What a weekend of great racing amongst all the classes, once again Grand Prix did not disappoint providing some close and exciting racing. Adopting the clock starts for this venue proved exciting to watch. We started off with (6) Grand Prix unfortunately Miss Marsden Cove did not get ready in time. ‘ThunderStruck‘ Raymond Hart had a few engine issues on Friday and Saturday finished second in one heat before retiring for the weekend. Raymond before getting on the ferry to cross back to the South Island whilst disappointed in an interview on his facebook page said, ‘tough weekend but we will go home fix the engine and definitely be back for round two in January.’
Congratulations to ‘Miss Waverley ‘ David Alexander and his team for winning the first round of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder series David jumped the start in his first race , having issues with his radio’s David resorted to using his cell phone with iPod in his ears to get the countdown a little failure for him 😊. Alexander also finished third in the North Island Grand Prix title. Second place went to ‘Lucas Oil’ Ken Lupton, Ken struggled over the weekend having some tuning problems and chasing more power. He certainly didn’t have any issues with his starts , Ken and Jack both having that advantage after recently racing our off season in the HRL & GP American series. Lucas Oil took the win in the North Island Grand Prix wining both heats.
Finishing in 3rd place was ‘GP57’ driven by Jack Lupton, Jack and a team of guys in the Lupton boat shed have been working on the 57 boat making a few changes to it, Jack was having a few electrical issues but got them sorted, he said it was great to be back in his old boat, Peter Dudson is currently overseas and has lent the boat to the Lupton’s while they get GP007 repaired after the boat was damaged in an on board fire early this year.
‘Lady Liz’ Jason Haggerty had a great start to his season. Jason coped a bit of water in the top turn causing him to spin which cost him valuable points , Jason also had the clock starts nailed hitting the line on time every heat. Jason also finished second in the North Island Grand Prix title. ‘Howzat’ Scott Coker had a mixed weekend getting a lot of water in the first turn in heat 3 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder series they decided to change engines for the final, in the North Island GP heat Scott lost a prop, Scott proved he is fast having a close race with Lucas Oil in their first heat .
We will definitely see a few more Grand Prix boats at the next round of the series, Miss Marsden Cove, Annihilator 007, The Gambler and possibly a couple more watch this space!
A massive thanks to the local community who provided food and services for the weekend ATA and Burger HQ for the great food and coffee all weekend , Lakeland Powerboat Club, Simon Morrison ‘The Cable Guy’ sorting the sound and start system, start boat you rock 😊 all of our amazing Hydro Thunder team!! Rod, Regan, Tony, Jeremy, Slim, Emma, Olivia, Ollie, Glenn, Dennis, Kevin Ireland delivering the fuel, NZPBA and Manukau Auckland Rescue Teams, Rob who has taken over from Calvin, special thanks to all the competitors, scrutineers that helped out (we are missing a book if someone has this please return).
To our amazing sponsors Lucas Oil NZ (series sponsor), Pak N Save Taupo, Total Transport, Pub Charity, NZCT , Pukekohe Hi Abs. You all make this work and we appreciate your support.
Round 2 : Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series Lake Maraetai, Mangakino 18-19th January 2025
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