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News Copies
of Current and past New Zealand Hydroplane Drivers Club Newsletters
can be found at the bottom of this page. The Major News from Each News
Letter will be Posted here as well as any relevant News Story you care
to Submit to Denise
Moughan or Webmaster for posting on the Site. 5th March 2010 - Shot360 Photos from Lake Rotoiti, NelsonClick on the logo to go to Photos from Lake Rotoiti, Nelson.
3rd March 2010 - Rotoiti Updates
Congratulations must go to Luke Sharp and his team in the Promt Parts F1 tunnel. Winning his first New Zealand Formula One title has come after many years of hard work. To top the NZ Champs off for Luke Sharp he also won the New Zealand King of the Nationals.Well Done to the Promt Parts F1 Team from the NZGP Drivers Club Check this link to a You Tube clip from Lake Rotoiti CLICK HERE The Nelson Mail has a sports article HERE
3rd March 2010 - David & Sarah
Congratulations to David Alexander and Sarah Hodges on their resent engagement from the NZGP Drivers Club 28th February 2010 Evening - NZ Nationals Rd 2 NelsonWith two brilliant days racing in perfect sunshine, saw a number of different winners, With the NZ Champs listed below, today's Perlorus Jack Trophy going to Jamie Knight in The Phantom, Arther McCaa Memorial going to Ken Lupton in Annihilator 3, The beach start King of the Lake going to David Alexander in Annihilator 2. Star of the weekend has to go to Luke Sharp in Promt Parts, winning his first Formula One title, and King of the Nationals. Richard Summerville went for i swim as his F1 tunnel started to take on water, with a lot of work they had the boat back on the water later in the day.
Start of the Perlorus Jack Heat 1 with a win to Jamie Knight in The Phantom
The Flying Ken Lupton in Annihilator 3 went on to win the Arther McCaa Trophy
The New Annihilator Race Boats is making improvements
Left: GP Champ David Alexander, 2nd Richard Summerville, 3rd Warwick Lupton Right: F2 Champ Sam Hughes and Phillip Slilwell 2nd. F1 Luke Sharp 1st, Steve Hughes 2nd, Sam Hughes 3rd
Left: Pro Com and Prostock Champ Micky Wotton, 2nd Paul Burtenshaw. Right: ModVP Champ Andy Morris with Paul Morris Jnr collecting the 2nd place prize for Paul Morris
Left: Grand National Champ Jamie Knight and Tracy Gapper 2nd Right: Modified Hydroplane Champ Tracy Gapper
King of the Nationals: Luke Sharp 1st, David Alexander 2nd, Steve Hughes 3rd 28th February 2010 - NZ Nationals Rd 2 NelsonNEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONS GP - David Alexander F1 - Luke Sharp F2 - Sam Hughes Pro Com and Prostock - Micky Wotton Mod VP - Andy Morris Modified Hydroplane - Tracy Gapper Grand National Hydroplane - Jamie Knight Here are a few shots from saturday's action.
Check Twitter for today up to the minute results. 27th February 2010 - NZ Nationals Rd 2 Nelson Day 1 7.50amWhat a fantastic place Lake Rotoiti is, today set in perfect blue sky although a little colder than up north. A few boats about the place now, with the New Annihilator Race Boat here, a few changes have been made to help in the turns. I will be again updating NZGP Twitter with race results so keep a eye on that. If you have questions txt 0274360336 and i will try and answer via the NZGP Twitter. (link to the left). 24th February 2010 - NZ Nationals Rd 2 NelsonWith only three days to go before Round 2 of the Masport New Zealand Nationals, all classes are shaping up to be good battles out on the race track. In the GP classes, can Warwick and Ken Lupton stop David Alexander after 3 wins in the first round, only time will tell. Luke Sharp and Steve Hughes will be going head to head in F1 for the title, can Steve Hughes keep that 1nz on the side of 'Stealth'? With Provocative all repaired, will we see 1nz go south for 2010 or will leading north island contender Micky Wooton in Bowtie Boogie see that the north get the prized trophy. In F2 Phillip Stilwell will be racing Julian's Boat to try and claim the title after damaging his boat in Foxton a week and a half ago, or will we see Wellington's Sam Hughes win his first F2 title. The hotly contested ModVP classes looks to pick up the pace with Andy Morris in Desert Storm running a new engine with more horsepower, will it be enough to win? If you are local keep a eye out for the Nelson Mail, The Leader and The Waimea Weekly for race weekend news, reminder to all that want up to the minute race news on saturday and sunday sign up to NZGP on Twitter to the left of the page.
21st February 2010 - Western LeaderClick on the Western Leader logo below to read Graeme Weller's local newpaper, who has an article on the G-Force team's resent win in the 2010 E.C.Griffith Cup
21st February 2010 - Promt Part F1 Team Press Release
Promt Parts F1 Race Team, Press Release 6 & 7th Feb 2010, Karapiro—ROUND ONE OF THE N.Z. NATIONALS Karapiro is undoubtedly the best venue in New Zealand, It’s well protected with hills on both sides of the lake making great viewing for the crowd. Allot has changed since the first race meeting held there in 1950 by the Cambridge yacht and power boat club shortly after they flooded the dam. Its a shared facility that’s often booked out for water ski, yachting & international rowing events. With onsite campground & lodge to house everyone that wants to stay the night. 6 heats make up the NZ Formula 1 title, 3 held on Saturday 6th Feb & 3 Saturday 27th Feb All F1 Championship races are on a triangle track, beach start 35—40seconds, 1 warm up lap, 8 laps, grid positions pulled from the hat. Heat one, we had a blistering start leading the pack around the first turn buoy making 5 boat lengths on second place. On lap 6 we were navigating through lap traffic & this brought on our first issue for the season turning in tight was causing the boat to stop near dead on the track, by the second stall I could see second place coming up fast & couldn’t build up speed quick enough before he barrelled past—fired up by getting passed when it seemed we had it in the bag, I was on the up trim to make up ground but it was too late & there wasn't enough time left. (finishing 2nd) Heat two, The Promt Parts Race team on the shore was sitting nervously as we lead the race only for the same issue to occur in lap 5. (finishing 2nd.) Heat three, Thinking the problem was a fuel surge happening on tight corners, it was decided to go around any lap traffic even if we had to take the longer route, we couldn’t afford for it to happen again, stopping that suddenly in a corner would make it dangerous with the chance of following traffic running up the rear of the boat. The intermittent issue was playing on my mind the closer we got to the chequered flag—the outside route paid off taking the win. Running the rest of the weekend on the longer track didn’t bring the problem on again winning Champion of Champion Outboards & King of Nationals. Another fun weekend of racing—but some time needed to install an extra fuel pump and surge tank. All the work has been done and tested & we are now going over the boat with a fine toothed comb before the long haul this weekend down to the south island for the second heat of the Nationals. First Race Starts 9.00am. Saturday. Lake Rotoiti near Nelson— For those of you that want to come & haven’t booked flights Keep an eye out on “grab a seat” for cheap flights. Regards Luke Sharp
21st February 2010 - NZ Nationals Rd 2 Nelson LakesAttached is the entry form for Round 2 of the NZ Nationals. 17th February 2010 - 12th Annual UIM Photo CompetitonOn behalf of the New Zealand Powerboat Federation we would like to congratulate Jeremy Ward for his placing's in the 12th Annual UIM Photo Competition Awards. To enter this competition you have to send photos taken from a UIM World event. Jeremy sent in three photos he had taken from the 2009 UIM World GP event he was placed third in the Retouched Photo Section and 4th and 7th place in the Circuit Racing Section. This is a great achievement for Jeremy its also good to see New Zealand recognized in this UIM World of Powerboating competition. Once again congratulations from us all. Denise Moughan
President
New Zealand Powerboat Federation
BRONZE RETOUCHED
9th February 2010 - E.C.Griffith Cup and UIM World Mod H ChampsWho would of guess the E.C.Griffith Cup Champ and the UIM World Modified Hydroplane Champ before the weekend began, well my brother did and he won't stop going on about it. In the weeks leading up to the E.C Griffith Cup and the UIM World Modified Hydroplane Champs there was a lot of questions, Would Warwick Lupton run in the new Annihilator Race Boat or would he run the older tried and proven Annihilator 1? Would Chris Picard get a run in his first major championship? How would UIM Unlimited Hydroplane Champion J Michael Kelly from Amercia go in the renamed Formulaboats.com formerly Boss Mobil 1? Would the hard charging Kenny Lupton add the E.C.Griffith Cup to the Masport Cup he won two weeks again? How would Greame Weller and his hydro G-Force go now with a bit more horsepower? How would David Alexander go in the oldest hydroplane in the field? Also in the World Modified Hydroplane field there was a few unknowns, the new hydro Rage all the way from Southland how would it go? How would the 2 litres go against the 3 litres? How was John Shewbrooks going to do in Summerwine?
As we got closer to the E.C.Griffith Cup with practice on friday Scott Coker in Fair Warning destroyed his engine, ending his weekend. With J Michael and Graeme Weller having engine problems also it started to look like a race against time for them also. The 4 strong Kiwi Annihilator Team had a busy time ahead of them, with Warwick Lupton running in both Annihilator1 and the new Annihilator Race Boats. from the word go this new boat looked quick on the straights and turned tight on the turns with a lot of work being done to sort this by Peter and Malcolm Jamieson. Graeme Weller's engine problem were such that they left Karapiro on Saturday and headed back to Auckland and built one good engine out of two, returning to Lake Karapiro at 5.45am Sunday. Well his efforts paid off come race time. Heat 1 saw Weller leading comfortly before the race was red flag with Ben Ryan in Mainland Miss on fire on the third lap. Annihilator 1's weekend ended with a hole in the sponson from the marker bouy. The decision was made to rerun the heat. The Rerun saw a battle between Weller and Alexander, with Weller taking the top spot, Alexander second Ken Lupton third and Warwick in the new ARB fourth after a first corner spin with the boat wanting to turn sharper than the rest of the field. With Weller's win in heat one Alexander had to turn the table in heat two, but unfortunately missed the start as Annihilator 2 didn't fire, leaving Ken Lupton to take the battle to Graeme Weller, With all the overnight work paying off for Weller in G-Force he got of to another flyer, leaving Ken to chase him down over the four laps, as Ken Lupton was reeling Weller in, he stopped dead in the water, leaving Weller to take the win and the E.C.Griffith Cup for the first time and gifting second place to Warwick Lupton, and Tony McCaa in his BAD boat third.
The UIM World Modified Hydroplane Final was shaping up to be a good one the three winners from saturday's races in the final. Kevin Ireland in Challenger was leading Nigel Zander in Helter Skelter till his steering wheel came lose, giving the lead and title to Zander with Steve Mathieson in Midnight third. this maybe the first time New Zealand hydroplanes have taken all three top spots in a UIM World Championship.
UIM World Modified Hydroplane Champ - Nigel Zander
The F1-F2 racing over the weekend was awesome, Richard Summerville less cowling in the final race of the day Check out this link to a story the Waikato Times have on Dean Probyn Click Here
7th February 2010 - E.C.Griffith Cup2010 E.C.GRIFFITH CUP CHAMPIONGRAEME WELLER - G FORCE
Graeme on his way to a win in heat two and the E.C.Griffith Cup, Warwick Lupton in The new Annihilator Race Boats came second with Tony McCaa third.
A very proud G-Force Team
Graeme Weller with the E.C.Griffith Cup, after a long night rebuilding a engine and two heat wins in the Cup, Graeme deserves to be a happy man. Full Sunday review coming Monday.
7th February 2010 - NZGP on TwitterAnother reminder to check out the NZGP Twitter Page for race day results. Thank You to the people that joined and followed yesterday. Thanks also for the feed back. There will be a Day 2 Review Tonight. There is a video on the TV3 News Website, although when i last checked they had loaded cricket video in place of the Hydro's, the Waikato Times have a story also.
6th February 2010 - Lake Karapiro Day 1 ReviewAll eyes today were on one boat, Warwick Lupton's new Annihilator Race Boats, with the team still sorting out the problems practice and race time were very important, something Warwick said could take two weeks or a year. With a second in the boats first race has to be a good start.
The UIM World Modified Hydroplane Champs was set for a good weekend of racing with 11 entries in the UIM Worlds, Endorphin Rush being a early morning scratching. Alan Wells taking one for the team and suppling parts to John Shewbrooks in Summerwine so as to get his boat on the water. Heat 1a Started off with Rage from Southland setting the pace, over Brody in Meridian. Heat 2a saw the flying Kevin Ireland in Challenger taking line honors with Helter Skelter second and a ever relaxed Steve Mathieson in Midnight 3rd. With one more round before the one race final tomorrow 07-02-10 Heat 2a Kevin Ireland showed why he was the one to beat with a fine win, lapping second placed Tempo Too. Nigel Zander in his boat Helter Skelter held off Midnight and Foreno Tapware for the heat 2b win. Points from the UIM World Modified Hydroplane Champs with the final to be run on Sunday. Challenger 800pts Helter Sketer 700pts Midnight 525pts Tempo Too 427pts Rage 400pts Foreno Tapware 394pts Meridian 300pts
The First round of the GP Nationals saw David Alexander put one hand firmly on the NZ GP Title with 3 wins from 3 starts, with Warwick Lupton placing 2 second in the first heat inAnnihilator 1 and second in heat two in the New Annihilator Race Boat, giving him third in the NZ GP Championship, Outboard Marine's Richard Summerville placed two thirds and a second to give him second place after round one. Ken Lupton looked good in all three heats with minor problems ending all three races early. J Michael Kelly came close to win the run to the first corner before his engine expired, leaving the Formulaboats team with a lot of work to do to get the boat back up and running ready for tomorrows E.C.Griffith Cup, after blowing two engines in two days. Points after Round one NZGP Nationals Lake Karapiro Annihilator 2 1200pts Outboard Marine 750pts Annihilator Race Boats 300pts Mainland Miss 225pts
F1 and F2 put on some awesome racing with a field of 9 boats on the water. the Formula One round one points leader Steve Hughes came from behind to win race one and two with Luke Sharp having a few problems, these were sorted for the third race with Luke in his boat Promt Parts showing the way. Julian Stilwell in Jacal was ever improving with a best result of third in the heat three, Phillip Stilwell in his boat Nelson Metals F2 was happy he also entered the F1 title with a fine third overall after the first round. Phillip also is leading the F2 standings with a second and two firsts, Sam Hughes had it all going his way in the first heat, but had to settle with been shown the way in the next two. Instigator and Demon Energy had a close battle for third with Instigator coming out on top. Points after Round one NZF1 Nationals Lake Karapiro Stealth 1100pts Promt Parts 1000pts Nelson Metals 619pts Jacal 563pts
Points after Round one NZF2 Nationals Lake Karapiro Nelson Metals 1100pts The Apprentice 1000pts Instigator 675pts Demon Energy 507pts After the North Island verses South Island battle between Bowtie Boogie and Provocative, round one went to the north, more of the same for round two or will the south bounce back? Points after Round one NZ Pro Com/Pro Stock Nationals Lake Karapiro Bowtie Boogie 1200pts Provocative 900pts
Points after Round one NZ Mod VP Nationals Lake Karapiro Desert Storm 1200pts No Mercy 900pts
We are all in for a treat with the E.C.Griffith Cup just around the corner and 7 drivers all just as keen as each other to see there name on the cup, Graeme Weller in G Force had taken off to Auckland to machine heads, while all the Annihilator crews were working on there four boats well into the evening, the Formulaboats team were off sorting the gremlins outs and Hi Tension looking faster all the time. We will see you all tomorrow, remember the Twitter Page for race day results.
6th February 2010 - NZGP on TwitterRemember to check out Twitter for all race results, sign up and join in
5th February 2010 - Trade-A-BoatTrade-A-Boat has put together a very special offer for the Lake Karapiro Weekend. TAB_Karapiro Grand Prix_$60 special_Flyer
5th February 2010 - Practice Lake KarapiroLake Karapiro's Friday practice photos can be found here: 5th February 2010 - Practice Lake KarapiroFor the first time ever 7 GP Hydroplane were in attendance for a friday test at Lake Karapiro, The new Annihilator Race Boat hit the water flying today with the first tests going well, testing will continue tomorrow, with a decision to be made tomorrow on which GP 007 Warwick will run in the E.C.Griffith Cup. A few photos of the New Annihilator Race Boat and J Michael Kelly in the new Formulaboats.com. 4th February 2010 - Karapiro Race Program
3rd February 2010 - Annihilator Racing'NEW'S FLASH'
The New Annihilator Racing Hydroplane hit the water for the first time late today in Waverley. With Warwick Lupton and the Annihilator Racing Team very happy with the progress of this new state of the art hydroplane. Warwick Lupton has confirmed his entry to be running this weekend at Lake Karapiro. The new hull will also be at Lake Karapiro on the friday the 5th February where Warwick and the Annihilator Racing Team will spend the day testing.
29th January 2010 - NZGP on TwitterCome along and join the NZGP on twitter for all race day updates and discussion, A twitter link has also been added to the top left hand side of the new page for a easy link to the NZGP page. 28th January 2010 - E.C.Griffith Cup ProfileJ Michael Kelly USA Profile - 2009 Unlimited Hydroplane Champion
In his sixth year on the ABRA circuit, J. Michael Kelly has made a name for himself by driving some of the most challenging boats to handle on the circuit. The 2004 “Rookie of the Year”, Kelly is a three-time inductee into the APBA Hall of Champions racing smaller classes of hydroplanes. In his first race as an unlimited class driver in 2004, he took home third-place honours at the Columbia Cup in the Kennewick, Washington. In 2009, J. Michael Kelly switched from the U-13 team over to the U-7 Graham Trucking. He began the 2009 season strong, finishing on the podium seven out of eight qualifying heats. A crash at the third race of the season slowed his high-level of performance. After rebuilding the boat, it only took Kelly one race before he resumed his winning form. Evansville, Indiana, Kelly placed second in his three qualifying heats and finished the “Winner Take All” final in second place. Kelly went on be crowned the 2009 UIM World Unlimited Hydroplane Champion in Doha. J. Michael Kelly is not new to New Zealand he competed in the 2009 UIM World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship driving ‘The Boss’ ‘ Owned by Peter Knight Snr. The H20 Full Throttle sponsored Kelly finished third in the UIM Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship. The Boss has now be repainted and renamed ‘Formula Boats.com and J.Michael Kelly will compete in the EC Griffith Cup. Special thanks to Ned Dawson and Ted Porter for putting this together. Formulaboats.com Race Team Facts: Boat Name: Formulaboats.com (formerly Boss Mobil 1) Number: GP05 Hull: Jamie Auld Design, Peter Knight Built Engine: 510cuin Supercharged Pontiac Engine Builders: Murray Baker, Justin Neil Crew Chief: David Hurrell Sponsors: www.formulaboats.com - www.h2ofullthrottle.com Club: New Brighton Powerboat Club J.Michael Kelly: Current 2009 UIM World Unlimited Hydroplane Champion 3rd in the 2009 UIM World GP Hydroplane Champs
28th January 2010 - E.C.Griffith Cup Corporate Tent TicketsTickets Available for the Corporate Tent on Sunday, from 11am to 3pmSpit Roast lunch including beer and wine $80 per person Prime viewing and the opportunity to meet the drivers.
26th January 2010 -2010 Masport Cup Downtown Tauranga
A fantastic weekend was enjoyed by all in Tauranga at the 85th running of the Masport Cup, the second time the cup has been held in Downtown Tauranga. Congratulation to Ken Lupton for winning this event, his first Masport Cup win, with a second in the first heat and a win in the final. For the Annihilator 3 team this is reward for all the hard work put in behind the scene on the first day, making hull repairs to the rear of the boat, after the rudder worked it's way loose. Not only that but the team now have there work cut out to get Annihilator 3 ready for the E.C.Griffith Cup to be held at Lake Karapiro on the 6th and 7th February 2010, after contact with Graeme Wellers G-Force in the first heat and a hole in the boat and broken wing after the final. Warwick Lupton was happy with his weekend after a lot of time and attention has been put into the new Annihilator Race Boat in preparation for the E.C.Griffith Cup, to come out and post the fastest time in Saturday's flying laps and winning the first heat, for a second overall in the 2010 Masport Cup showing that Annihilator 1 still has a lot in her. 3 times Masport Cup holder David Alexander had two heats to forget after drawing pole 7 in the first heat, the run to the first corner did not leave a lot of room for Alexander and by time the time he rounded the first turn the rest of the field were well down the back straight leaving Alexander to be happy collecting points. The Final heat got worse for Annihilator 2 as he missed the start and had no show of catching the field. With points from both heats still giving David Alexander third overall, just reward for collecting points from both heats. Scott Coker in GP1 Fair Warning found himself in unusual situation at the start of the first heat after Warwick Lupton in Annihilator 1 left for the race start the wake pushed Coker's Hydroplane in behind the jetty, for Fair Warning to miss the start of the first heat, Scott made sure he was first to leave the dock at the start of the final to race a brilliant race to finish second in the final heat. Tauranga Flying Lap Champion Graeme Weller had the fastest hydroplane all weekend and after a coming together in heat one with Ken Lupton on the start finish straight, finished third in the first heat, Weller got of to a flyer in the final heat to be leading the first two laps before mechanical problems put an end to Wellers Masport Cup bid. Steve Hughes in his new Seebold F1 has a weekend to forget which saw a rope from the harbour tangle around his new propeller putting a end to his weekend. Luke Sharp in his Promt Part F1 running against the hydro's ran a fantastic race, with the wake at one point sending his F1 pointing to the sky. Special thanks again goes out to our event sponsors Masport, 4 Guys, Pollock Cranes, Tauranga City Council, Earth2Ocean, Project Kitchens, Gene Hollands Building, Pete's Takeaways, Firewatch Tauranga and BOP FM. Also to the rescue crews, officials, racers, race teams and families who make our wonderful sport what it is. Media Articles from Tauranga Links: Photos: Shot360 - Saturday Direct link Shot360 - Sunday Direct link LuvMyBoat Direct Link Video: LuvMyBoat Direct Link - You need to login or signup to see this page.
24th January 2010 -2010 Masport Cup Downtown Tauranga2.45pm
OFFICIAL MASPORT CUP CHAMP - KEN LUPTON 2nd ANNIHILATOR 1 3rd ANNIHILATOR 2
MASPORT CUP Heat 2 Annihilator 3 - Ken Lupton 1st Fair Warning - Scott Coker 2nd Annihilator 2 - David Alexander 3rd Promt Parts - Luke Sharp 4th Annihilator 1 - Warwick Lupton DNF G-Force - Graeme Weller DNF 2.00pmMASPORT CUP Heat 1 results Annihilator 1 - Warwick Lupton 1st Annihilator 3 - Ken Lupton 2nd G-Force - Graeme Weller 3rd Annihilator 2 - David Alexander 4th Promt Parts - Luke Sharp 5th Fair Warning - Scott Coker DNS Stealth - Steve Hughes DNS
7.45amBrilliant day here for the MASPORT CUP, blue sky, calm water and Grand Prix Hydroplanes what else do we need!!! Best place for the action and results is at the track, i will do my best to get info updated as time allows.
23rd January 2010 -2010 Masport Cup Downtown TaurangaUpdates thoughout the day, latest updates to the top.
...............Richard Sommerville in Outboard Marine.....................Ken Lupton on his first hot lap.......................
.......Scotty Coker was one of the quickest today.....................Steve Hughes new F1 'Stealth'........................
..................................Ski Racing...................................................Steve in Midnight had a win in Heat 3.......
..Luke Sharp was unbeaten in the F1/F2/F3 Heats.............G-Force looking good with the new engine....
Malcolm making repairs to Annihilator 3 After the ModH Heat 3 race, racing was stopped and testing open till 4.30, with some of the big boats posting some quick times, fastest of the day was Warwick Lupton in Annihilator. Some repairs were been made to Kenny's boat by KRB racing where the rudder had been working lose. The Modified Hydroplane racing was close with Team13 taking the wins in all three heats, all looking good for the UIM World Modified Champs in two weeks time at Karapiro. 6.00pmRace Results: Ski Boats Heat 3 Warlord 1st Hammertime 2nd Sayonara 3rd Aquaholic 4th Anti Cyclone 5th White Bullet 6th Snipper 7th ModH/GN Heat 3 Midnight 1st Coastline Marine 2nd Meridian 3rd Evil Racing 4th Undertaker 5th Helter Skelter 6th Scorpion DNS
2.30pmThe GP Hydros have being doing hot laps throughout the day with Scott Coker leading still one round to go, Race results for ModH/GN, F1/F2/F3 and the ski racing below. Saturday Results Mod H/GN Heat 1 Helter skelter 1st Meridian 2nd Coastline Marine 3rd Midnight 4th Undertaker 5th Scorpion DNF Evil racing DNF F1/F2/F3 Heat 1 Promt Parts 1st Outboard Marine 2nd Dead Keane 3rd Jafa 4th Stealth DNS Strike Zone DNS Waterski Racing Hammertime 1st Warlord 2nd White Bullet 3rd Sniper 4th Aquaholic 5th Sayonara 6th Anti Cyclone 7th ModH/GN Heat 2 Meridian 1st Helter Skelter 2nd Coastline Marine 3rd Undertaker 4th Midnight 5th Evil Racing 6th Scorpion DNS F1/F2/F3 Heat 2 Promt Parts 1st Outboard Marine 2nd Jafa 3rd Strike Zone 4th Dead Keane DNF Stealth DNF
8.00amBusy place down here as everyones setting up for the days action, harbour is calm and hopefully the weather is going to play it's part and add to the spectacle. Check back for race updates and photos thoughout the day. 22nd January 2010 -2010 Masport Cup Downtown TaurangaAll is set for a big weekend here in Tauranga as David Alexander looks to defend the Masport Cup, with strong challenges set from Warwick, Ken along with Graeme Weller in G Force who has a new power plant behind him, and the ever strong Scott Coker in GP1 Fair Warning. Steve Hughes has his new F1 'Stealth' here to show the hydros a thing or two. Click the More FM to hear Warwick Lupton's Radio interview with Wanganui's More FM 19th January 2010 -2010 Masport Cup Downtown TaurangaThis Weekend - Downtown Tauranga - Masport Cup - Don't miss the action, starting 11am both Saturday and Sunday. 19th January 2010 -2010 NZGP 25 Year Anniversary Souvenir ProgrammeA 28 page NZGP 25 Year Anniversary Souvenir Programme will be available at Tauranga and Lake Karapiro, this will include race schedules, driver profiles and the wonderful history of our sport.
If you are unable to attend the race meetings, but would still like a Souvenir Program, you can order them. Price $5.00 + $3.00p&p Email Denise: denisemoughan@xtra.co.nz Be in quick!!! 19th January 2010 - NZ Nationals Race ProgrammeClick on the image below or on the image on the events page for the Nationals programme of events. 13th January 2010 - Watch the race from inside the track!KEWPIE CRUSIEROn board the Kewpie Crusier on Sunday 24th January 11am - 3pm $60 per person this includes finger food, lunch, beer and wine. Contact denisemoughan@xtra.co.nz to book your ticket. (numbers are limited) 13th January 2010 - Sunlive Tauranga Masport Cup article13th January 2010 - Masport Cup UpdateThe Tauranga events page has been updated with the Downtown Tauranga race program.
11th January 2010 - Manawatu Power Boat Club Gold Cup Entry FormPlease find enclosed your entry form for the 39th running of the Manawatu Power Boat Club Gold Cup Regatta.
Trailer Money – due to finances being tight this year we need your support and if sponsorship allows we will pay trailer money.
Saturday evening Dinner is only $8.00 per head. Please book in advance so our ladies can plan ahead.
Lucky spot prizes awarded throughout the weekend in the pits area.
We look forward to seeing you all at our regatta for a great weekend. James Knight Commodore
11th January 2010 - UIM 2.5 Modified Hydroplane Entry List
Fast Forwrd-Tony Arther Rage-Alan Ballantyne Armageddon-Brenden Hall Meridian-Brody Mathieson Endorphan Rush-Alan Wells Summer Wine-John Shewbrooks USA Helter Skelter-Nigel Zander Foreno Tapware-Tony Hall Midnight-Steve Mathieson Tempo Too-Trac Gapper The Hook-Ricky Mitchell Challenger-Kevin Ireland
11th January 2010 - Shot360 UpdateClick on logo below to view photos from the Wanganui Flying Lap and Mangakino Events 6th January 2010 - 2010 Matt Morrison MemorialList of entries for 2010 Matt Morrison Memorial Event to be held on Saturday 9th January 2010 at Lake Hood
4th January 2010 - E.C.Griffith Cup Entries as of 04-01-10
Fair Warning – Scott Coker
4th January 2010 - Masport Cup Entries as of 04-01-10 |
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| Mod VP and Mod H | Prostock and Procom | ||||
| Nigel Zander | Helter Skelter | Peter White | Wasted Nights | ||
| S Mathieson | Midnight(Mod H) | Mike Wotton | Bowtie Boogie | ||
| C Gapper | Tempo Too | W Sherman | Naviga | ||
| Brendan Hall | Armageddon | Den Probyn | Lucky Break | ||
| Tony Hall | Foreno Tapware | Steve Denham | Venom | ||
| Wayne Wells | Summer Wine | B Mercer | Aftershock | ||
| Alan Wells | Endorphin Rush | ||||
| B Mathieson | Meridian | ||||
| D Pollock | Undertaker | ||||
| Series 3000 | Grand National and GP | ||||
| Paul Robertson | Going Going Gone | Warwick Lupton | Annihilator | ||
| D Pendergrast | Susie IV | Ken Lupton | Annihilator 3 | ||
| A and N Steiner | Misty Blue | Scott Coker | Fair Warning | ||
| H Buttimore | Wild Thing | F Pollock | Kool Kat | ||
| B Packer | Brooster | G Weller | G Force | ||
| Formula 1 | |||||
| Formula 3/Formula 2 | S Preece metal Concepts |
||||
| Scott Denis | Velocity | Luke Sharp | Prompt Parts | ||
| N Parker | Agadoo | R Sommerville | Outboard Marine | ||
| S Hughes | The apprentice | Julian Stilwell | Jacal | ||
| Philp Stilwell | Quantum | ||||
| NI Grand Prix | Series 3000 | ||||
| Scott Coker | Fair Warning | P Robertson | Going going gone | ||
| Luke Sharp | Prompt Parts | A and N Steiner | MistyBlue | ||
| R Sommerville | Outboard Marine | D Pendergrast | Susie IV | ||
| J Stilwell | Jacal | H Buttimore | Wild Thing | ||
| P Stillwell | Quantum | B Packer | Brooster | ||
| G Weller | G Force | Formula 1 | |||
| Warwick Lupton | Annihilator | Luke Sharp | Prompt Parts | ||
| Ken Lupton | Annihilator 3 | R Sommerville | Outboard Marine | ||
| J Stillwell | Jacal | ||||
| P Stillwell | Quantum | ||||
| Mod H | S Preece Metal Concepts | ||||
| Nigel Zander | Helter Skelter | S Hughes The Apprentice | |||
| Colin Gapper | Tempo Too | Prostock | |||
| S Mathieson | Midnight | A & N Steiner | Misty Blue | ||
| Brendan Hall | Armageddon | Peter White | Wasted Nights | ||
| Tony Hall | Forend Tapware | Mike Wotton | Bowtie Boogie | ||
| Wayne Wells | Summer Wine | W Sheerman | Naviga | ||
| Alan Wells | Endorphin Rush | Dena Probyn | Lucky Break | ||
| B Mathieson | Meridian | P Robertson | G G Gone | ||
| D Pollock | Undertaker | ||||
| Des Geddes | V 8 Challenge | ||||
| S Coker | Fair Warning | N Zander | Helter Skelter | ||
| Luke Sharp | Prompt Parts | S mathieson | Midnight | ||
| R Sommerville | Outboard Marine | A and N Steiner | Misty Blue | ||
| J Stillwell | Jacal | Peter White | Wasted Nights | ||
| P Stillwell | Quantum | Mike Wotton | Bowtie Boogie | ||
| Peter White | Wasted Nights | Steve Denham | Venom | ||
| B Mercer | Aftershock | B Mathieson | Meridian | ||
| S Hughes | The apprentice | D Pollock | Undertaker | ||
| B Mercer | Aftershock | ||||
2010 NZ Nationals Update:
We will be proceeding with our two round National Series as planned.
We will open it up to allow one-round entrants to pay half fee $200 and gain points for their championship.
If you dont wish to pay this then you can pay regatta entry fee anyway and may be able to race with your class or in mixed fields subject to numbers (No championship points).
We have a sponsor who will pay $200.00 travel money returned to interisland-traveling championship entrants.
We are still holding entries open as they are still trickling in.
Bottom line is we have enough numbers to contest most fields and classes and we will be going racing at Lake Karapiro and Lake Rotoiti.
All the best for the New Year
National Series Committee
New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Club would like to thanks the following for there support of the Whanganui Flying Lap Event:
Balgownie Cranes
All the Officals and the Teams that put on the Awesome show.
With an estimated 6000+ Crowd the Wanganui Flying Lap was huge success, with it being right in the city and close to the spectators it attracted people that may not normally attend a motorsport event, which was good to see, and we may even see them again.
All attention now turns to Mangakino on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2010, best of luck to all the teams.
Wanganui Downtown Fly Lap Champion, NZ Champ Scott Coker with a time of 38.21. With three Grand Prix Hydroplanes in the 38's it was the closest battle seen in Wanganui.
..............David Alexander on his way to a close 2nd.............................Ken Lupton on his first run....................
.........If all else fails phone a friend.................Firing up Hi-Tension.....................Tony McCaa in Hi-Tension.........
......Warwick having a senior moment..............Bold Move running strong..............Undercover Uncovered.............
The Day finished with The Red Bull FMX show
Flying Lap Times 28-12-09
-------------LAP-------1 -------- 2 -------- 3
Annihilator 1 - 39.60 ---- 38.83 ---- DNF
Annihilator 2 - 38.41 ---- 39.09 ---- 38.43
Annihilator 3 - 40.82 ---- DNF ---- 42.12
Fair Warning - 38.73 ---- 38.66 ---- 38.21
Hi Tension - 48.03 ---- 47.53 ---- 46.97
Bold Move - 55.31 ---- 54.78 ----53.95
Undercover - 60.06 ---- 58.93 ---- 64.06
The day is set for some awesome action, we will be updating with progress throughout the day.
Today was testing for the Wanganui Flying Lap Challenge tomorrow, with all Boat putting in some good laps, tomorrow is heating up for a even competition. Tomorrows racing starts at 11am sharp with more testing from 9am.
Here are some photos from today action.
The Whanganui Flying Lap is fast approaching with testing on the 27th December 09 from 3pm till 7pm, racing proper on Monday 28th December 09.
Click Link to read article from the Wanganui Chronicle
See you all there, if you can't make it, there will be updates throughout the day posted here.

Merry Christmas from the NZGP team.
Here's a you tube clip from Mike Smith - http://www.mikesmithgraffix.com of CRC Latimer Lodge at Yarrawonga, Australia on the 29-11-09. Awesome to see the boat still on the water. Thanks Mike for letting us post the clip.
Click Attachment below for the NZ Powerboat Nationals (Round 1), E.C.Griffith Cup, UIM World 2.5 Hydroplane Championship Regatta Entry Form, Event to be held on 5th - 7th February 2010 Lake Karapiro
E.C.Griffith Cup 2010 Lake Karapiro
Click Attachment below for the Masport Cup, Masrh Motorsport Trophy, King of the Harbour Regatta Entry Form, Event to be held on 23rd - 24th January 2010 Downtown Tauranga
Masport Cup 2010 Downtown Tauranga
Here are a few shots from the Dunk Test held in Waverley over the weekend. The testing Machine worked very well and many thanks to Tony Latimer on his preparation of it. Thanks also to Andy Laurie and James Donald for their assistance with the training and all those who helped on the day.




Here is an update from Sweden, where GP Hydroplane Ladybug (formerly Mike Southward's) now resides, all new colour scheme but the name remains.
This website is now up and running and the NZPBA site will also be updated shortly. We wish to introduce Jeremy Ward whom some of you may have already met around the boat racing. Jeremys family have followed our sport for more than 20 years taking Photos and his younger brother Mike providing Artwork to many of the teams, Jeremy also has his own website www.shot360.co.nz and specialises in Motorsport Photography. Please forward any news items, event information, classifieds or anything of interest that you wish to go up on either websites. We will do our best to keep these updated as the information and results come to hand. Thanks Denise
Last weekend the first round of the UIM World Jetsprint Championships were held in Temora, NSW, Australia. With Kiwi Peter Caughey leading the way, click on link for reports from last weekend. http://www.321ignitionmag.com/ With the final round held this weekend can the Kiwi keep the crown? Go the KIWIS.
A speedboat and hydroplane regatta in Evans Bay New Zealand can be found here at:
Reminder to all about the Wellington Club Day:
OPENING CLUB DAY ON PORIRUA HARBOUR
SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2009
START TIME 10:00 AM
SCRUITINEERING 11:00AM
WATER OPEN 11:30AM (HIGH TIDE 2:00PM)
For those of you who have been following the UIM World Unlimited Hydroplane Championships in Doha, Qatar on the weekend will be well aware of J Michael Kelly's winning run in the final. Well done JMK from the NZGP Drivers Club.
J Michael Kelly will be again running Peter Knight's THE BOSS in the E.C. Griffith Cup in February 2010, THE BOSS will be painted in the colours of J Michael Kelly's Unlimited Hydroplane. RED

Thanks to Ned Dawson for the Photo. Video's of JMK's Win and the blow overs of Steve David's U1 and Jeff Bernard's U5 can be found here
Here are a few photos from the weekends racing in sunny Cromwell, Thanks to Julie McLeod for the photos and results.






Attached below is a Media Release from the Lake Mulwala Power Festival that is to be held this weekend in Australia
We will update with a few photos over the weekend, click on the link below for all the info you will need.
Here are some photos from Ned Dawson of H20 Full Throttle. Some familiar faces.



Check out this new Website for the SUHA,
Click on the image below
Matt Morrison Memorial Entry Form. Date: 9th January 2010, Venue: Lake Hood, Ashburton.
Click Below for Entry Form.
Matt Morrison Regatta entry.rtf
Central Zone will be holding a Dunk Test at the Waverley Pool, Main Road, Waverley on 29th November at 1pm. There will be a charge of $50 for this. All those wanting to participate please contact Andrea Robinson either by email on Andrea.Robinson@ccdhb.org.nz or cell phone 027 269 1223 so that numbers can be confirmed . Please bring your Dunk Test form with you, although Andrea will have extras if you do not have one.
Kevin Ireland married Liz Macdonald on 07-11-09 aboard the Karapiro Kruiser. The boys went up to the Hora Hora
domain in Kent Dunlops boat. Congratulations to the new couple from the NZGP Club.
Click on the above logo to go to GRAND PRIX WEST, Its a new racing club promoting GP racing in the USA
.
There is dunk test course now available to circuit guys in Auckland at The Orakei Dive shop. The test will be held on Sunday 6th December. There is also few spaces available on Saturday 5th December 2009
Please Contact Calvin at calvin@marinemedics.co.nz for more information.
Click Attachment for entry details:
Click Attachment for entry details:
In a major coup for Australia, and most importantly for the rural tourist destination towns of Yarrawonga - Mulwala a World Championship boating event has been confirmed.
At last weekend’s meeting in Rome, held by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) the 2010 World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship was announced and the Lake Mulwala Power festival was chosen ahead of other finalists the U.S.A, Canada and New Zealand.
The dates confirmed are for the event to be held over consecutive weekends of 20th/21st and 27th/28th November 2010.
Lake Mulwala Power festival has been lobbying for over 6 months to the UIM and when the announcement was made at the UIM General Assembly it was a huge reward for both the Australian Power boat Association and the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Tourism team working on the Lake Mulwala Power festival event.
‘We are over just so exited to have this as part of our Lake Mulwala Power festival for our 2010 event, it just goes to show that we are well on the way to making this event the biggest outdoor leisure boating show in Australia” said an exited event co-ordinator Barb Macdermid.
For Australian Power Boating it is an enormous accomplishment.
Recently in 2008 for the first time in the UIM history Australia and the Gold Coast was host to the General Assembly. It is at the General Assembly at which the Worlds boating governing body meets in different countries each year to discuss and decide rules, regulation and events for coming seasons.
Grand Prix Hydroplanes are the Worlds Fastest Automotive circuit race boats in the world and reach speeds up to 180mph (270Kkph) on inland waterways. Entrants from USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are expected to attend.
This years event at Lake Mulwala Power is on later this month, Nov 28th/29th where Australia’s fastest power boats will be competing for the ‘Hayes Wood Trophy’ for the Title of Australian Champion.
A fitting precursor to the 2010 ‘World Championships”
Check back soon for more updates.
© New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club 1984 - 2009