Pickwick, Tennessee: May 4rd, 2008
Shaun Torrente took the checkered flag in the season opener of the F1 ChampBoat Series. The picturesque lakeside town of Pickwick Tennessee was the venue for the 5th annual Pickwick Challenge. #72 Lynn Simburger took second place honors and Woodlawn, Tennessee native, #38 Jeff Shepherd rounded out the podium finishing third.

Singha T1 Team Thailand driver Nithut Khunjeng turned in an impressive 4th place, finishing a few boat lengths from the podium on his first ever US race.

The Pickwick Challenge proved to be a challenge for many F1 ChampBoat drivers. Pole winner #62 Chris Fairchild and #41 Randy Rinker were taken out during a crash on the opening lap. #11 Mike Schubert, Bud Light #16 Tim Seebold and teammate #2 Todd Beckman went down due to mechanical difficulties.

The Pickwick crowd cheered as the F1 drivers jockeyed for position in the 50 lap finale. Shaun Torrente took the lead from #10 Terry Rinker who stepped out of the race with battery issues and later returned to finish 9th. Torrente, driving a brand new boat, which saw water for its first time Saturday was impressive in its debut under the talented driving skill if the Miami native.

The ChampBoat Series heads north for the 22nd annual Bay City River Roar June 20-21 in Bay City, Michigan.