Kiwi power boat racers are getting excited about the upcoming Grand Prix Hydroplane Thunder event at Glendhu Bay on November 4th and 5th.

The inaugural event last year was a huge success, and Southland Powerboat Club member Jason Haggerty was among the participants.  Jason races Grand Prix Hydroplanes around New Zealand and won the Masport Cup in 2021.

Grand Prix Hydroplanes have 1400 horsepower and are capable of speeds up to 270kms, which makes for fantastic watching for spectators.

In 2023-24, the New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers Club will celebrate 40 years of racing thunder in New Zealand.

Wanaka’s Glendhu Bay is the first in a series of five race weekends, culminating in the Hydro Thunder Trophy this year finishing at Lake Karapiro in early February 2024.

The 99th running of the Masport Cup will also be raced at Twizel two weeks after Glendhu Bay.

The 2023-24 Hydro Thunder Lucas Oil Championship Series is a festival of speed on water. “They’re quick, fast and noisy,” Jason said.

Glendhu Bay offered the perfect conditions for racing, being relatively sheltered, and there was always the risk of the boats flipping at great speeds – making it an extreme sport.

With 10 Grand Prix Hydroplanes competing, each powered by a methanol-fuelled 468 cubic inch block engine, and a 8-71 blower turning at 120% of crankshaft speed, they are the fastest racing boats on water.

There will also be support classes with smaller hydroplanes, tunnel boats, outboard race boats and juniors.

Share this article
The link has been copied!