Pål Virik Nilsen has retired from powerboat racing after a career spanning more than 300 races across 33 years.
The Norwegian driver told Powerboat Racing World that motivation and the absence of competitive opportunities shaped his decision.
It has been a difficult decision.
I could probably have performed at a high level for another five to seven years, but the lack of motivation and the absence of a competitive team made the choice sad, but ultimately easier.
When the hunger to perform is gone, there is little reason to continue.
Nilsen began competitive racing in 1992 from his hometown of Sandefjord. His career progressed from junior circuit classes to offshore competition, including XCAT and Class-1.
Championship Titles
Nilsen secured world, continental, and national titles across multiple decades.
World Championship
Australian Titles
Career Races
Years Racing
| Year | Title | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Norwegian Cup Champion | Circuit (S-550) |
| 1996 | Nordic Champion | Circuit (S-550) |
| 1997 | Norwegian Champion | Circuit (F4) |
| 1998 | UIM World Champion | Class S-850 |
| 1998 | European Champion | Formula 4 |
| 2001 | Norwegian Champion | Circuit (V-25) |
| 2008 | Australian Champion | Offshore Class-1 |
| 2009 | Australian Champion | Offshore Class-1 |
| 2010 | Australian Champion | Offshore Class-1 |
He was named Norwegian Motorsport Athlete of the Year in 2009.
Team Career
Nilsen raced for major teams including Maritimo Racing, Victory Team, and Spirit of Norway. His partnership with Tom Barry-Cotter delivered three consecutive Australian Offshore Superboat National Titles between 2008 and 2010.
The pair competed together in more than 40 races, first teaming up in Athens in 2007. They reunited for the 2022 UIM XCAT World Championship after Nilsen’s recovery from cancer.
Cancer Battle and Comeback
Nilsen was diagnosed with cancer in late 2019. After treatment, he returned to racing in 2022 with Maritimo Racing, demonstrating the resilience that defined his career.
The sport has changed. Today it is often more about who can buy their way into a seat rather than experience and talent.
High-Speed Instruction
Nilsen established himself as Norway’s premier high-speed boat instructor. Since the Norwegian government introduced mandatory high-speed licences for boats capable of 50+ knots in 2023, he has trained recreational boaters, the Norwegian Armed Forces, and police units.
He authored “Helt Propell”, a technical guide on boat setup, propeller selection, and high-speed safety. He also co-authored “Båteieren”, a seamanship and maintenance manual.
Nilsen collaborates with high-performance brands including Goldfish Boats, conducting advanced handling courses.
Historic Achievement: Nilsen secured the first UIM Formula 2 World Championship victory in a BaBa hull at Cagliari in 2012.
Legacy
Nilsen’s career progressed through circuit racing classes including T-400, S-550, and Formula 4 before advancing to offshore competition. He competed in Formula 2, Formula 1, Class-1, and XCAT across multiple continents.
His championship achievements spanned four decades, beginning with the Norwegian Cup in 1996 and concluding with his XCAT campaigns in 2022.
Photography by Chris Davies
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
