Mette Bjerknes to Showcase Powerboat Racing at Cheltenham Science Festival 2024

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Originating from Norway and now based in Cheltenham, Mette is set to offer attendees of this year’s festival a unique experience by inviting them into the cockpit of her advanced carbon fibre racing boat. This will provide a firsthand glimpse into the intense world she navigates as one of the rare female competitors in her division on an international scale.

Operating under the flag of JRM Racing, a venture she helped launch in 2020, Mette’s career in powerboat racing has taken her across the globe, competing on a variety of water bodies from scenic lakes to bustling harbors, all in the quest for speed and triumph. Coming from a family with a legacy in powerboat racing, her life has always been surrounded by a culture of thrill-seeking and unwavering resolve, shaping her into the competitor she is today.

With a racing career that spans over a decade, Mette has been an active competitor in the F2 class since 2011. Her aspirations are high, having aimed for a top 6 finish in the 2023 World Championship. Despite a setback due to a crash, she impressively ended the season ranked 9th. Piloting her boat, Mette faces intense conditions, with the craft capable of navigating sharp turns at breathtaking speeds and outpacing some of the world’s fastest cars in acceleration. Racing at velocities reaching up to 190 km/h, she must overcome the challenges of limited visibility within the compact cockpit, all while managing external conditions like rain and glare.

Mette’s respect for her competitors and the demanding nature of powerboat racing form the foundation of her philosophy in the sport. Eager to impart her knowledge and foster a deeper appreciation for the intricacies and excitement of powerboat racing, Mette, who also has a background in teaching, is enthusiastic about connecting with people from various backgrounds during the Cheltenham Science Festival.

Mette’s presence adds to an impressive roster of more than 200 speakers and exhibitors at the festival, which includes figures like space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, renowned physicist Brian Cox, and adventurer Steve Backshall. Her powerboat will be a highlight at Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham. Following the festival, the racing season calls, with Mette setting off to Italy to start her climb in the 2024 rankings.

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