"All the best Latvian pilots will be attending the races in Liepaja. Especially we are looking forward to see Martins Bergholcs who is World champion in 2007 and European champion this year in S550 class. In Liepaja also we will be excited to see Eriks Kiepe - Kipge who is 7 times Baltic champion and also World champion in 2006 in class O350, " tells Ieva Taunina, the general secretary of Latvian Water Motor Sport Federation.

In the canal of Liepaja there will be races in different classifications depending on the type of boat, its engine and other technical restrictions. Spectators will have a chance to see different types of boats - formulas which are equipped with 4 stroke engine, boats T550, S550, boats where the pilot will be in lying position with head first and also boats which have regular car motor.

All participants will be divided in two groups – youth (aged 10 - 16) and adults.

"The last event of Latvia Open Championship in Powerboat races will be a real challenge for all participants. And it is mostly because of such a specific and narrow track which is very different from tracks elsewhere in Latvia. Latvian Water Motor Sport Federation together with Liepaja council and organizers of the Festival of Speed – rally "Kurzeme 2014" with a successful co-operation shows that powerboat races successfully fits into motorsports and gathers together all fans of technical sprts," says the president of Latvian Water Motor Sport Federation Atis Slakteris.

Already fifth year the vivid Festival of Speed brings different motorsports into one event and for powerboats it is a challenge and also responsibility.

"With the support of "UPB Holding" Liepaja Water Motor Sport team "UPB Energy" performs good results and shows high professionalism which is also a reason for medals in World and European championships. UPB Holding also supports youth international programs which helps to create a deep interest in youth for active lifestyle, for the team and for Liepaja. Also it is a great possibility for young talents to participate in not only local but also international races," says A. Slakteris.

Since 2010, "Kurzeme" is not an ordinary rally – it is the Festival of Speed gathering the best rally drivers from Latvia and closest neighboring countries and participants from other motorsports, as well. This year, the program of the Festival of Speed will be enriched by the final cup of the Latvian Open Water Motor Sports Championship of Powerboats, taking place directly in the center of Liepāja, as well as other motorsport activities.

"Liepaja is located between the sea and a lake and water element has an important role for its citizens therefore we are very glad after few years of break to have powerboats racing in the Festival of Speed in the centre of Liepaja. These two sports complements each other. Especially exciting it will be to see two world and European champions racing who are citizens of Liepaja," says director of Festival of Speed – rally "Kurzeme 2014" Uldis Hmielevskis.

Powerboat races will take place in the Trade canal of Liepaja between two bridges and it will be convenient for all spectators to watch it from all four sides – from the bridges and sides of the canal. Powerboat races will start on Saturday, August 30 from 10:00 – 18:00.

Festival of Speed – rally "Kurzeme 2014" is organized in co-operation with "LDz Cargo", Liepāja city, Port of Liepāja, "VEGA 1", "Canon IBServiss", "Cēsu alus", "Ramirent", "LDC datortehnika", “IF Apdrošināšana", official car Nissan from "Skandi Motors".

Dzintars Hmieļevskis. Photo: Miervaldis Zaharčenoks