Lavazza Coffee was proud to sponsor Mike Gerbic and Alan Branch as they won the Super 60 title at the penultimate race of the 2012 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat series.

With a mixture of coffee fueled adrenaline and determination the boys set out to win, and not only did they succeed in taking the season title but also managed to be the overall winner of the sixty mile race. In harsh conditions the boys had a battle on their hands and made a superb job of not only beating the competition, but conquering the elements on the day. With large grins and a huge feeling of relief the team came back to the cheering crowds in Auckland's Viaduct harbour where they celebrated their win in the true spirit of motorsport with a champagne spraying ceremony.

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The company has grown from a small family firm, when Luigi Lavazza experimented by blending different coffee beans to produce the unique flavours that have made Lavazza coffee Italy's favourite coffee. The brand has grown in reputation, known for quality and flavour, and now enhances the lives of not only Luigi's local Italian community but is spreading to the far corners of the world.

Lavazza recognizes the large part that quality coffee now plays in the lives of New Zealanders. Lavazza is proud to present it's range of coffee to an audience of discerning consumers that will fully appreciate the flavour and quality of the products available.

You can experience the taste of Lavazza Coffee in your own home. Look out for the range of Lavazza Coffees at your local supermarket, and find out for yourself why Lavazza Coffee is Italy's favourite coffee.

On a typical Auckland day the New Zealand Offshore Powerboats raced on Auckland Harbour completing the seventh race in their eight race 2012 series. In weather ranging from bright sunshine to pouring rain and howling wind the teams assembled outside the new Viaduct Events Centre. This was the first time the race has been hosted in the city and it was great to see so many of the public down to have a look at the boats.

There were a lot of teams with something to prove, and a number of day entries, including some past titleholders who wanted the world to remember them. And remember them, we did especially when Doosan, winner of the NZ Superboat Championship in 2010 was the first boat to emerge from under the Harbour Bridge half way through the first lap.

The Superboat race was one of the highlights of the day. There was a lot of pressure on Tony Coleman and Chris Hanley of 'Fujitsu Better Heat' to win if they were to have a chance at the Championship title for 2012.

Finishing in third place today behind Doosan and Fairview, Tony Coleman of 'Fujitsu Better Heat' later explained that they had the lightest Superboat and without water ballast the boat gets lighter as the fuel load drops, and the conditions today were not in their favour. At one point Tony felt them leap off a wave too high and he was almost convinced they would come to grief when the wind straightened them out and they were able to land safely.

Doosan driven today by Cary Gleeson and Richard Shores were incredibly lucky at the top of the course when they spun out while leading at the top turn. Fortunately they were able to get it together, re-round the mark and continue at the head of the field. Fairview in second place also had a sticky moment when the boat landed badly on its side almost vertically and Andrew Koolen, driving today with Bob Smith  thought they would not be able to recover. They too had luck on their side and were fortunate to land back up the right way and continue the race.

Fairview now look pretty much assured of the 2012 Superboat title as they have enough points on the table provided they complete the course in the last race at Tauranga.

After an incredibly harsh season for the Superboat Lite Class in which two of the competitors were too badly damaged to continue racing, Tony Carson and Brooke Faulknor in 'Red Steel' had competition today from Speedy 1. Driven by Steve Bone and Peter Jonas, this team put on a great show in the rough conditions, but were unable to catch the boys in 'Red Steel' who figured the Superboats were more in their league. 'Red Steel' is assured of the Superboat Lite title for 2012.

All of the boats found the conditions hard going at times. The sea state was incredibly messy with a swell of about a metre with a lot of chop on top and strong wind gusts. The wind was blowing straight down the course from west to east which made the run from the Harbour Bridge out past Watchman's Island and on to Kauri Point more demanding than usual, especially for the catamarans who had to take care that the wind didn't catch under their bridge decks and send them flying high in the air.  The monohulls too were tossed around by the inconsistent sea state and there were plenty of spectacular leaps and clouds of spray. The spectators of course like nothing better than a fast furious race with the odd bit of drama thrown in, and that's pretty much what they got.

In the sixty mile race 'Fish City', another past champion was out to play in the rough conditions, sparring with another day entry 'Gull Force 10' in the Classic Class. These boats both had experienced teams who know the rules and on this occasion thought they'd have some fun. Classic Boats are restricted to only 80 miles per hour and both of these boats are capable of far more than this. While coming first and second in the sixty mile race they were later disqualified from winning the sixty mile overall race because according to their GPS they were speeding. This could perhaps have something to do with the fact that they lent their GPS to two of the Superboats just to spice things up. Turned out that both boats recorded speeds of over 100 miles per hour! As day entries neither team had anything riding on the race and were simply out to enjoy the racing. The boats did however take first and second place in the Classic class for the day.

This of course left 'Espresso Engineers' as the outright winner of the sixty mile race. Mike Gerbic had plenty to smile about as he and co pilot Alan Branch also took out the Super 60 Class title today with their win in Auckland. Mike won this class last year so makes it two in a row after swapping classes part way through the season when his Superboat Lite by the same name was damaged.

In the Sports 60 Restricted class there were boats flying everywhere, and at times crew as 'Triple Trouble' can attest when they were tossed out of their boat after a particularly nasty landing. Both were unhurt but retired early from the race. Jono Hanley continued his drama packed season when he broached badly in 'Energizer' and damaged the boat. Once more he was stopped in the middle of the course with his race tape at work shoring up the boat so he could successfully complete the race.
'Konica Minolta' driven by Mikey Smith put on another outstanding performance to win this class and secure the Sports 60 Restricted Title for the season. 'Thin Ice' was second today, and 'Auckland District Collections' third. Mikey Knight of 'Auckland District Collections' looks set to take the second place on the podium for the season and 'Total Oil' driven by James Taylor looks to have his sights on third place.

The NZOPA would like to thank Fusion Electronics, MarineWorkz, Stonebridge, Need a Nerd, Marine Medics, Ocean Bridge Shipping, Trade A Boat, Fish City (Brett Archer), Placemakers Pakuranga, AB Marine, CRD Automotive, Rainbow Haulage, Fulton Swim School, Scarborough Brothers Ltd, Eaton Hydraulics, Bob Smith, Building Solutions, Domobar Espresso Machines, Mazzer Coffee Grinders, D & H Steel, Profloors, Total Access Ltd, Profloors Concrete, Global Pacific Corp, Vertex Electrical, and O'Hagans for their support in making the Auckland race possible.
 
The final race of the 2012 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Season will be held in Tauranga on May 12th.

More information and updated championship points table can be found on the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association website www.nzoffshore.co.nz.

Race Six of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboats takes place on Saturday 14th April on Wellington Harbour.

Only three races to go in the series for 2012 and there's still plenty to compete for. Wellington is never an easy race with a difficult chop created by the waves in the harbour striking the sea walls and bouncing back out to sea. Complicated by the occasional inter-island ferry, this race is possibly one of the most challenging mentally for both the drivers and throttlemen who have to concentrate on the confused sea state, making minute adjustments to keep the boat racing flat and fast.

'Fairview', the leading Superboat with four out of five races won will be looking for another victory in Wellington this week. Warren Lewis and his co driver Andrew Koolen have another psychological hurdle ahead of them going into this race as Warren was in the boat in a previous race when he tripped on a wave and barrel rolled the boat. He was incredibly lucky to land the boat up the right way and continue racing, but he, more than anyone on the course, will be well aware of just how dangerous and unpredictable this race can be. With Fairview only 300 points ahead of them 'Fujitsu Better Heat' driven by Tony Coleman and Chris Hanley will be well aware that they need to win in order to keep their chances of victory alive. With the difference between first and second worth 100 points, a win in each of the next three races will see the season tied for this class, provided the Fujitsu boys can hold Fairview in second place. A tough challenge, but enough to add even more pressure for both these teams.

In the Superboat Lite Class Tony Carson and Brook Faulknor have a lead of 950 points in their boat 'Red Steel'. Provided they complete each race without calamity, the boys will see themselves at the top of the Podium with a well deserved win when the season ends.

In the 60 mile classes the main competition will be in the Sports 60 Restricted class where Konica Minolta has a clear lead on 2000 points, a lead of over 500 points from the second placed boat Auckland District Collections. Rest assured however that the racing will be just as fierce as ever, as these drivers see each boat as a full on contest, starting each race with their eyes on a win and racing accordingly. With several of the chasing boats low on points due to mechanical failure or injury everyone is well aware that no one is assured of finishing, and that anything can happen in the next three races.

This perhaps is the underlying factor that keeps these drivers so fired up at every race, and what makes the racing so exciting. No class is safe as already we have seen boats sustain damage sufficient to prevent them from finishing the season.

Wellington once more looks set to provide the public with a spectacular display of speed and skill. Possibly one of the best venues in the country the crowds can get close to the action with large parts of the race along the harbour's foreshore, where they can hear the roar of the engines, smell the exhausts fumes and feel the spray on their skin as the boats negotiate the choppy seas.  With a southerly forecast the Wellington race could well be wetter and wilder than usual. The turn into Evans Bay should be a particularly good viewing point as the boats turn into the wind that is funneled through the gap in the hills over the airport and straight into the bay.

Best viewing for spectators will be from the old Overseas Terminal, along Oriental Parade, Point Jerningham (by the lighthouse) and along Evans Bay Rd. Two races run simultaneously, a 100 mile race for the Superboat and Superboat Lite classes and a 60 mile race for the other classes. The race usually takes one hour and starts at 1.00pm.

The NZ Offshore Powerboat Association hold a family oriented event and are happy to talk to anyone who has questions about the boats and the way they are raced. The NZ Offshore Powerboat tents and Headquarters will be set up behind Te Papa, opposite Chaffers Marina and the old Overseas Terminal. Some of the boats will be on display both before and after the race and it's free to wander around the "pit" area, and to watch the race from the foreshore or other vantage points.

The NZOPA would like to thank the Wellington City Council, Four Kings Bar n Restaurant, Mcintosh Cranes, Helipro, Jetts Gym and Free Heat for their support in making the Wellington race possible.

More information and updated championship points table can be found on the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association website www.nzoffshore.co.nz.

Two husband and wife Kiwi teams’ have won their respective category titles to claim the UIM Wanganui.com World Series jet sprint championship honours near Wanganui today.

Wanganui’s Leighton and Kellie Minnell set second fastest time in the Superboat category, scoring enough points for their title while Taupo’s Reg and Julie Smith won their International Group A class in similar fashion victory.

Against a number of Australian, one Canadian and 18 other Kiwi teams’ the pair will be crowned this evening at a Gala dinner in Wanganui. Second in the Superboat category was a tie between Lower Hutt’s Ray Ferguson and Australia’s Phonsy Mullan. Group A runner-up was V8Supercar driver Nathan Pretty, with Hamilton’s Sam Newdick third, finishing outside the top-three run-off for the day.

Starting today’s final of two rounds, Minnell and Smith led their respective classes by a solitary point. Needing to finish ahead of their opposition, it was instead 2009 Superboat champion Peter Caughey and Group A campaigner Burt as outsiders who bettered times set by the new champions.

“She was a hard day at the office! The racing today was always going to be tough and there were battles on everywhere. Battles between the hydraulic hose brands, battles for the world title and battles against the ex, Caughey,” said Minnell of the Hydraulink team against Caughey’s ENZED backing.

“There was a lot of pressure and now we’ve got our name on a cup alongside some legendary sports people – it’s onward and upwards from here.

“I was so focused on the racing it took a while to sink in we’d won to be honest. It wasn’t until I’d gotten out of the boat and the TV cameras arrived along with well-wishers, the emotion kicked in.

“I was just so glad to have my wife beside me all day to keep me calm really and keep my head in the right place – so it’s as much hers.”

Sharing similar feelings, Reg and Julie Smith have used the win to conclude their career at World Series level. Smith has contested every event since the title’s inception in 1997.

“It’s an awesome awesome feeling; I can’t really explain it really. We were sitting on the launch ramp waiting to see what time Nathan Pretty set and when we heard we were faster it was an ecstatic moment.

“When we got in to the top-three run-off we knew we had a bite at the title. If we came third and Nathan first it would have gone down to a run-off between us to clear the tie position. So when we heard the time the whole team just erupted that not only we didn’t need to run-off but that we’d won – it was a fantastic feeling to go out on.

“Also that Leighton and Kellie Minnell took the title in the Superboat was a double-whammy for the Kiwis’. We’ve taken the whole World Series – that’s awesome!”

Spectators at the Shelter View jet sprint track, north of the river city were treated to more than just on-track action. Wanganui local Peter Huijs left the water at high speed to bring his day to an early end. Additionally New Zealand Lites category competitors also challenged for a subsidiary title. Piopio’s Brent Thompson set fastest time in the final for the round trophy.

New Zealand competitors will now return to contesting the Jetpro championship title, where the next round will be held at Hastings Crownthorpe track on Sunday 4 March.

Race Three of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboats 20012 series takes place on Saturday 18th February off the coast of Beachlands in the Tamaki Strait on South Auckland's East Coast. This year's race is expected to be fast with very little swell and light winds.

After two races in the 2012 series, some teams are starting to look like they have a strong chance of dominating the racing in their class. In the Superboats, 'Fairview' driven by Warren Lewis and Andrew 'Flea' Koolen leads with two straight wins, and the team will be looking to get their hat trick with a win at Beachlands. They may well have a lot of competition on their hands with the turnout of three other Superboats; 'Fujitsu Better Heat' driven by Tony Coleman and Chris Hanley, 'Schick Hydro' with Scott Lewis and Murray Tuffin in the cockpit, and 'Profloors' driven by Wayne Valder and Richard Shores. All of these teams are experienced and know how to win so this is a race that will come down to acceleration on the straights, tight cornering, and driving the best line between the marks.

Mike Gerbic and Allan Branch had a great race in 'Espresso Engineers' at Gisborne and are improving with each race in the Superboat Lite Class. While the leading boat 'Red Steel' driven by Tony Carson now has two clear wins and looks like the favourite for the season, there is still no doubt that they will be watching carefully to see how the new 'Espresso Engineers' team develop. Tony is joined this week by Wayne Carson. 'Alimax' driven by Gordon Robinson and Andrew Macbeth had problems at Gisborne but are another team with plenty of potential. The 'Speedy 1' team is an unknown quantity. While the boat has some history the drivers Pete Jonas and Steve Bone are new to the series this season and while not participating in every race may yet prove to be a threat. A DNF at this stage could make a huge difference to any team, but the leading team in particular have a lot to lose, and the middle of the series is always fraught with the need for speed, tempered with the need to get round safely and get the much needed championship points.

The Sports 60 Restricted class provided a ton of entertainment at Gisborne with the lead changing multiple times within the 60 mile race. This class is proving to be extremely competitive, and there are no clear leaders at this stage. How many boats will front this week is still unclear with 'CRD Automotive' sustaining some pretty major damage in Gisborne that may keep the team out of competition for a few races. James Taylor will be adamant about getting a win this week in 'Total Oil' after leading for so much of the first race, finishing second, and getting a fourth at Gisborne. 'Konica Minolta' and 'Thin Ice' are tied for first place at present, but anyone watching this class will know that there is very little indeed between the teams and it will not take much for the positions on the leaderboard to change.

The Auckland races always bring out more of the locals so we hope to see some entries from some of the classic boats as well as a turnout in the other classes. 'Back2Bay6' the Batboat competing in the Super 60 class will hopefully have some competition this week from Mark Diggelmann and Dave Vazey in the black Batboat 'Espresso Engineers' that was driven to victory by Mike Gerbic and Dave Vazey last season. We also look forward to seeing Bob Smith and his son Alexander out again in their boat 'Triple Trouble' which performed so well at Taupo, and will be competing in the Sports 60 Class.

Racing starts at 1.00pm on Saturday, and the event usually takes an hour to be completed. Two races are run at the same time with the Superboats and Superboat Lites completing a 100 mile race and the other classes completing a 60 mile race.

The NZOPA thank and acknowledge the support of the Auckland City Council, Pine Harbour Marina, The Maraetai Coastguard, Pepperjacks Restaurant, The Jolly Rodger Pub, Oceania Aviation Ltd, Acceleration on Water, Marineworkz, and Marine Paramedical Services.

Boats will be on display on the reserve in front of the Beachlands Yacht club on Saturday morning.
Superboats and Superboat Lites will launch in the Pine Harbour Marina, while the smaller boats will use the public boat ramp.

Racing starts at 1.00pm

Best viewing from the foreshore by the Beachlands Boat Club off Wakelin Rd.

Event details are posted on the NZOPA Website www.nzoffshore.co.nz

After the Beachlands event racing continues at Napier on the 17th March, Whitianga on the 31st March, Wellington on the 14th April, Auckland on the 28th April and the final race of the season at Tauranga on the 12th May.

This weekend’s title decider for the final round of Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) Wanganui.com World Series jet sprint boat championship will be held at Wanganui’s Shelter View track 18-19 February, where Kiwi teams’ currently head the standings.

Contested in two categories: the unlimited Superboat and International Group A, teams’ consisting of a driver and navigator compete against the clock around a narrow multi-channel water course using water jet pump propelled boats. Long supported by action hungry spectators, it combines a picnic and family style atmosphere amidst on-the-limit sprint boats.

Opening the two round series with a clean slate in the Wairarapa, it was Wanganui’s Leighton and Kellie Minnell (Superboat) and Taupo’s Reg and Julie Smith (Group A) who topped the time sheets in the final elimination run. Each followed by a Kiwi team in second, the best offshore teams’ could manage was third in each category.

Against five Australian pairings and a team from Canada, 19 Kiwi hopefuls entered the chase for the coveted title, and enter the final weekend with an outside chance against the two category leaders. Scoring 30 points for setting fastest time in the top-three final eliminations, Minnell and Smith are a solitary point ahead of second placed Ray Ferguson (Lower Hutt, Superboat) and Sam Newdick (Hamilton, Group A). However each has confidence their respective boat packages will perform at what is regarded a ‘horsepower’ rotation.

Minnell says he needed to win that first round to put his opposition on notice: “It was a must win for us – we’re hungry for the championship. As far as we’re concerned I just wanted to see how much pressure we could put on other teams’ and what carnage it might create.”

Runner-up to the 2009 Group A title, Smith says his opening round win was a tit-for-tat battle with New Zealand title rival Sam Newdick. Defending Jetpro New Zealand champion Smith led the first two rounds of the 2012 season with Newdick having only recently taken the helm at the mid-season round.

“Now it’s just a bit of housekeeping and the boat will be ready to go for next weekend – that’s the plan,” said the Taupo businessman.

Current world title holders Peter Caughey (Christchurch, Superboat) and Slade Stanley (Australia, Group A) are languishing in seventh and fifth places respectively. Needing to not only win the weekend round outright, those placed ahead in the standings need to finish an equal amount behind for either to be considered title winners.

“I’m not in a good position to win a world title from, there’d have to be a lot of people very unlucky,” said Caughey, who won the last title in 2009 with current navigator Karen Marshall.

Still, Caughey says seeing the boats he’s built score so high was some consolation: “Leighton won with a 42.43 in the boat we won the last world title in, and what an awesome final with Ray Ferguson and his wife, Nicky. Third was our latest customer boat with Aussie Phonsy Mullan at the wheel.”

Caughey had mechanical issues that prevented him starting the opening round in the brand new boat he’d built for his 2012 title campaign. Amidst great expectation the engine for his self-built boat package will be ready for the final; Caughey says it’s as much for his sponsors as for him: “I’ll be in my new ENZED boat for the final. I’ll be pretty grumpy if not – the engine builder better stand and deliver!”

Located eight kilometres inland toward Upokongaro adjacent to SH4, the Shelterview jet sprint track is surrounded by hillside making for a natural amphitheatre style venue. Perfect for family picnicking, there is a no pets policy due its accredited farm status.

Saturday gives teams’ a chance to learn the track with two un-timed runs before afternoon qualifying starting from 2:20pm approximately. Sunday morning concludes the qualifying, with an official opening ceremony at 11:50am by Wanganui mayor Annette Main, including the Kapa Haka group and national anthems.

Racing begins from 12:20pm, starting with the top-16 elimination. That gets cut to 12, dropping to eight, five and the fastest three shoot-out for the podium.
Adding the points’ from the two events will determine the overall title winning driver and navigator – who will be presented their title crown at a gala dinner on the Sunday evening at the Wanganui War Memorial Hall.

Backed by Wanganui.com, their support of the World Series is part of a campaign to showcase the region’s successful residents who work hard and play harder.

The weekend’s opening round of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) Wanganui.com World Series jet sprint boat championship held near Featherston put two Kiwi teams atop the points table after the first two days of competition.

Runner-up to the 2009 Group A title, Taupo’s Reg and Julie Smith set fastest time in the top-three elimination held at the Tauherinikau racecourse aquatrack, while Wanganui’s Leighton and Kellie Minnell set fastest time in the Superboat category.

Hamilton’s Sam Newdick finished second in the Group A category with Australian V8Supercar driver Nathan Pretty third fastest.
Minnell’s closest threat for the 1000+horsepower Superboat category was Upper Hutt’s Ray and Nicky Ferguson with Australian Phonsy Mullan third.

“Very happy with the day,” said Smith. “We led from the front for most of it then Sam (Newdick) got me at the top-five and then I got him back in the top-three so it was a good battle.

“It’s a very good place for the Aussies – behind us. But it’s been a lot of fun.

“Winning the first round has certainly given us one hand on the trophy. How much closer can you get to the cup when you win on the first day?

“Now it’s just a bit of housekeeping and the boat will be ready to go for next weekend – that’s the plan.”

Ironically for the two leading drivers’ they are defending New Zealand champions and front-runners for the current 2012 title, which is mid-season.

“Very very happy,” said Minnell who also posted fastest time of the day overall. “We set a few goals today and it was a must win for us – we’re hungry for the championship.
“The horsepower course is next weekend at Wanganui and I knew if we were going to have a shot at the title it had to happen here.

“We managed to lead the qualifying both days which was fantastic. Once we got in to the 42 second bracket we pulled the throttle up a bit and waited to see what would happen around us knowing we could go back there.

“As far as we’re concerned I just wanted to see how much pressure we could put on other teams and what carnage it might create. So our plan went well for us and our Hydraulink team.

“We’re rapt for Ray Ferguson. I think he raced outstandingly. But we’re going home tonight with one hand on that world title trophy.”

While the weather played its part this time; the mix of cloud and sun at the Tauherinikau racecourse made conditions pleasant for the spectators who were entertained by a number of out-of-water racing excursions.

The second and concluding round for the Wanganui.com World Series title takes place next weekend 18-19 February at the Shelter View jet sprint track 8km nor-east of Wanganui.

An initiative from series backer’s Wanganui.com was a live video and audio stream from the venue to their website. A number of offshore viewers were able to keep track of the happenings in real-time.

The first of two rounds for the 2012 UIM Wanganui.com World Series jet sprint title starts at Featherston’s Tauherinikau racecourse this weekend 11-12 February, with competitors vying for victory in either the International Group A or unlimited Superboat categories.

Needing to navigate a pre-determined multi-channel water course against the clock, the water jet propelled sport has a penchant for adrenaline and action followers as invariably one of the teams’ will get it wrong – at speed.

Along with 19 Kiwi pairings there are five Australian crews and one Canadian spread across the two categories vying for the bragging rights to their respective world title.

Holding the Superboat crown, Canterbury’s Peter Caughey and navigator Karen Marshall have committed to a late title defence come-back with neither of them having competed since winning the last world series in Australia late 2009. Group A title holders Slade and Vanessa Stanley will also defend their title – using the same boat and engine combination they campaigned for the world crown. Behind them is a large number of Kiwi teams’ race ready and well practised.

Current leader in New Zealand’s Suzuki Superboat category, Wanganui’s Leighton and Kellie Minnell, have three successive round victories for the 2012 Jetpro title, while Hamilton’s Sam Newdick has overtaken defending Whitepointer Boats Group A champion Reg and Julie Smith in the title standings. Having last competed three weeks prior at the same Featherston venue, all, and their chasing peers, are closely grouped performance wise.

Minnell, a relative new-comer, is using the same boat and package Caughey took to the 2009 title. Constant developments since then have the Wanganui businessman quietly confident he can be an equal amongst the more seasoned campaigners. Caughey, a six-time world champion, will campaign a brand new hull, engine and water jet pump combination that has yet to run in competition.

Runner-up to the 2009 Group A world title and having contested every event since its inception in 1997, Smith says this year is his swan-song at the sport’s top tier, but is itching to go one better this time. Making it hard for off-shore challengers, Thames based Bevin Muir and Auckland’s Baden Gray have all been series leaders, with Wanganui’s Richard Murray mixed in the group and Gisborne’s Peter and Rex Briant previous world title holders (Peter had the 2002-2005 Superboat title while Rex won the Group A title last in 2004.)

Canadian Cory Johnson, the current American Superboat champion arrived in New Zealand to contest his maiden Wanganui.com World Series title, less a boat. With the help of Leighton Minnell, Johnson and navigator Gary McNeil are using a Sam Newdick previously campaigned hull, carrying a 434 pro-charged engine and 8.5 inch Scott Waterjet unit combination. It has been affectionately tagged ‘the love boat’, due to the time and effort required to put it together.

“Leighton offered us the ride so why not turn it down right?” said Johnson of his visit to New Zealand for the Wanganui.com World Series.

“Either way we were coming over and were going to watch, learn, take it in like a sponge and compete hard at the next one. We wanted to see the different hulls, how they handle and as the technology is a step ahead we want to learn more to take it back to Canada and the U.S.

“But while we’re here to learn and take in the knowledge, it’d be awesome to finish good, but looking at the competition there is some pretty tough talent. We’re going to try our hardest and do what we can.”

Hoping to have a test run of the boat at a local track, Johnson and his navigator will head to Featherston on Friday to study the course and spend time trying to memorise the 22-turn rotation set for the weekend.

Public have a free and easy chance of getting up close to the boats with scrutineering for the teams’ competing taking place in the main street of Featherston from 9am Saturday 11 February. Then each of the teams’ gets their first run on the water from 12pm Saturday 11 February at the racecourse aquatrack, before the first of two qualifying runs later in the afternoon. A further two qualifying runs Sunday morning will decide the top-16 fastest for the first elimination run. Cut to 12, eight and then five, the three fastest have one last run to decide the round podium placings.

The format will be repeated the weekend later at the Shelter View jet sprint track 8km nor-east of Wanganui, where points from the two events will decide the title winners.

UIM World GP Hydroplane Championship - Lake Karapiro, New Zealand VIDEO HERE

Some of the best GP Hydroplane drivers in the World lined up today for the final race in the 2012 UIM World GP Hydroplane Championship. The race was held on Lake Karapiro in New Zealand, and featured seven boats, five from New Zealand and two overseas visitors; Renegade from the USA and GP1 from Australia. Among them one of New Zealand's most successful raceboats, 'The Boss' originally raced to victory by Peter Knight made an appearance, this year driven by american J. Michael Kelly who flew in for the event.

GP Hydroplanes are a unique UIM recognized class of hydroplane. Powered by 510ci supercharged or turbocharged engines they can reach speeds of up to 180 mph, and are the world's fastest automotive circuit race boats. The engines rev between about 8 and 8 and a half thousand revs, producing about 1600hp. The hulls are mainly constructed of carbon and kevlar, making them immensely light while maintaining immense strength.
The boats competed in four races over the weekend, two heats on Saturday and one on Sunday with the final race held at on Sunday afternoon.

As the final got underway, it was the Australian boat 'GP1' driven by Grant Harrison in pole position that hugged the buoy at the first corner. Followed closely by Marty Wolfe in his boat Renegade from the USA who had to take a wider line at the first turn, Harrison was able to accelerate down past the crowds in the stands and extend his lead. Warwick Lupton, though up with the leaders at the first corner took a wider line and lost valuable time.
Harrison was able to hold on to the lead into the second turn and accelerated away to win the 2012 GP World Championship.

With second place going to Wolfe, the kiwis were left fighting for third place which was taken by 'Fair Warning' raced by Scott Coker.

NZ's Warwick Lupton defended the UIM GP World Championship that he won on Victoria's Lake Yarrawonga in November 2010 in his boat Annihilator. Racing this year in his new Annihilator boat, he lined up alongside other members of the Lupton extended family in the other Annihilator boats, but on this occasion they were unable to make an impact on the field - one could almost say they were annihilated!

The teams line up again at Karapiro on the 3rd and 4th March to compete for the E.C. Griffiths Cup. Currently held by Scott Coker in 'Fair Warning' this is one of the oldest sporting trophies in the world, originally raced in 1910.

Defending UIM World Series Group A champion Slade Stanley from Australia reckons his toughest opposition for the two round 2012 title being held in New Zealand will come from his compatriot, but doesn’t rule out the Kiwi locals.

Starting in the Wairarapa on 11 February and concluding the following weekend near Wanganui, the two round Wanganui.com series has drawn a number of Australian teams to challenge more than just the Kiwi opposition in the water jet propelled boat series.

Winning the title in 2009, Stanley along with navigating wife Vanessa from Wagga Wagga, NSW, will defend their title after a late change in their plans meant they couldn’t compete in the higher specification unlimited Superboat category. Parts for a new engine to power the New Zealand built hull left them

“It’s not the title I was really wanting to chase after. I was wanting to step up to the unlimited (Superboat). But it wasn’t to be so will be doing our best to defend our title.”

Stanley says he last drove the boat when he won the title late in 2009, having since sold it to Damien O’Leary, who will also contest for the title.

“We’ve made a few little changes. I’ve put my old engine back in to the boat and we’ve changed all the seats over, so we’re hoping it’s all still relatively balanced and running well. All that aside it should still be the old boat and shouldn’t take long to adjust.

Against a current total of 12 other teams’ for the two rounds; Stanley believes his main rival will be fellow Australian V8Supercar driver Nathan Pretty. However he doesn’t discount form Kiwi’s Reg Smith (Taupo) and Sam Newdick (Hamilton).

“I’d have to say Nathan (Pretty) would be the main contender. If the boat he’s jumping in to is as competitive as I’m led to believe it is he’ll be tough to beat, especially as it’s a near new package.

“We’re campaigning a boat that is about six years old but I feel we’re up for the job and I’m sure there are a few locals who are going to be tough to beat.

Stanley has been warned to prepare for any kind of weather, after the recent Jetpro New Zealand championship round held in the Wairarapa was cut short due to a heavy rain storm.

The husband and wife team get their first look at the track on Saturday 11 February, with preliminary qualifying held in the afternoon. Final qualifying and eliminations take place on the Sunday with the programme repeated the week later (18-19 February) at Wanganui to decide the world champion.

Additional entries to the event include the New Zealand domestic Jetpro Jetsprint championship Lites competitors, who will challenge for an event trophy, as their boats are ineligible for world title contention.

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The first round of the Wanganui.com World Series will be held at the Tauherinikau race course Saturday/Sunday 11-12 February, and is signposted 4.5km north of Featherston on SH2.

Tickets for the Wairarapa event are:

Adults Feb 11th: $5.00
Child (under-15): $0.00
Adults Feb 12th: $25.00
Child (5-12 yrs): $10.00
Child (Under 5): $0.00
Family Feb 12th: $60.00

The final round will be held at Wanganui’s Shelterview raceway Saturday/Sunday 18-19 February, and is located eight kilometres inland toward Upokongaro adjacent to SH4.

Tickets for the Wanganui event are:

Adults Feb 18th: $20.00
Adults Feb 19th: $30.00
Child (5-12 yrs): $5.00
Child (Under 5): $0.00
Family Feb 18th: $45.00
Family Feb 19th: $65.00

And can be purchased online (http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2012/wanganui-com-uim-world-jet-sprint-championship-finals/wanganui) or at the gate.

Being an accredited farm location Shelterview raceway has a no pets policy.

Backed by Wanganui.com, their support is part of a campaign to showcase the region’s successful residents who work hard and play harder.

Gisborne once again turned on one of those hot, clear days with very little breeze but enough ocean swell to make the racing fast and interesting. The day started with a colourful parade through the main street of Gisborne, with the boats then on display beside the marina as teams finalized their last preparations and launched their boats.

It was obvious as the boats made their way out to the milling area that the incoming tide was going to provide plenty of air for the boats as they leapt out toward the starting point. Everyone had a lot to prove this week, the winners from Taupo needed to show that they deserved their last win and make theirmark on the field by winning two races in a row. The runners up from Taupo hoping to put the leaders in their place in the different but still challenging conditions, and make up for points lost in the first race of the season.

The smaller class of Sports 60 restricted boats was probably the most dramatic this week with seven starting and only five managing to finish. The lead changed hands six times throughout the race and no one could say that any of them were holding back.

CRD Automotive came off a wave and had a boat crunching landing on their side, splitting the hull along the chine, ripping the co drivers seat literally out of the floor, and flinging the crew into the water. The boat filled with water quickly and fortunately rescue boats were on hand to not only pick the crew up and check they were OK, but put a line on the bow of the boat which was all that remained bobbing above the water's surface.

Total Oil were leading for the first half of the race when they suddenly found themselves losing power. The engine cowling cover had come lose and worn through a hose, which split and sprayed salt water through the engine. While they managed to repair the hose and limp to the finish, they lost valuable time and their place at the front of the field.

Mike Knight, in 'Auckland District Collections' with plenty to prove appeared to have all his wishes come true as he made his way to the lead position. All set to win the race one can only imagine his horror on the boat running out of fuel short of the finish line! Mikey Knight racing with his father Mark Helms, himself a well known powerboat racer, who is solely responsible for his son catching the powerboat bug. Mark later said he had a blast and that his son had taught him a thing or two.

Mikey Smith was absent from 'Konica Minolta' this week, but the team was well represented when Jeff Weakes stepped up to the plate, great to see such an experienced hand at the wheel, proving he his worth by setting the pace at the start of the race. While not up to Mikey's usual crazy style the boat was still seen to make some magnificent leaps, and Jeff later admitted he thought they did well, especially since he was recovering from a broken hand!

Yeaa Naa appeared to stop at times struggling to get their boat going consistently in the conditions, like Taupo they concentrated on getting round and finishing the race to get the points.

Thin Ice were the true winners today. Finishing third at Taupo this team are having a fantastic start to the season, and appear to be a different team from their efforts in 2011. While the crew have a few years on some of the younger races they well and truly make up for it in experience and played a great game today, strategically placed to take advantage of other's catastrophes and earning a well deserved win. Brett Archer said after the race that they had been racing in the South Island and that the boat was now at the top of it's game.

With a roar the Superboats were off and 'Fairview', leaving nothing to chance charged ahead and stamped their place at the head of the pack, a place they refused to relinquish for the rest of the race, pulling further and further ahead of the other boats and, in fact, lapping several on their way to victory. 'Fujitsu Better Heat' driven by Tony Coleman and Chris Hanley raced hard, at one point almost catching Fairview who had to put in extra effort to keep their lead. 'Schick Hydo' appeared to struggle with trimming issues and while finishing successfully in third place were never really on the pace.

Tony Carson and Brooke Faulkner in 'Red Steel' were not about to leave Poverty Bay disappointed and, like 'Fairview', dominated their class, leading from start to finish. 'Espresso Engineers' looked to be well trimmed for the conditions but were off the pace required. Finishing in second place they will be happy with the points but no doubt already thinking about how to improve their speed. 'Alimax' too look to be improving every race, but again on this occasion, chased hard but were not able to pull back the leaders, finishing third.

The NZOPA would like to thank Tourism Eastland, Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club, Eastland Port, Phil Law Panelbeating, White Pointer Boats, Martins Hiremaster, Gisborne Honda, McCannic's Contract Engineers, Hauraki Amped 105.3FM and C R Taylor Ltd for their support in making the Gisborne Race possible.

More information and updated championship points table can be found on the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association website www.nzoffshore.co.nz.

Racing continues at Beachlands on the 18th February, Napier on the 17th March, Whitianga on the 31st March, Wellington on the 14th April and the final race of the season in Auckland on the 28th April. A replacement date for the cancelled Tauranga race may be added to the season.

With only a week between the first two races of the 2012 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat championship there is not much time for crews to make any repairs or alterations before heading for Gisborne on New Zealand's east coast. This venue always provides plenty of excitement with big waves that build as the ocean pushes close to shore providing an unpredictable battleground for the best of New Zealand's Offshore Powerboats and their crews.

After race one at Taupo there is no doubt that Warren Lewis and Andrew "Flea" Koolen are a winning combination, and that Warren, once again has his eye on the Superboat Championship title for the season. The teams in 'Fujitsu Better Heat' and 'Schick Hydro' will be wanting to improve on their performance at Taupo, taking advantage perhaps of the bigger ocean swells to make their mark in what promises to be very different conditions from last week.

In the Superboat Lites Tony Carson and Brooke Faulkner of 'Red Steel' were in their element at Taupo, leading from the start in the rough conditions. Gisborne is their home territory, and we can expect another strong performance from this team this week, especially since they are perhaps even more familiar with the conditions expected on Saturday. Each week however, sees the three newer teams become more familiar with their boat and crew which should, in theory, result in a better performance. Theory however, is a fine thing, and doesn't always stack up against the conditions encountered on the day.

The Sports 60 Restricted class was hard fought last week and James Taylor of 'Total Oil' who led for most of the race only to be overtaken in the second to last lap will be itching to set another cracking pace and get across the line ahead of Mikey Smith in 'Konica Minolta'. Mikey Knight retired early at Taupo, so we can expect a concentrated effort from him in 'Auckland District Collections' to get a podium place. With his scheduled co-driver Nigel Smethurst unavailable, Mikey is joined this week by another experienced offshore racer, his father Matt Helm. He has a lot of work to do after his DNF in the first race, but the season is only just beginning.

In the Super 60 class 'Back2Bay6', will be looking forward to a smoother ride after the rough conditions of Taupo, while Bob and Alexander Smith had a ball last week so will be looking forward to getting even more speed out of 'Triple Trouble' in the ocean swells.

The forecast this year is for 9 knots of breeze from the south east, which will be a welcome change after the strong winds encountered by the boats in Taupo, which saw many of them standing on their tails as they headed out toward the middle of the lake. What could make the race on Saturday really thrilling is the building ocean swell, which is forecast from the south. At this stage predicted to be just over a metre in height, the swell, when combined with the incoming tide and wind from the same direction will provide plenty of large waves rolling in to the bay. At present the wave height at the shoreline is expected to be about two metres so the stretch along the beach could be very exciting indeed.

Once again this year there will be a parade of the powerboats and their crews through the main street of Gisborne. The teams take great pride in the presentation of both their boats and tow vehicles and the city of Gisborne is always supportive with a large turnout of families, keen to get a close up look at the race machines. The parade starts at 10.00 am and boats are then on display near the Esplanade, where members of the public can walk around the boats and talk to the crews.

The race can be viewed from the Waikanae foreshore with excellent elevated viewing from Titirangi Domain. The race usually takes one hour and starts at 1.00pm.

The NZOPA would like to thank Tourism Eastland, Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club, Eastland Port, Phil Law Panelbeating, White Pointer Boats, Martins Hiremaster, Gisborne Honda, McCannic's Contract Engineers, Hauraki Amped 105.3FM and C R Taylor Ltd for their support in making the Gisborne Race possible.