we'll race with the one that is up to my satisfaction. We're going out to do business and if the boat's up to full power we will do damage.'' Revealing some of his game plan, Stoneham said that he anticipated Stamper leading for the first half along North Shore and it was along the south side where he would stand the best chance of reeling him, and any others who might get away, in.

"I know for a fact that the boat they're using is lighter, so they'll probably be faster in the calm, while we should better handle the rough stuff,'' he explained. "My hope is that we don't let them get too far ahead in the calm.'' Stamper disagreed with the light boat, calm/rough theory expressed by his rival, saying that his boat can handle the rough as well as any other.

And though the veteran driver was not nearly as brash in statements regarding his prospects, one could certainly sense an aura of confidence.

"I'm going to go and try to win and it should be a good head to head battle,'' said Stamper, who will guide his five-year-old, red, white and yellow Progression, armed with a brand new engine.

"I think it'll be pretty interesting. We shall see...'' Both agreed that South Shore -- from Pompano to Ferry Reach -- would prove the decider in any battle, with early weather forecasts predicting two to three foot seas for Sunday.

Racing gets underway at 2.00 p.m. with Class A, followed by Class B (2.07 p.m.), Class D (2.14 p.m.); Class C (2.17 p.m.); Class S (2.22 p.m.).

BATTLE BREWING -- Former Class C winner Andy Stoneham, top, is back with a new boat to challenge the dominance of Class D three time defending champion Patrick Stamper during Sunday's Round the Island Powerboat Race at Ferry Reach (2.00).