'Bundy Thunder' to boost Bundaberg's economy

by Bob Wonders on 5 Nov 2010 More than 5000 competitors and spectators are expected to flock to the Queensland coastal city of Bundaberg this weekend for the 11th running of the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder powerboat spectacular.

Local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, hotels and fast food outlets expect visitors will inject more than $1 million into the economy.

According to meet coordinator Sue-Ellen Pitt, many accommodation houses have already hoisted the ‘house full’ sign.

As the hometown of the world famous Bundaberg Rum, those who fancy the superb drop have not been forgotten with the Bundy Rum Store open to visitors on the Saturday afternoon and evening.

While powerboat racing is the order of the weekend, organisers to their credit will also be providing valuable help to the Leukaemia Foundation’s Regional Community Fundraiser.

Entrants in the fundraiser’s Miss Bundy Thunder hope to raise more than $50,000 for the foundation.

Other events planned for the weekend include the gala pre-race party at the Bundaberg Civic Centre this evening (Friday, Nov.5).

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Competing boats will be on display outside the centre from 4pm to 6pm.

Racing will be staged on Saturday and Sunday from 9am through to 5pm.

The race circuit is on the Sandy Hook reach of the Burnett River, with nine classes of powerboats, among them many of the fastest boats in Australia.

One driver and boat sure to attract attention will be ‘Madness’, driven by Troy Marland, recently crowned the inaugural UIM World Champion in the Unlimited Inboard class.

Large fields are expected to battle Marland for the Trojan Cup and there’s a new trophy, the Sunshine Cup, for 5.0-litre displacement boats.

A variety of race classes, including blown alcohol displacements (known as BAD boats), 4.2-litre displacements and awesome hydroplanes will maintain spectator interest.

According to Sue-Ellen Pitt, Bundy Thunder is two days of ‘jam-packed, liquid horsepower circuit racing.’

For further information, e-mail to info@bundythunder.com.au