By BILL STEWART
Kennebac Journal
BOWDOINHAM -- Alex Poliakoff insists he is not driven by chasing a points championship.
Instead, he says, it's the rush of competition that pushes him to race his powerboat across New England and beyond.
"I can't help it," he says with a laugh. "I'm driven by the competition. I enjoy going fast. I like to run up front and go as fast as I can. The points come as a result."
Poliakoff, who manufactures racing engine packages through Japan-based Tohatsu Outboard Motors, is once again enjoying a strong season with his 11-foot, 6-inch hydroplane in the American Powerboat Association. Poliakoff, 68 of Bowdoinham, is fourth in points in the Stock Outboard D Hydro division. The association classifies its divisions through engine sizes, with D being the biggest.