Kiwi world champion Sam Harvey wins NZ title on Sea-Doo

by Kate Gordon on 25 Mar 2010 World champion Sam Harvey added another title to his CV when he won the open class at the 2010 Woodbine Marine Sea-Doo® BRP New Zealand Jet Sport Nationals run on Rotorua's Blue Lakes earlier this month.

Harvey, a marine retailer from Howick, Auckland, won five out of five races on his turbo-charged Sea-Doo GTI personal watercraft (PWC or jet ski), despite having to start the last race of the day at the back of the field after an over-anxious start.

'It's great to get the New Zealand title back,' said Harvey, who became the first non-American to win the fiercely-contested pro runabout open class world title at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) world finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona last November.

'I haven't had it [the New Zealand open class title] for a couple of years due to engine difficulties in 2008, then other commitments caused me to miss the New Zealand Nationals all together last year,' said Harvey, who was the winner of the New Zealand pro open class in both 2006 and 2007.

While the New Zealand title isn't as significant for Harvey's racing career now that he has the world title to his name, he still values the opportunity for competitive racing on home waters.

'It's also good for my local sponsors who have backed me for several years, so I thank them all: DHL, Sea-Doo Centre, Woodbine Marine, BRP Sea-Doo, Quakysense, LC Engineering, Castrol and Impressions International. I wouldn't be here with you guys.'

Harvey's next goal is to take the Australian open title being raced on the Moogerah Dam, south-west of Brisbane from 7 to 9 May this year.

'I'll be racing world number two Australian Anthony Antees at this event. I beat Anthony at the IJSBA worlds in Arizona, but he holds the Australian title after beating me in last year's closely-fought races. I'll be going all out to finish in front of him this time!'

In Australia Harvey will be racing the modified Sea-Doo PWC on which he won his world title. Based on the entry level Sea-Doo model, Harvey's modified craft now produces over 400 horsepower and has a top speed of over 85 mph. 'Exciting racing is promised!'

BRP Sea-Doo New Zealand manager Richard Shaw congratulates Harvey on another great race victory.

'Sam is an outstanding competitor, no matter which Sea-Doo PWC he's racing. Congratulations on winning another New Zealand open title and we look forward to hearing of your results from Australian event in May,' says Shaw.