Hydroplanes face their moment of truth in NZ

by Bob Wonders on 5 Feb 2009 The top hydroplane racers head to Lake Karapiro, Cambridge this weekend for the final round of the 2009 UIM World GP Hydroplane title.

Kiwi ace Ken Lupton (Annihilator 3), currently holding a commanding 625 points in the championship, has been working around the proverbial clock making repairs to his 8.0-metre Auld design boat.

The repairs become necessary after Lupton rode up the rooster tail of Australian entry Brett Niddrie (Warlord) in the first round of the championships, sustaining a 2.0-metre long hole in the right aft side.

Despite that problem, Lupton went on to win. Since than, Lupton has ‘refreshed’ his 510 cu in supercharged engines and one has been installed ready for the final round.

David Alexander (Annihilator 2) holds second place on the championship ladder and only needed minor maintenance on his 2500hp engine prior to this weekend.

Niddrie arrived back in New Zealand last week, rebuilding and engine and repairing a gearbox.

He is confident he will be ready to go and if he gains maximum points to go with his 400 will take the championship lead.

Auckland driver Graham Weller (G-Force), currently on 395 points, has had some minor engine problems, but his team has been hard at work during the week and will be ready to race.

Reigning World titleholder, Warwick Lupton (Annihilator) is lagging back, with 352 points after he spent more time in the air than on the water!

Warwick said his 1800hp, 180mph boat had enough horsepower that led to it wanting to fly like a plane.

“We have made some changes to the rudder and shaft angles and this should make for a better handling boat,” he explained. “Otherwise we may be swimming.”

Scott Coker (Fair Warning) also had handling problems in round one; the crew has made changes to the boat’s set up and tested several different propellers since then.

American driver, J.Michael Kelly (127 points) arrives back in New Zealand today (Thursday) and will again be at the wheel of Peter Knight Snr’s boat,’ The Boss.’

Some changes have been made to the boat and further testing will be carried out prior to the final race set up being confirmed.

Kelly, driver of the US Unlimited Hydroplane ‘Spirit of Detroit’, has claimed 19 world records, six of which still stand.

He had no trouble adapting to the smaller hydroplanes and showed his willingness to mix it with the Kiwi and Aussie entries.

Three heats remain of the championships; points from the opening rounds are carried over and the final three races on Sunday will determine the ’09 World champion.

The GP Hydroplanes will actually race five times on the Sunday as the Kiwis defend the A.E.Baker Australasian Hydroplane championship.

About 60 competitors will be facing the starter over the weekend, with round two of the NZ Powerboat titles to be decided in Formula 1, 3.0 and 6.0-litre hydroplanes and V8 float bottoms.

Racing starts at 10am both days.

For further information visit the website, www.hydroplane.co.n