Queensland's Biggest Power Boat Racing Spectacular

by Sue-Ellen Pitt on 31 Oct 2008
Welcome to Bundy – Experience the Excitement

The Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Spectacular
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th November 2008.
Queensland’s Biggest Powerboat Racing Spectacular

The most elite field of Unlimited Displacement circuit racing boats to assemble in Australia this year will compete in Bundaberg on November 8th and 9th for the 2008 Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Power Boat Spectacular.

Featuring new cell boats Madness, driven by Troy Marland, and Typhoon with Nigel Agnew in control, the field is jam packed with high achievers in one of the most spectacular racing sports in Australia.

Brian McCosker in Liberty, Dean Barry in She’s the Culprit, and Trevor Stanley in Agent Orange have been major players and world title place holders from 2007. They will be challenged by a variety of new boats, including 2008 Australian champion Brett Sheppard in Unleashed.

14 super or turbo-charged boats, of which 12 are blown alcohol displacements, capable of speeds in excess of 200 kph will race for prize and trophy honours in the prestigious Iron Nuts Shield, Brad Pratt Memorial and Wide Bay Australia Flying Mile.

In a field of with a record 77 entries, the dynamic 6 litre displacement class have registered 22 entries. Major players include dual Trojan Cup winner, Craig Lewis in Image, and Mal McColl in The Chase who won the 37kg, $3,500 trophy in 2006.

Eagerly waiting in the wings with a string of 2nd and 3rd placings in major trophy races at this premier event last year, is True Blue from Western Australia, driven by Paul Harvey.

The field of entries includes excellent fields in the 5.2 litre class, hydroplanes, 25HP, Juniors and Unlimited Outboards.

The Bundaberg Region is proud to host numerous functions for the drivers and crews, including a Display of Boats, Official Welcome to the City, Welcome Party, at the Brothers Sports Club in West Bundaberg, and the presentation of trophies function after racing at the memorable Sugarland Tavern.

New to the event this year is the Display of Boats and official Welcome to the City from 5.30-7pm on Friday evening the 7th November. Entry is free. Fans can mingle with get their photos taken with drivers and team members, check out the boats, engineering and paint jobs.

The venue, Sandy Hook on the Burnett River in West Bundaberg, offers a fresh water, non-tidal waterway with natural elevated viewing banks.

The site is transformed with infrastructure for the event. This includes 2 spacious pits areas, 2 ramps, on-site catering and bar facilities, grandstand seating, foot taffic bridge over main ramp, exclusive corporate marquee area, large car-parking areas, and much more.

For big and little kids, there will be a highlight. The world’s largest inflatable slide 'The Hippo' will make its debut in Queensland. At 53m long and 11m high, it is bound to be a thrill and a great view for all the visitors. Prices for the slide are very reasonable @$3 per ride, 5 rides for $10, or $30 for an all day pass. The slide takes big kids too, up to 120kgs.

As a special honour this year, the event will also host international power boat racing delegates who have attended the U.I.M. General Assembly on the Gold Coast. In a sport that includes a variety of classes, it is expected the displacement circuit racing will give the delegates something to talk about overseas.

Lunchtime displays will include Bundaberg SeaDoo Wakeboats, jetskis and watersport toys, and the announcement of the Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Media Award winner.

On Sunday, a new speed record will be set for the fastest waterskiier on the Burnett River. Neil Rix from Blackwater will be towed behind ‘The B’driven by his father Errol. 'The B’is capable of speeds between 125-135mph (200-217kph).

At the 3pm on Sunday, a lucky ticket holder will win the fantastic 2008 GTI
3 seater SeaDoo supplied by sponsor, Bundaberg SeaDoo. The top prize of three includes the SeaDoo and trailer, as well as 2 SeaDoo life jackets, double tube ballistic wedge and rope. Minor raffle prizes wakeboards and tubes.

Welcome to everyone, for a great time in Bundy. The Bondstore, home of Bundaberg Rum is offering discounted tours to all Bundy Thunder visitors, and beach resorts and some other accommodation houses have special deals. If you are hear early, don’t miss the Melbourne Cup at the Bundaberg Race Course. General entry is $10 or marquee tickets are $22. Marquee tickets need to be booked and paid for in advance.

The success of this major regional event for Queensland is largely due to the ongoing sponsorship of Wide Bay Australia Ltd. This is the 8th year as major sponsor, and around Australia, the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder is now recognized as the premier power boat racing event.

Sponsorship from Bundaberg SeaDoo and Bundaberg Regional Council is also integral to the ongoing success of the event. Along with media sponsors, the event partners, hundreds of volunteers and generous in-kind support from a variety of local and interstate business, the 2008 Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder will be spectacular.

We wish a safe trip to everyone, and look forward to seeing you in Bundy.

For further information and accommodation details, visit the website www.bundythunder.com .au