Offshore Powerboat's at Botany Bay this weekend

by Gary Nash on 26 Apr 2007 The ACME Australian Offshore Powerboat Series will put the drama of round three at Newcastle behind them and head to Sydney to put on a show of speed and adrenaline at the Botany Bay Classic.

Class One entry and defending champion SIMRAD burst into flames last weekend at Newcastle Harbour, putting an end to the race as a red flag was needed to bring the blaze under control.

Fans were left somewhat disappointed after a premature race ending meant the action was stopped only half way into race proceedings at Newcastle, but the series will move to Botany Bay with competitors determined to put the Newcastle drama behind them and focus on racing.

'Last week was a little disappointing for us, we were travelling quite well until the race was stopped, it was our first race in our new boat so we can't wait to get out there in Sydney,' explained Antony DeFina, throttleman of brand new Class Three- 6 litre entry, Saracen.

The Saracen team was joined by a brand new Class Three - 4 litre entry in Phoenix at the weekend, as well as a new Haines/ Suzuki one make class entry in Jericho, who took out their class win on debut in Newcastle.

'The participation and interest in offshore powerboating in steadily on the rise, and the new entries across a range of classes proves that, we hope to put on a great show in Sydney this week,' explained Race Director Russell Embleton.

'These boats are simply awesome to watch when they are in full flight, to be able to travel at speeds of more than 200km/h out on the water is quite breathtaking and very entertaining.'


The Class One field will be minus the defending champions in SIMRAD after the Newcastle inferno, caused by the engine tearing itself apart and sending a conrod out of its side.

The oil leak that stemmed from the engine problem was of such a high temperature that it caught fire as the engine disintegrated, resulting in considerable damage to the Lamborghini port side engine.

The initial clean up of the million dollar SIMRAD vessel will take a couple of months, and overall it will be at least six months before the boat returns to a state fit for racing.

The out-of-action SIMRAD boat dashes the hopes of crewmen Luke Durman and Ross Willaton defending their Class One title and opens the door for Maritimo, ACME Racing, and Smorgon Steel to be crowned the 2007 champions.

Up to twenty of the countries fastest offshore powerboats will take to the waters of Botany Bay this weekend, with a practice and testing session scheduled for Saturday 28 April between 3:30pm and 4:30pm, with racing to kick off at noon on Sunday 29 April.

Spectators are encouraged to make their way to the pit areas at Cooks River Boat Ramp located at Mutch Avenue, Kyeemagh, with boast on display all day Saturday 28 April before practice and testing takes place on Botany Bay.

BOTANY BAY CLASSIC
Saturday 28 April: All boats on Display at Cooks River Boat Ramp
Practice and testing from 3:30pm Botany Bay

Sunday 29 April: Botany Bay Classic Offshore Powerboat Race from 12 Noon