World Jet Ski Champion Belcher Determined To Bring 'Kings Cup' Back To Britain In Time For Christmas
Jet Ski ace Simon Belcher heading to Thailand for World Series finale
Reigning World Jet Ski Champion targeting Kings Cup glory this month
Former British Touring Car Championship driver proudly flying flag for UK
Successful Swindon sportsman Simon Belcher, the reigning World Jet Ski Champion, has his eyes fixed on adding the coveted ‘Kings Cup’ to his glittering array of championship trophies when the Jet Ski World Cup takes place in Thailand next week.
Handy Motorsport’s Belcher, who will shortly be travelling out to Pattaya City, currently leads the Jet Ski World Series after the first three rounds following an absolutely outstanding 2023 where he has been a dominant force at events in Europe and America.
Delivering Pro Sport GP category wins in Poland and France aboard his Yamaha Waveblaster 3, which runs a Miller Racing Hull and 1500cc engine, the Wiltshire racer then climbed to the top step of the podium in the third round of the World Series at the prestigious IJSBA World Finals in the USA.
Not only does the Jet Ski World Cup form the final round of the World Series, it also carries with it the most highly prized trophy of the year in Jet Ski racing circles – known as the Kings Cup. The trophy is treasured by those riders around the world who have been fortunate enough to have won it over the years and Belcher came close in 2022, ending the series as Vice-Champion.
The upcoming event in Thailand takes place between Wednesday, 13th December, and Sunday, 17th December, with the ultimate Champion being crowned on the final day in the Pro categories. All equipment is currently in transit to the Far East, in readiness for the last – and possibly most hotly contested – battle of 2023.
Prior to his full-time return to Jet Ski racing a few years ago, having previously raced Jet Skis in the 1990s, Belcher turned his hand to the world of car racing where he competed very successfully in the Legends Cars Championship and Renault UK Clio Cup – winning two titles in the latter – before joining the biggest and most competitive series in the UK, the British Touring Car Championship.
Simon Belcher:
“I can’t wait to arrive in Thailand for the World Cup, it has been an unbelievable season so far winning in Poland, France and the USA. My team has worked relentlessly on the boat this year and my fitness is at its highest level since I returned to Jet Ski racing, after 15 years away from the sport racing cars.
“I know we still have a mountain to climb to win in Thailand, it is the toughest event of the year against the best teams and riders from all around the world. Also, with the race in Pattaya being on the sea, the wind can certainly make for some challenging conditions and it can change hour by hour. I will give it 100% and nothing less to try and bring home the Kings Cup to the UK.”
Belcher’s 2023 season in global Jet Ski competition is backed by key sponsors Greenworks Tools, AVOS Watersports Den, Liqui Moly, ZX1, Finch Signs, Quakysense and BNJ. Additional support comes from VP Fuels, 158 Performance, Seadoo Centre, Miller Racing, Dean’s Team Racing, Jetshed, Mike’s Gym, Freedom Racing and SJP Moto.
