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
for posting on the Site.
Check for past News Stories on our News Archive pages using the Links
at the bottom of the Page.
31st December - Manawatu Regatta More Results
Steve Mathieson in Midnight was victorious in the Carl Augustine Challenge
for 2lt open hull boats beating home Tracy Gapper in Tempo Too, Brodie
Mathieson - Meridian & Daniel Pollack - Undertaker those two had an
extremely close battle which was one of the highlights of the day. Andrea
Robinson in Wild Thing bringing up the Rear.
Wild Thing has now been sold and will be raced by the Butter more Clan
out of the Wanganui Club. I cant wait to see Jason get behind the Wheel
of this Boat should be exciting stuff.
Tony Hall in Tempest took the Sally Nagel Memorial for 3lt open hull
Boats from John Hallet - Buckshot, Paul Robinson - Going Going Gone,
Steve Mathieson - Midnight, and Tracy Gapper - Tempo Too. Armageddon
driven by Brendon Hall was the fastest Qualifier for this race but the
engine went as he tried to get started for this Race.
Check out my Gallery Page Link below for Pictures of the Regatta over
the next few days
31st December - Manawatu Regatta
Jamie Knight was the first person to win the Ross Knight Memorial Open Hydro
Cup and today he became the First person to win the Cup Twice at the Manawatu Gold Cup Regatta.
Racing "The Phantom" Jamie lead home a strong field to beat Rodney Wood's
"Scorpion", Steve Mathieson "Midnight", Tony Hall "Tempest" and Tracy
Gapper "Tempo Too". Scorpion and The Phantom were even going into turn
one but Scorpion didn't really suit the tight course and The Phantom
powered away to win.
Steve Hughes won the Feature Event the Gold Cup when he blitzed the field to win by over half a lap from Alan Dennis in California Girls and very nearly lapped the 3rd placed Jamie Knight in the Phantom.
Peter White in Wasted Nights took out the Bob Dunlop Memorial for inboard
runabout V8 from Misty Blue and Warhorse.
Geoff Morrish in Sinister took out the North Island Formula 3 Title
from Mark Patching in Vindicator and Damien Kelly in Enforca.
More Results and Pictures in the Gallery will be uploaded on Monday.
Check out my Gallery Page Link below for Pictures of the Regatta over
the next few days
30th December - Manawatu Regatta
The Regatta today on the River was Blown Out. The wind
decided it would blow the wrong way for the day and this made racing
to risky. thought was given to a twilight meeting but just before 4pm
it was decided to open the Bar and hope the weather would be better
for Sunday.
Sundays Racing will get underway at 9am with the F3 Guys running for
their North Island Title and then after that it will be a very busy
day with lots of club Titles and series events to get through.
There was a pretty good field of Boats and a couple that have been hidden
in sheds like "Warhorse" pictured above.
Check out my Gallery Page Link below for Pictures of the Regatta over
the next few days
29th December - Warwick Lupton
|
Warwick Lupton is celebrating his Birthday today so if you happen to
be passing through Waverley today be sure to stop off as the drinks
will be on Warwick.
Warwick will be looking to defend his World Title at Karapiro
in February and would then like to take the EC Griffith Cup off
the Aussie's in March
There is Racing at Foxton on the River over the Weekend with big
fields in all classes expected. Hopefully the weather will play
its part and the Rains will stay away. |
23rd December - Paul Burton
|
Due
to a recent illness Paul Burton the driver of 'Warlord' will not
be coming to NZ to compete in the 2007 Grand Prix Series. Paul
and his team where to race in Wanganui, Karapiro and Twizel. Paul
is recovering after and operation and will be having further treatment
early next year.
On behalf of the NZGP Hydroplane Drivers Club we extend our best
wishes to Paul and hope you have a smooth road to recovery. |
23rd December - Merry Xmas
To all Boaties around the countryside
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year. Keep upright and dry! Keep safe on your journeys around the
countryside everyone. Good luck to all those who and entering in Championships
over the 2007 season.
Go the 'Annihilator' Teams at the World Champs
and over in OZ. "Bring home the Goodies!"
To all the Clubs...Keep up the good work with your Regattas! Looking
forward to seeing you all over the next few months.
Cheers
Andrea Robinson and The Series 3000 Drivers' Club
18th December - New F3
 |
Jason
Moughan will be racing the ex "Dupont" Formula 3 boat and will
debut at the Geyserland Regatta
The Boat has just been painted in the Sponsors Colour's and will
have the signwriting shortly.
Jennifer Ann Marketing
Are the primary Sponsors and the Boat will be called "Jam"
It is said that the boat will be supported by 6 Female Crew known as the "Jam Tarts" |
9th December - Grand Prix Revival
The GP class is looking at a revival of the class in the Northern Hemisphere
with Valleyfield leading the way by purchasing a GP Boat and having
two new hulls built. A number of current UL teams will revert back to
GP
You can learn more by clicking on the link below which will take you directly to the GP Fever section on the Hydroplane Quebec Website.
8th December - Downtown
Wanganui Incorporated is once more fully behind the running of the Downtown
Flying Lap Regatta. The Council are a big part of keeping our regatta
a success and we happily welcome them to the Team.
8th December - EC Griffith Cup Travel
 |
For
anyone interested in traveling to the EC Griffith's Cup to support
the New Zealand Teams on the 24-25th March please contact Whitney
Moughan, travel consultant at:
Sylvia Park Flight Centre
Shop 1, Sylvia Park Shopping Centre
286 Mt Wellington Highway
Mt Wellington
PH: 09 580 2140
FX: 09 580 2504
DX: EP80602
E-mail Whitney Moughan
Whitney
will organize for you all Air Flights, Rental Cars and Accommodation.
Please do not hesitate to contact Whitney if you require travel
to any other destinations she would will be happy to help you.
Whitney
Moughan
International Travel Consultant
|
7th December - Wairarapa Regatta
Currently I am trialling a new Gallery Page have a look at a few Images from Wairarapa Regatta at the Link Below
5th December - Downtown & Karapiro Entry Forms
The New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club have released the
Entry Forms for the Downtown/Wanganui Power Boat Club Regatta and the
2007 World Grand Prix Championships & National Championships Regatta
Downtown
Regatta Form - MS WORD Click to Download
Karapiro
Regatta Form - MS WORD Click to Download
5th December - Wairarapa Regatta
This
is Tony McCaa's "Hi Tension"
This boat was purchased from Australia previously run by Peter Taite
it is a 21ft Childsplay hull and now runs a blown engine.
It was very disappointing that the Boat did not get on the water during
the weekend but Tony has plans to run this boat in Australia shortly.
Tony also has the Ladybug GP Boat but it will not be racing anytime
in the near future.
The boat as run in australia the big difference is the Safety cell which
was designed and built in nelson by Malcolm Jamieson who built &
runs the KRB F1 Tunnel
An Update on Mike Denham
Mike was Operated on this Morning and has a Fractured pelvis, internal bleeding, 3 damaged vertibrae & a severely
fractured wrist.
On a side Note If anyone left a Battery charger at the Wairarapa Club rooms you can contact Steve Denham to get it back once you ID it, E-mail Steve Denham
4th December - Wairarapa Regatta
Race of the Regatta was Steve Mathieson"Midnight" chasing down Malcolm
Packer in "Miss Weta" to dead Heat at the Line in the Plywood Cup
The Wairarapa Regatta was an enjoyable event despite the many problems
that befall the organizers not the least of which was bad wind on the
Saturday that made racing Dangerous in the eyes of the officials.
A number of Boats that had entered also failed to show up which made the
field a rather small one.
The Highlight of Saturday was to be the running of the Matt Morrison Memorial
which had attracted the Blown Capsule Boat "Hi Tension" of Tony McCaa
from Nelson. Tony was most disappointed that the race wasn't run on the
saturday and because he had prior commitments and a ferry booking on Saturday
Night he returned home without ever getting the Boat wet.
The big highlight of Saturday was Bruce Packer going for a Spin in his
little J Class Boat on water that kept the Big Boats on the shore?
On Sunday it was a nice clam sunny day with a very gentle breeze.
First up was the Matt Morrison Memorial and we all thought the only thing between Mike Denham and the Title would be a break down and early in the race that looked possible with mike taking it easy and checking the water temp with his hand quite a bit down the straights as he kept pace with Paul Robinson for the first few laps but he eventually put the boot in and stormed away to win with ease.
2nd Race was a ModH Series Race Tony Hall in "Tempest" was having some
big problems getting his boat to run possibly something as silly as a
losses or broken wire he only really got the Boat running right in the
Barney Rhodes Race leading well until the gremlins stopped him a lap short.
Putting up a good race Battle though were Colin Gapper in Tempo Too and
Brodie & Steve Mathieson.
Race 3 was a Series 3000 Points race and this included Formula 3 "Vindicator"
although not eligible for points of the 6 boats starting 3 boats "Ambush",
"Brooster" & "Wild Thing" all broke there handicap times and were DQ.
Race 3 another Points event for ModH the highlight being Colin Gapper spinning out at the bottom turn. After this Colin decided to let Tracy drive the Boat the rest of the Day
Race Two of the MMM and Mike powered away to a strong lead around the
first turn he was comfortably ahead but as he passed the short course
buoys on the back straight the Boat Blew over and Mike was thrown clear
but suffered a broken Wrist, Pelvis and Boat. After the break the rest
of the competitors decided not to restart the Race and the title was declared
on the first heat. This is unofficial of course but I will post any official
result when it comes in.
After a meeting with all drivers racing restarted after the Lunch Break with only the remaining title races to be run.
North Island Pro Com only three starters not sure if that's allowable
or not,but anyway Malcolm Packer won race 1 from Andrea Robinson and Bruce
Packer. Race 2 saw a very tense close finish with Andrea just holding
out Malcolm on the Line therefore with points tied it would be a result
decided on times which should work in Malcolm's Favour this Title is also
very unofficial.
ModH contested the Flamecrusher Title over the long course with Steve Mathieson beating home Brodie and Tracy Gapper. Tony Hall parked up on the far side of the course and got out and watched the race while holing on to his Boat.
The Barney Rhodes Memorial open to the 6 fastest boats and this time Tony
Hall in "Tempest" was flying but broke down with a lap to go leaving a
surprised Paul Robinson in "Going Going Gone" to win the title.
Santano Paints and open to the next 6 fastest boats or in this case anyone still moving, Malcolm Packer held off Andrea Robinson and Bruce Packer to Win. Malcolm then stayed out on course to contest the last race the Plywood Cup which was a Handicap event and produced a dead Heat finish between Malcolm and Steve Mathieson
I will put up a gallery later in the week
Unofficial Major Title Results
Matt
Morrison Memorial
1st Mike Denham "Captain Manta"
2nd Paul Robinson "Going Going Gone"
3rd Malcolm Packer "Miss Weta" |
Plywood
Cup
1st Malcom Packer "Miss Weta"
2ndTracy Gapper "Tempo Too""Midnight"
3rd Brodie Mathieson "Meridian" |
Barney
Rhodes Memorial
1st Paul Robinson "Going Going Gone"
2nd Tracy Gapper "Tempo Too"
3rd Steve Mathieson "Midnight" |
Santano
Paints
1st Malcom Packer "Miss Weta"
2nd Andrea Robinson "Wild Thing"
3rd Bruce Packer "Brooster" |
Flamecrusher
1st Steve Mathieson "Midnight"
2nd Brodie Mathieson "Meridian"
3rd Tracy Gapper "Tempo Too" |
North
Island Pro Com
1st Malcom Packer "Miss Weta"
2nd Andrea Robinson "Wild Thing"
3rd Bruce Packer "Brooster" |
3rd December - Wairarapa Regatta
Mike Denham on his way to winning Heat 1 of the Matt Morrison Memorial
Mike Denham had a very lucky escape from a spectacular accident during
the 2nd Heat of the Matt Morrison Memorial for some reason half way
up the back straight the Boat "Captain Manta" blew over in a classic
hydroplane type back flip Mike was thrown Clear and the rescue craft
with Diver Dan was quickly on the scene and Mike was then brought to
shore where the very competent Paramedics took charge. Mike was speaking
and his injuries were accessed and they requested the Rescue Helicopter
to be flown in from Wellington.
Mike is in a comfortable condition at Wellington Hospital with the last
report saying he had a fractured Wrist and Pelvis, bruising to the chest,
lower back and Leg areas. He will be operated on in due course for his
Broken Pelvis.
The New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club send there best wishes to Mike and his Family and wish him a speedy and healthy recovery
More to come on this event soon
Everybody pitches
in to help get the boat on the trailer. |
the Engine has broken loose.
Kent Dunlop is currently stripping the engine down and he believes
it is OK at this early stage. |
the Paramedics
and rescue crew assist the Chopper rescue team load Mike onto
the stretcher. |
up up and away
the Westpac rescue chopper takes off to Wellington Hospital. |
27th November - TGR Racing
Gary & Tania Gregory have started work on a Website to promote their
Boat "The Game" 111 and their racing activities. It doesn't look like
they will have the Boat finished in time for this weekends Racing at
Wairarapa with work commitments keeping Gary away from working on the
Boat.
Click Image below to go to their new Website
26th November - NZGPHDC AGM
Yesterday saw the Annual AGM of the New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club
Election of Officers
Patron - Peter Knight
President - David Alexander
Vice President - Selwyn Coker
Treasurer - Warwick Lupton
Secretary - Denise Moughan
Plans for the NZGP run World Championship events at Downtown & Karapiro
were discussed and things are coming along nicely on that front.
The Club is still hoping to help Organize a Trans Tasman Challenge held
at Downtown & Karapiro New Zealand and Yarrawonga& Taree Australia
While a format is yet to be formulated officially points would be taken
on lap times at Downtown and either the World Championship or AE Baker
races at Karapiro with a decision yet to be made on the Australian Legs.
|
A
must for Christmas this year is this little gem of a Book about
Peter Knight Senior
A fascinating story of Peter
Knight Sen life in Speedboat racing 252 pages of stories, pictures
and his journey over the years racing in New Zealand, America
and Australia.
Written by Peter Knight Sen with Rod Dew.
This book is still available through the Club along with all other
Merchandise some of which is now discounted in Price.
Blow Up Boats are on Special at only $5.00 for Xmas.
Make someone
happy at Xmas and contact
Denise Moughan
Ph 09 2749866
Fax 09 2749866
Mobile 027 2503504
E-mail - Denise
Moughan
|
25th November - 2007 EC Griffith Cup
The 2007 EC Griffith Cup Dates have changed to 24th - 25th March 2007
It would pay to make accommodation changes as soon as possible.
This means the New Zealand Boats that are racing in the South Island
just 4 weeks before will have to sort new Transportation to Australia.
If any of the Boats have damage then it will be a mad rush to get them ready to send to Australia.
23rd November - Wanganui Regatta
Wanganui Power Boat Club were to hold their Regatta on December 16th
- 17th but an International Ironman type Competition is also staging
events on the River that weekend and the Wanganui Council is not prepared
to allow two events to use the same river regardless of how well they
may try to work together. Therefore the Wanganui Regatta is now going
to be held as a one day event on 27th January 2007 at the Downtown Venue
in Association with the New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club
Regatta. The big Hydroplanes will at best only do a few warm up laps
each on the Saturday and this gives a lot of time for the Pro Stock
NI Event and the River City 3000 Events. There will also be a couple
of Events run on Sunday for various classes depending on numbers.
23rd November - Gold Cup Entry Form
Manawatu have released there Gold Cup Entry Form for the Manawatu Regatta on the 30th - 31st of December
They will also be having a huge New Years Eve Shindig at the River so be prepared to stay a couple of nights.
Manawatu Gold Cup Regatta Form - MS WORD Click to Download
20th November - Michael (Mick) Craddock
It is with sad news that Michael (Mick) Craddock passed away on Saturday
the 18th November after a battle with cancer.
Mick was Dragula's crew chief and looked after the engine and kept an eye over the rest of the operations on race day.
Mick picked up the Vic APBA crewmen of the year award this year and has left a huge void in the Dragula race team.
I Apologize for not having a decent Picture of Mick but the above image
is of Mick Doing what he loved and being apart of a great Little Team.
On Behalf of Everyone at the New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers
Club and especially on Behalf of Warwick Lupton and the the Entire Annihilator
Grand Prix Hydroplane Team we wish to pass on our Deepest Sympathies
to Mick's Family and to Tom Heffernan and the Dragula Hydroplane Race
Team.
16th November - Geyserland Entry Form
Geyserland have released there Entry Form for the Mangakino Regatta
Geyserland
2007 Regatta Form - MS WORD Click to Download
15th November - Grant Rivers
Ken Lupton's New Engine nears competition
David and Warwick's Motors
Grant Rivers has been extremely busy in his Workshop, There are currently
4 Annihilator Engines at the Workshop.
How Grant manages to find the time to run his Workshop and do all his
Racing activities is a true wonder. This past weekend while Grant was
racing at Manfield he also had to keep a sharp eye on the stable of
6 Race Cars that he maintains including the New Viva Race car he only
recently finished Building from the ground up for Sandra Eden. This
car hadn't had much of a test and was thrown in the deep end, but sadly
blew a Clutch.
All the other Cars ran consistently and placed highly.
Pictured next to each other is David's Second Engine along side the
Ford BDA that Grant is Building for Nicole Rivers Ford Escort Circuit
Racing Car Visit Grant's Website
to see more of this little Car in the making
The Annihilator Teams Sincerely Thank Grant for all his efforts.
14th November - Wild Cat Racing
Wildcat Racing is a new venture designed to bring the 8 - 15 year olds
into Boat Racing and The New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club
will be hosting this Class at its World Grand Prix Championship Event
on the 3rd and 4th of February 2007
The Boats are a 3.6metre RIB and come as a complete ready to race package
with 15HP Suzuki Outboard and all the Safety Gear including Helmets,
Propeller Guard, 2 Race Helmets, 2 Life Jackets, Fuel tank and Trailer.
There will be two age groups 8 - 10 years and 10 - 15 Years
Full training will be provided for the Boat owners and the Young Race
Crews in all aspects of Water Safety and Race rules.
Have-A-Go-Day, Browns Bay Beach, Auckland
11am to 1pm
Free rides for everyone, we can take you and the kids out on the water
in our race boat, or if you are a competent powerboat user you can take
your own kids out for a ride. For those kids that have the 'right stuff'
we can even let them have a go at driving the boat (with Instructor
in the Boat of course)
Register here or phone
or sms Rod on 021 948 232
Contact Details
Racing Solutions Ltd
PO Box 35713
Browns Bay
North Shore City 0753
Ph: 021 948 232
Fax: 021 291 0779
Email Rod
Website
12th November - Big Boys Toys
Chief Crewman for the Weekend Syd got his chance to pose with the Tui
Girls after Warwick and David left the show and stopped hogging the
limelight.
Due to Alcohol advertising rules the Girls said they couldn't pose on
the Boat itself but that wont stop us putting up a Picture for Syd.
12th November - Big Boys Toys Display
The Starter Motor on the Big Boat has decided to call it a day, However
next year the plan is to have the Spare Engine set up or we would like
to bring all three Annihilator's to really give the Crowd Value.
New Offshore Sensation
Jo Lomax has inherited a new Pit Crew for the Wellington round of the
OffShore Series on the 10th 0f March 2007.
Broomstick Racing which is using the infamous "Chindit" Boat for the
coming season will have Warwick Lupton and David Alexander on the sidelines
looking after the Girls and Boat and causing general Mayhem where ever
they go.
David Alexander posing with the Blackhawk Girls
12th November - Big Boys Toys Display
Warwick Lupton's Annihilator Boat has been wowing the Crowds and upsetting
a couple of nearby exhibitors with its very loud Engine Start ups. The
BP Ulitma Exhibit located next to us in a big Marquee requested we give
them warning when we next start the Boat. There are a couple of Drag
cars that have tried to compete with the big Boat but they haven't quite
got the noise on us.
We will get another two Engine start ups in today before Warwick and David fly back to Wanganui later this afternoon.
10th November - Happy Birthday Ken Lupton
Ken Lupton celebrates his Birthday on Friday and is also hoping to get
the coverted 2007 World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship for a late
Birthday Present.
