Horsepower On The Hume
Victorian powerboat and hydroplane enthusiasts were treated to some spectacular race action at the Horsepower On The Hume meet, held on October 24 and 25 on the Hume Weir.
Hosted by the Hume Boat Club, the weekend began with a day of practice (and no shortage of “showing off” to the delight of onlookers) on Saturday, followed by the real action on Sunday morning. Superb weather and a selection of performance craft across a wide range of classes ensured there was no shortage of variety.
In the GP Hydro class it was an exciting one two finish between Grant Harrison's GP 1 and Tom Heffernan’s Dragula (readers can check out our story on GP 1 in TrailerBoat #250, on sale November 11), although the top race for the day was undoubtedly the Max Kirwin Unlimited Hydroplane Australian Championship.
Of course, it wasn’t just about the big boys action, and a range of smaller classes made up a large part of the day. These included the 4.2/5.0/6.0lt displacement classes, as well as smaller support ranges like the 1.6lt “Oz Lite” hydroplanes and junior Formula Future classes.
A special mention goes to Justin Cross (right image) in the 25hp Trophy, for coming fourth in his first ever race in Adrenaline Rush. The event was won by Mark Shepherdley's Echuca Marine's.
There was only one serious incident, involving Stephen Gillighan’s Mack 1 (first image) flipping over on the back straight on the final lap of the Harrison Cup Final. Fortunately for
Stephen he escaped uninjured.
The weekend concluded with presentations in the Hume Boat Club function rooms.
Many of the boats mentioned will re-appear at the Lake Mulwala Power festival, to be held at Yarrawonga from November 28 to 29. Phone 1800 062 260.