In the build-up to this weekend’s third round of the 2010 Jetpro Jetsprint championship at Meremere, a live broadcast by TVNZ’s Breakfast show will unveil some of the background to the high-action series.The vee-eight engine powered, aluminium hull, jet propelled boats will feature in five live-to-television broadcasts starting from 6:30am on Friday (19 Feb) and will be headed by roving reporter Tamati Coffey.
Ahead of Sunday’s mid-season championship event, Coffey will experience the sensation of being part of a boat crew – that have to navigate a set course from memory against the clock. With occasional slip-ups and navigation errors adding to the mix, the ultimate prize is to bring the best out of man and machine.
That means pushing the development envelope: using the best in light-weight componentry, with minimal fuel, the least water friction and optimal propulsion from the available horsepower.
Often using mixed gender team members, the sport is largely family oriented, equally drawing spectators for the ability to entertain all genres.
Friday’s television segment will feature points leading Scott Waterjet international Group A driver Baden Grey of Auckland. In a pre-weekend duel, New Zealand Jetsprint Association chair Andrew Guthrie of Levin will stir Grey along, with new entrants to the restricted category – Hamilton’s Mark and Sam Newdick adding to the spectacle.
With 30 teams expected to compete on Sunday 21 February, the Meremere course is one of the most challenging in the six round series with the water containing a higher concentration of mud that adds to the slip level of the water. Frequently the scene of the most dramatic water departing incidents, recent track changes will add prudence to the pressures of championship contention with only one of the three competition categories showing a clear leader.
Headlined by the Suzuki super boats with unlimited horsepower, there are classes for Scott Waterjet international Group A and entry-level Jetpro Lites.
One of the best viewing tracks in the country with large embankments, Sunday’s action starts at 11am, with entry $20 for adults, $10 for under-15 or $50 for a family pass (two adults plus kids). During the 30 minute lunch break at noon there is an opportunity for spectators to walk through the pit area and for those who would like to try their hand, there will be a V8 Supercar simulator on site.