The Norwegian powerboat racer Pål Virik Nilsen gets the NMF scholarship for 2011 season. The only powerboat driver to have received the NMF scholarship earlier is Bjørn Rune Gjelsten. Pål is also nominated to recieve the 2011 scholarship from "Olympiatoppen"
The NMF Sports Director Anders Minken says: The Norwegian Motorsport Federation, includes both powerboating, motorcycle sport, snowmobile and radio controlled motorsports. Among our 19 disciplines, we have a handful of international top athletes with capacity to take home World Championship medals in prestigious sports. Pål is part of this elite, organised, with special services and rights in the NMF Elite Team. Pål stands out as a very serious athlete, systematically working on his physical, mental and social abilities. I strongly believe that the physical and mental fitness of the driver will be what separates the best from the rest in the future of powerboating. Pål understands and has prepared for this future.
Pål says: For me this is very important and a great confirmation that i do something right in matter of the physical sporting issue in powerboating.
Many drivers underestimate the need to be fit. If you want to be a proffesional and serious athlete this is one part og the package to be a good driver. The team puts hours and hours in work into the equipment and use big budgets so i can race. The least I can do in return is to be well trained and mentally prepared every time i represent the team during the season.