UIM Unlimited Displacement World titles looming

by Bob Wonders on 22 Jul 2010 Things are hotting up in readiness for the inaugural UIM Unlimited Displacement World championships scheduled for the NSW-Victorian border town of Gol Gol over the weekend of October 16-17.

Fast food giant Hungry Jacks has taken on naming sponsorship for the eagerly-awaited racing which promoters Fastwater describe as 'one of the most anticipated events in the history of Unlimited Displacement racing.'

The event will bring together the top three Unlimited Displacement nations in the world, Australia, the United States and New Zealand.

Following the sport's tragic experience in losing two of the sport's finest in a race at Taree earlier this year, major safety rule changes have been brought in for the world titles.

All boats competing must be fitted with a Registered Re-enforced Safety Cockpit.

Many local Australian race meetings have been impacted by the safety changes and some teams are waiting on the outcome of further rule changes now under consideration by the Australian Power Boat Association (APBA).

The October meeting will see the largest entry list of Unlimited Displacement Cell boats ever brought together, among them the ‘big bangers' of powerboat racing, boats with engines of 2000hp-plus and speeds in the region of 150mph (241km/hr).

Confirmed entries from the United States include the fastest K Boat in the world, K-69, owned by Dave Rankin and driven by the experienced Tony Scarlarta.

They will clash with Australia's best, among them Dean Borg, who will race a newly-re-built blown alcohol boat after surviving a spectacular crash in January.

Other Aussies in action include Bruce Jordan, who will race a new Cell boat ‘The Real Thing' and Bob Swinburne in ‘Totally X-Static'.

One entry truly deserves the highest commendation; Tim May boasts amazing ability to handle a boat at 140mph-plus for one major reason – he was born with only one arm!

So far, New Zealand will be represented by ace driver John Ryan at the wheel of ‘Dancing Bear'.

Organisers have pulled out all stops to make the event one to remember.

The event is actually staged over three days, with the Friday including a ‘meet and greet' the teams media function and an on-water practice session in the afternoon.

Racing will be staged on both days of the weekend with heats being held throughout both days, among the races contested the Australian 6.0-litre class and the sport's future champions in the Junior Classes ranging from 12 to 16-years.

On shore displays will include live footage on a giant 40 square metre screen, the Orrcon V8 Supercar Simulator and a number of prominent motor sport identities.

Major sponsor Hungry Jacks has also played a role in presenting Australia's only Top Fuel Drag Boat, a 7000hp ‘monster' which will complete a circuit pass each day.

It must be seen to be believed!

Two of the sport's legends from the past have been given official roles; Alan Beale, former multiple Australian champion will drive the start boat and former ‘Rage' driver Charlies Thompson will drop the flag.

It's shaping up as a weekend not to be missed.

Tickets are on sale – simply go to www.oztix.com.au

Purchase a three-day pass and Friday is free.

For further information go to the website, www.fastwater.com.au