Storm brewing over Sandy Hook

by Bob Wonders on 29 Oct 2009 A record field of more than 80 race boats is lining up for the 2009 Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder set to roar into action on the water of Sandy Hook, Bundaberg, over the weekend of 7 and 8 November.

The exciting racing welcomes back the spectacular Formula tunnel boats (13 altogether), F1s and F2s, with other classes competing including Unlimited Displacement, 6.0-litre (Injected and Carby), 5.2-litre, 25hp and Juniors.

Additionally, the largest field of hydroplanes every to contest the event will be in the thick of the action.

Organisers are planning for 36 races each day, with major trophy events also being decided.

Event coordinator, Sue-Ellen Pitt, said interest in the event this year had been boosted by the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder being named at #6 on the RACQ’s (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland) competition naming the 150 ‘Must Do’ events in Queensland.

'This led to unprecedented coverage thanks to our major sponsors Channel 7, Queensland Tourism and the RACQ,' Sue-Ellen said.

'Publicity generated significantly raised the event’s profile,' she added.

Sue-Ellen said the event had also created widespread interest through ‘word of mouth’ after 10 successful years.

In an added bonus for this year, the 10th staging of the Bundy Thunder, a sponsor has commissioned Sydney-based Power Productions to film the event for Pay Television’s Fox Sports.

'We may not have the mainstream status of, say, the V8 Supercars, but we have proved that powerboat racers from across Australia want to compete at this event,' Su-Ellen declared.

Last year, the event raised more $30,000 for the Rotary Club Bundaberg West, owner of the event.

It also helped to inject more than $60,000 into the Leukaemia Foundation through the Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Ambassador Quest.
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On the Saturday evening of the gala weekend, nine entrants in the 2009 Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder entrants will be presented, comprising seven young ladies from Bundaberg and one each from Hervey Bay and Gladstone.

They will be vying for the titles Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder, a runner’s up award, Miss Wide Bay Australia Charity winner and runner up, a People’s Choice award, Entrant’s Choice award and a Best Dressed category.

Top prize, awarded by Harvey World Travel, is a P and O cruise.

Tickets to the pre-race party, scheduled for Brothers Sports Club, are available from the Leukaemia Foundation, telephone (07) 4151-6894.

The previous day at the club, visitors to the event can meet the drivers and see the competing boats prior to a welcome party complete with entertainment and driver interviews.

One ‘event’ sure to attract interest will be the ‘Thunderstruck’ raffle, the major prize being a guitar signed by the rock group AC DC.

In between races, Thundercats will provide plenty of on-water entertainment with plenty of daring, high-speed action.

Some corporate marquee tickets are still available, fully catered and each marquee on its own exclusive riverfront site.

'There’s one thing fans can be assured of,' Sue-Ellen Pitt added, 'at this year’s Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Australia’s best powerboat racers will be in action.

'We call it a weekend of blown, crazy, liquid action,' she added.
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For further information on the event or to check out accommodation in Bundaberg visit the website, www.bundythunder.com.au or telephone Bundaberg Region Tourism, (07) 4153-8888.