F1 Superboats in Newcastle next weekend

by Media PR on 8 Jun 2008 The super fast F1 Superboats will roar into action on June 14th and 15th (next week-end) on Newcastle Harbour.

There was perfect weather at Toukley on May 25th for Round 2 when Shane Vella’s all yellow boat #61 swept 3 from 3. The weather has been ordinary since then but organisers are hoping for another perfect weekend in Newcastle.

One thing that’s in concrete is Shane Vella will come to Newcastle, carrying a spectacular round of results from round 2 at Toukley.

Gorgeous weather meant superb racing and the 'yella Vella fella' took advantage of this in his Lindenvel craft to sweep aside the opposition with a clean sweep 3 from 3.

Todd Boaer will be hoping history doesn’t repeat, after a crash on the Saturday at Toukley damaged the nose of his Jetworx Marine #8. Todd himself was ok and fingers are crossed for the battler to make a return to the water.

Watersports marine competitors Anthony McEnnally and Dean Tricky had a weekend they’d prefer to forget, with both craft suffering start problems. Sticking starter motors for the #5 and #7 entries had the team shaking their heads with frustration.

Shaking his head in disbelief was Jon Tsaccounis in the XLR8 Home Loans #12.
Jon had lady luck smile when he finished race 3 by 'rolling' his boat across the line. Young Tsaccounis had run out of fuel and by kicking over the starter, had enough momentum to get him to the chequered flag.

XLR8 Home Loans, as series sponsor, will be looking to the skies also, praying that history doesn’t repeat itself with mechanical issues. Team Chief Craig Truslove in his #11 boat will have his fingers, eyes and legs crossed in the hope a trouble free weekend is theirs, at Newcastle.

Challenger for the throne in 2008 is Rhys Coles, piloting the Byron Bay Premium Ale #14. Toukley was a disappointing round for the ’06 champ and the team will no doubt hit Newcastle with engines firing and guns blazing.

It’s unsure, at the time of writing, if Damien McKenzie’s #15 boat will make a return, after a barrel roll at Toukley also damaged his craft.

Capable of speeds up to 240 kph and the ability to reach 160 kph in 4 seconds from a standing start, the F1 Superboats are the ultimate water borne speed machine.

With the crowds close to the action on Newcastle Harbour spectators can see that potential disaster is only a fraction of a second away at these incredible speeds.

In 2006 Anthony McEnnally discovered this when his machine was involved in one of the most spectacular rollovers the Series has ever seen. The Tohatsu Rescue crew were quick to act, retrieving him and what was left of the boats. Thanks to the incredible safety requirements bruised egos were the only injuries sustained. Overall the event was as exciting for the spectators, as it was challenging for the drivers.

The 2007 series was blown out, when the savage East Coast low storms that washed the Pasha Bulker ashore on Nobby’s Beach had caused the race day cancellation.

The 2008 event will be filled with excitement as an excellent field of F1 boats accompanied by support classes of F2000, F3 and Mono Sports take to the water.

The best vantage spot to see the racing and feel the excitement will be the Pit Area on Throsby and Lee Wharves.

Filled full of action the round will host an array of support classes including, F2 , Mono, and the exciting Jet skis. Hurry and book your VIP Club Superboat tickets