Spectacular racing at finals of NZ Powerboat Championships
by Bob Wonders on 24 Mar 2009
Janine White and ’Predator’ on their way to victory in the Modified Hydroplanes - NZ Powerboat championships Phillip Hoskyn
St. Arnaud’s Lake Rotoiti, near Nelson, was the setting for the finals of the New Zealand Powerboat Championships last weekend.
With seven classes vying for a National crown, the racing was fast and furious throughout.
Nowhere was the action more intense than in the Grand Prix Hydroplanes, with Scott Coker, at the wheel of ‘Fair Warning’, first to greet the chequered flag.
Luke Sharp, at the wheel of ‘Promt Parts’, took the second place, relegating the highly-experienced Warwick Lupton (Annihilator GP007) to third. Steve Hughes was ‘right on his game’ to win the always exciting Formula 1, his tunnel boat ‘Total Lubricants’ displaying its transom to the opposition. Anthony Robinson (‘Design Windows’) came home second with Julian Stilwell at the wheel of ‘Placemakers’ in third spot.
The action continued when the Grand National Hydroplanes and Modified Hydroplanes clashed.
Brodie Mathieson (‘Meridien’) and Kevin Ireland (‘Challenger’) put in the effort in both events, but could only manage two seconds and two thirds each.
Jamie Knight, at the wheel of ‘Phantom’ took out the Grand National Hydroplane while Janine White showed the lads how it’s done when she won Modified Hydroplanes.
There was tough competition in the Pro Com classes, with two events being run.
Brett Mercer (‘Aftershock’) took out the first, from Paul Burtenshaw (‘Provocative’) and Mike Wotton (‘Bowtie Boogie’).
In the second race, Burtenshaw and ‘Aftershock’ turned the tables to win from Mike Wotton and Ian Warmington (‘Razzle Dazzle’).
All in all it was a successful conclusion to a successful season.
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