NEWS
OZ Lite AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Oz Lite 1.6 Litre Boating Register will be held at the 'The Parkview Hotel' 131-137 Scotchmer street Fitzroy North on Saturday 21st August 2010 at 3pm.
So come along and join in with the running of Australia's best Hydroplane register with committee positions becoming vacant and voting on the rule changes that have been tabled. AGM news below.
Boat Show
A big thanks to all the members that helped out at the boat show with the RKM team making the trip down from the bush to help. A special thanks to Grant (Kiwi) Rollason for bringing Melton Toyota down to represent the Oz Lites and for spending 5 full days down at the show pushing the class and advertising the GP world titles.
L to R, Bob Found (life member) enjoying his stint at the Oz Lite stand with Jeff Heggaton and Rick Macanish (Aust No 1).
GP 1 in the background with the Bud Light F1 tunnel boat and a 6lt capsule boat making the display inside one of the best displays. Other boats on display where Unleashed again and a 25hp mono, which created a lot of interest with the kids. GP 1 had to be lowered as the stand behind was hidden behind the big boat and where not happy.........both displays had TV's going the whole time with DVD's showing the highlights of our sport.
AGM news
Multiple throttle body injection, could this be allowed?? It's one of the rule changes that is up for voting at next months AGM along with open carburetors and new re boring limits.
Picture for illustration purposes only and downloaded from the web, featuring a factory set up.
More An-Ticks
More An-Ticks with the Formula Ford engine fitted, these engines where used during the 70's thru to the early 90's. These engines where far from stock with Kent engines sort after from the GT Capri's, open camshafts and other "trick" parts imported from England. These engines where becoming hard to get hold of and that's when the register switched to the Toyota 4AGE engine. The water speed record for a Formula Ford powered hydroplane is held by Glen Eddington's "Havoc" and from a distant memory it was around 97mph. As you can see Greg's boat An-Ticks was the best presented boat of it's time with lots of chrome, polished alloy engine mounts and this boat went as good as it looked.
One of the best presented boats that you'll ever see, AN-TICKS was owned and raced by Greg Ballem and won numerous awards and trophies over many years. More pictures and a complete write up to come over next few weeks.
The OZ Lite banner on tour
Crossing the mighty Murray at Wellington and one of the lakes at Mt Gambier, I've raced here many years ago.
On the coast in SA Kingston and the Goolwa Aquatic Club house, my father was a founding member.
Near mildura and this is lake Bonney near Barmera in SA. Aust C/ships were held here back in 83 or 84.
Victorian Boat Show
The Victoria boat show is coming up and the OZ Lites will be presented by Melton Toyota, the show starts on the July 1st and finishes on July 5th. We are looking for members to man the display and along with Melton Toyota the GP hydroplane Dragula will be there also, so if you can spare sometime please let me know and I'll pass on your details.
Yesteryear
The pictures below are of Aquasonic (now Melton Toyota) going over the kilo's way back in 1994 when Stephen Scott set the record that still stands today for the OZ Lites, an amazing 100.25mph or in kilo's that is 161.37.
Membership
Renewals are due now so get your application in before the AGM to be legible to vote.
The AGM is on the 10th August starting at 7.45pm at "The Parkview Hotel" 131-137 Scotchmer Street Fitzroy North.
Click on the link below and go to appendix F.
Mildura
Youtube links with footage supplied by Kelvin Macansh. More footage from Lil Terra at Mildura to come.
First of a few video's shot from Lil Terra at Mildura, just click on the link below and enjoy.
As can see the weekend got off to a wet start with the pits becoming bogy on Friday and the rain drizzling down what appeared to be most of the night long it wasn't going make the pit area any better for Saturday’s racing. We all got in with some drivers needing a helping hand to park the boats with one 6lt team all most losing their vehicle in what appeared to be a dam. Anyway the racing got underway and the first race was going to decide the championship if RKM could pull off a race win. After the poll draw is wasn't going to be an easy task for Melton Toyota to haul back RKM as Grant was on the outside of RKM, three boat’s headed out for the final round and as the flag was dropped RKM made it clear they were after the Aust No 1. In almost ideal racing conditions RKM and Melton Toyota cleared out leaving Lil Terra to contend with their roster tails but as the two championship contenders headed up the back straight they both seem to hit some back wash from the bank and simultaneously launching into the air for what seemed an eternity but all came back down ok without losing any speed. Ric in RKM came past the line leading and that is how it stayed throughout the race with Grant in Melton Toyota changing lanes on a number of occasions trying anything to unsettle the leader but it wasn't’t to be. As Ric had won the first race the and had an unbeatable lead the Australian Championship series was called and this allowed Tiger Cub to join in with the rest of the days racing. Race two saw James Tate take the wheel of Tiger Cub in outside poll but as the boats left the pit area RKM (with Kelvin at the wheel) wouldn't’t turn over and Melton Toyota was taking water and those two boats took no further part in race two. So Lil Terra and Tiger Cub put on some very close racing with only a length or two in it at race end with Lil Terra taking the win, James Tate (driver of GP55) enjoyed the race and is gaining more experience in hydroplanes in readiness for the GP World Titles later this year . Race three saw all boats back on the water and this time all boats made the start, once again RKM and Melton Toyota went head to head and with Kelvin having never driven on such a tight course at was going to be a baptism of fire for him and it didn't’t take long to find out as he was having a little trouble getting the RKM around the course under Melton Toyota. Grant Rollason in Melton motored away for a win with Kelvin in RKM gaining more confidence crossing in a close second place with the ever reliable Natasha Heffernan in Lil Terra in third and James Tate in Tiger Cub rounding out the placing's.
Sunday the pits had dried out a bit but it was still very bogy under foot, it was still overcast and not looking real promising as far as a rain free day but the day turned out ok with only one or two very light showers. Second day of racing saw more driver changes with Grant Harrison taking the wheel of Melton Toyota, Brad Holland driving Tiger Cub for two races and Rowan Nankervis taking the wheel for race three. Much the same conditions on the water as Saturday and race one saw Melton Toyota take a commanding lead and was never headed with RKM in second, Lil Terra third and a hard charging Brad Holland in Tiger Cub....this was Brads first race in the Oz Lites and not in a boat that he has driven before however he drove a convincing race and the years of driving in the Juniors certainly showed and we look forward to see him racing Lite Beer ” N” Boats next season when the refit is completed. Race two was a repeat of the first race but with Kelvin in RKM trying different lines thru the corners he is getting use to the cornering abilities of the Howard hydroplane. Race three saw Tom Heffernan behind the wheel of Lil Terra and Rowan Nankervis behind the wheel of his boat Tiger Cub, now everyone remembers Rowan’s drive in Tiger Cub at Yarrawonga back in the 08/08 season well this race wasn't’t going to be any different. Same as the last two days of racing with Melton Toyota and RKM having a race of their own up front but sorry to say not too many people were watching the leading pair, right from the start Rowan was trying to find away under Tom in Lil Terra. First corner saw Tiger Cub drive thru Lil Terra roster tail and got a good hosing but he had the inside running for the next corner however Tom has been racing for many years and wasn't’t about to fall for this and covered his line into the next corner. Rowan tried to drive around the outside of Lil Terra for the next two laps and was starting to make some ground on Tom and it all came down to the last corner on the last lap but all we could see was a heap of wash, roster tails and water going everywhere and when it all cleared Lil Terra was still going and Tiger Cub with a very wet Rowan was still behind but a little way behind........so Melton Toyota had four wins for the weekend but missed out on the Australian Championship, RKM had one win but enough points to take out the Australian Championship for the second time in two years, Lil Terra got one win over the weekend and a third in the Australian Championship and Tiger Cub with a number of different drivers on the weekend provided driving experience to two new drivers and a lot of entertainment for the spectators. Well done to all the place getters in the Australian series throughout the year, a big thanks to all the tractors drivers, MRSBC/APBA/Race Officials, crash/start boat crews and Beth who did an unbelievable job running the pits......it was a weekend to remember....
Full wrap up of the weekend's racing hopefully by weeks end, we have some onboard footage shot from Lil Terra that is something to see (being edited), more photos to come in and Youtube links.
Sunday's events
Tom Heffernan President of the Oz Lites presenting Ric Macansh the 09/10 Australian Championship trophy.
Well Sunday started off better than Saturday.....didn't need the tractors to tow the cars and boats into the pit area, all got in under their own stream. The day was overcast and we only had a couple of very light showers. As the Australian Championship had been run and won on Saturday Ric handed the driving duties of RKM to Kelvin and this being Kelvin's first drive on a tight course it was going to be a exciting days racing for all. Tiger Cub made an appearance over the weekend with a variety of drivers, Saturdays driving duties were performed by James Tate (GP 55 driver) and Sunday saw Brad Holland have a couple of races and finally Rowan Nankervis provided the most entertaining drive of the weekend in the Oz Lite class.
Saturday's events
A quick update on today's events. The weather was wet, rainy and the pits became a mud bath but despite all of this we did get the racing done. The Australian Champion for the 2009/10 season is Ric Macansh in RKM racing with "Kiwi" Grant Rollason in Melton Toyota coming second and Natasha Heffernan taking out third place...well done to all today in such trying conditions. Everyone felt for the tractor drivers, pit officials and the crash boat crews having to battle the elements to put the show on......and a excellent show it was. More to come over the next few days and hoping Sunday is a better day.
Road trip to Mildura
Today's update is brought to you from the shores of Lake Lascelles Hopetoun.
Oz Lite Head Quarters while at Mildura
I'm sure plenty of this will be spoken over the weekend.
Getting closer to Mildura
A trip to Mildura just wouldn't be a trip if you didn't stop and get some Kooka's, especially when you have to pick a few packets up for one of the Oz Lites committee members..... ;-)
First part of the trip involved stopping off at a past race venue, Lake Learmonth as you can see in the background it has dried up
Don't forget the Mildura meeting 29-30 May
Hopefully over the weekend I will be able to do updates and bring you the news as to who will be the 09/10 Australian Champion.
Important news
Over the last few months there has been some healthy debate on a proposal to change some engine rules. The proposals up before the committee are:
Fuel injection to be made free/open-no forced induction
Carburetion to be made free/open-no forced induction
Re boring to a max limit of 40 thou.
The committee is seeking comment from past/present and future members, so here is a chance to become involved with your register and let the committee know what direction you want to take. So email the secretary or webmaster.
Building a hydroplane
The jig is removed and the fit out of the cell, engine mounts, steering and wiring is completed before fitting the deck.
Having a look inside the sponsons before fitting the deck stringers. In the first photo you can see the extra strength added between the bulk head at the rear, this is added to the left hand sponson only and this is to share the load from the turn fin.
Boat is now sitting the right way up and the deck stringers are now being fitted.
The sides of the airtraps are now fitted and it time to turn it over the start on the deck and the fitout of engine hardware and cell.
Sponsons are finished off and now to start on the side of the airtraps.
Starting to put the sides on the sponsons and it's now starting to look like a hydro.
Here the stringers are going on the form the basis of the sponsons and the alloy planks down the centre to stop any distortion of the airtrap.
It is started on a jig upside down and kicks off by attaching the engine beds to the uprights from the jig and then attaching the cross members, air trap, stringers and then the sponson bulk heads. The double ply centre forms part of the safety cell.
Over the next few weeks you'll see the building of a hydroplane, this took place some twenty years ago and was the first 1.6lt hydroplane to have a cell.
A pile of plywood pieces to a completed hydroplane over a period of two years and three owners before it hit the water.
More from the past
Albert Park Lake in the eighties and Super Roo trying its best to fall over trying to get under Glen Eddington
Taken at Eppalock back in the eighties, the boat "Rough Nut" was owen by Norm Day and raced by his son Andrew. It took a bit of a nose dive and you can see what happen. From memory Andrew ended up with a few scratches and a bloody nose. The boat is now owned and raced by Rob Fraser.
Look closely and see a young Grant Harrison looking over the freshly painted Super Roo with "Dragula" the Tom Heffernan built displacement in the background. Other photo's of Super Roo in the early eighties before it was lost to a fire.
Blast from the past
This picture was taken at one of best venues for watching boat racing in the heart of Melbourne - Albert Park Lake. In the first photo you can see Trevor Barnes
(a former class president) leaning on "Intruder" with the late Bob Walker owner of "Intruder" looking on. Second photo you'll see a much younger Jeff Heggaton with Tom Heffernan walking past in the blue race suit. These photo's were taken around 1985, more blast from the past to come as I dig thru my albums.
New members
The committee would like to extend a big welcome to our two new members, Greg and Brad Holland. The father son team are working away on their boat fitting it out with the Toyota engine and it'll be great to get another boat onto the circuit. Greg and Brad attended the general meeting held last night (13th April) and are keen to get something together so Brad can get to Mildura and complete in the non-championship events. The boat has also had a name change, it be now known as
"Lite Beer "N" Boats"
Membership of the Oz Lites
A motion was pasted at last night's meeting to allow new members to join now and this seasons membership will be carried over to next season giving you about 16 months membership. A great deal so contact the register and get on board, there are three levels of membership -Full membership $30-Associate membership $15-Junior membership $6(under 16) and a once off application fee of $10. Come and join us each month (2nd Tuesday) at our general meetings, meet the committee and join in with the best bunch of dedicated racers you'll ever meet. As the AGM isn't too far off it's time to think about committee positions/rule changes, so put your thoughts together and forward them on so they can be discussed and sorted prior to the AGM.
A sad weekend in Australian powerboat racing.
On behalf of the Oz Lite committee and it members we wish to pass on our deepest condolences to the McCosker and Bryant families.
Racing just isn't going to be the same anymore here in Australia and the U.S.A without these two legends.
RIP Brian and Dave.
Mildura race meeting
This is the last meeting for the Oz Lite Australian Championships with RKM holding a 600 point lead over Melton Toyota after the previous round at Lake Charm. So will Grant Rollason go for broke and try to chase down Rick Macansh in RKM or defend second place from Natasha Heffernan in Lil Terra who is only 656 points behind, the tight river course suit's Lil Terra and Natasha is going to push hard as usual. Not to forget the other two boats in the Championship Still Playin and Molloydooker however they can't improve on their Championship positions but they can figure in the points available at Mildura which could change the outcome of the Championships. It will be an exciting finish to the Australian 09/10 series so don't miss this meeting.
Lake Charm report
Teams started to arrive on Friday with the hope of doing a bit of test n tuning but the wind put an end to that. Saturday was much the same but later on in the day people decided to have a run, Still Playin did a couple of runs trying different props and Chris was happy with the set up. Lil Terra went for a run with Tom behind the wheel but Tom and Chris both found out it was a little rough and decided not to push it and damage their boats.
Picture supplied by VOC
Sunday started of with not a breath of wind around but as we got closer to start time the wind picked up. First race was going to be a bit of a challenge as there is an Australian title on the line and with RKM holding a 100 point lead over Melton Toyota the boy's weren't out there to play around. With the boats under starters orders they lined up and made their way around the course and on to the front straight where they were let loose. RKM, Melton Toyota, Mollydooker, Lil Terra and Still Playin all headed into the first corner all together which was a sight to see, after all the rooster tails had dropped away RKM was in the lead with Melton Toyota not far behind with Mollydooker, Still Playing and Lil Terra chasing them down. As the race progressed RKM was slowly pulling away from Melton Toyota and the water conditions started to chop up and become very rough it was hard work for the drivers behind. Mollydooker who isn't challenging for any of the top positions in the Aust Championship decided to back off and save the boat from damage, this allowed Still Playin and Lil Terra fight it out for the minor placing's but the race wasn't finished yet. Melton Toyota wasn't about the let RKM have it all his own way and on the second last lap decided to change lanes and take inside position only to run into a large hole causing the boat to half spin and cut across inside of the course and miss a turn buoy!! this also saw the boat engulfed in water and the boat went off tune, slowed and cause the gauges on the dash to fail so Grant stopped the boat and the boats finished as per below. A couple of points from that race, Mollydooker was fast and showing some great speed, Still Playin and Lil Terra were neck & neck for most of the race with Lil Terra having raced hard from the outside of the other boats and took most of the race to claw back Still Playing.
Picture supplied by VOC
Second race saw Mollydooker get pole 1 and he made the best of it with RKM and Melton Toyota following close behind with Lil Terra and Still Playin fighting it out amongst themselves after a very fast start to the race (race commentator thought start boat was racing also). Mollydooker was rounded up by a hard charging RKM down the back straight and Melton Toyota was working hard to catch the two front runners. As the race progressed RKM pulled away to a commanding lead and Mollydooker was showing some good speed down the straights but was having trouble pulling out of the corners and this allowed Melton Toyota to make his move on the last lap and pull away to take second place from Mollydooker with Lil Terra next across the line and Still Playin taking 5th placing. Highlights from this race was Melton Toyota was able to be fixed between races with the help of the other 1.6lt members, Mollydooker improving with each race, Lil Terra was going better that race after the team found an issue with one of the carbies but wasn't able to pull back the leading boats.
Picture supplied by VOC
Third race saw a couple driver changes, RKM with Kelvin taking the wheel and Grant Harrison called up for driving duties in Melton Toyota. This time Lil Terra had pole 1 and made RKM work hard for a couple of laps with Mollydooker and Melton Toyota having their own battle. Still Playin suffered an oil pressure problem and pulled into the center of the course. With RKM going extremely well it was left to the other boats to see who picked up the minor placing's, Mollydooker and Melton Toyota rounded up Lil Terra on the back straight on the last lap but Toyota Toyota was on the outside of Mollydooker and Lil Terra made a charge to the last buoy and make a fast finish but was beaten by Mollydooker however as Melton Toyota was forced to chase from the outside Grant couldn't beat the fast finishing Lil Terra driven a determined Natasha Heffernan.
Kelvin was then turned around in RKM were he took up the challenge to race the 4.2lt & 5lt displacements and put on a extremely good show, he kept out of their way as he didn't want to damage the boat before the all important last round of the Aust Championships in Mildura on the weekend of 29-30 May. As Kelvin had his first win he also had his first swim with his team leading him down to the control tent where the rest of the 1.6lt teams were waiting and Kelvin was then tossed into Lake Charm. Another great race meeting was had by all and it was good to see Mollydooker coming out to race. Young Brad Holland had a test drive of Lil Terra after the meeting as he'll be racing Beer N Boats once they have finished the fit out, Mollydooker went out to test another prop (4 blade) after the meeting and looked very fast, Tony said the boat felt good but needs more speed out of the corners..only problem after the weekend was the oil pressure problem with Still Playin...Photo's from the weekend are on their way thank's to Paul (Lil Terra team member). A big thanks to the VOC for putting on the meeting, the APBA and GDBC for helping out........The register wishes Craig Oliver a speedy recovery after a nasty accident that required a trip to hospital for some stitches, Craig made it back in time for presentation and was a little sore but ok.
Picture supplied by VOC
Below is a link to some of the races held at Lake Charm, thanks to Kelvin Macansh for the footage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxRnhuoyKA0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEgw3RM4n40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sE9SsovFLk
Kelvin going for a swim after winning his first race.
Full report to come once we have all the photos in taken by over the weekend. A quick snap shot as follows:
Race 1 1st RKM, 2nd Lil Terra, 3rd Still Playin, 4th Mollydooker, DNF Melton Toyota
Race 2 1st RKM, 2nd Melton Toyota, 3rd Mollydooker, 4th Lil Terra, 5th Still Playin
Race 3 1st RKM (Kelvin), 2nd Mollydooker, 3rd Lil Terra, 4th Melton Toyota, DNF Still Playin
Australian Championship points with two heats to go. RKM 3,500, Melton Toyota 2,900, Lil Terra 2,244, Still Playin 1,059 and Mollydooker 394.
The Victorian Outboard Club is putting on a race meeting at Lake Charm this weekend Sunday 14th March with races starting around 9 am.
The 1.6lt Hydroplanes will be here with five boats entered.
Boat Report
More of "The Mortician"
The 2010/11 season is going to be very exciting with the quality of new boats hitting the circuit. RKM set the standard at the 2009 boat show unveiling the new paint scheme and now The Mortician has followed suit with an awesome set up. Then there's Brad new boat soon to hit the water and you can't forget Melton Toyota as its had a few coates of paint this year after carrying out modifications and repairs. The story is Kiwi AKA Grant Rollason is about the start work soon on a new composite hull of his own design, let's hope it'll be ready for new season. Lil Terra and Still Playin have been testing and are ready for the up coming meeting at Lake Charm on the 14th March. More pictures of The Mortician to come.......
Have received an extensive range of photo's of Tony and Darren Penington's boat "The Mortician". Will load the pictures over the following week and you'll see it's meticulously put together. Big thanks to the Penington family for the photo's.
Looks like an exciting 2010/2011 season coming up with the two new "Jones" hydro's hitting the water.
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This is the last of the photo's of Brads boat. Once again thanks Brad for sharing your photo's and all the best on the fit out and hope to see you on the water real soon.
Brad started on the boat back in 2002 using a mould from John and Brett Niddrie (BNR engines) and it has been a slow process. During that time Brad has continued to race his other boat while trying to finish off this project, however this year Brad has taken the season off so he finish the boat. It's a 16ft Jones design from the USA and is constructed from Kevlar and has a Carbon/Kevlar safety capsule with an escape hatch in the bottom. You can see the construction work that has gone it making all the fittings and this has all been done by the team at LW Nankervis boats and propellers. More to come next week.
Melbourne Boating and Lifestyle Show
Over the weekend the MBLS was held down at Docklands and the register was represented by Melton Toyota along with other boats to promoted the GP world titles and boat racing in general. Grant "Kiwi" Rollason, Grant Harrison and Natasha Heffernan answered questions on behave of the register with Kiwi kept busy showing people over Melton Toyota with a few lucky kids getting to sit in the boat.
GP 1 and Rythum were just a couple of the other boats that were on display over the weekend. Thanks to all involved over the weekend for the long hours, answering questions and promoting our sport. last photo is Kiwi packing up after a big weekend.
Boat progress report
4th Feb
Turn fin installed and you can see the boat's final colour.
Engine installed and waiting for the final lot of fittings to go on it, those with a keen eye for detail see if you can spot something out of the ordinary with the fitment. More to come, don't forget the general meeting next week (9th Feb).
2nd Feb
Brad has sent in a heap of photos and I'll post them there over the next week with details of the construction.
As you can see the hull has been completed and the bottom of the boat has been painted (same as Tiger Cub...red) and the fit out is under progress.
Main trailer construction has been completed, just needs the lights and mud guards fitted to finish it off. Brad on the LHS of the boat eyeing off the progress.
Big thanks to Brad for the photos and construction details......more to come.....
Latest news
Round 5 of the Oz lites Australian championships set down for Melton on the 7th Feb have been cancelled due to lack of water.
Next general meeting of the Oz lite register is set down for 9th Feb starting at 7.45pm at the Parkview Hotel 131-137 Scotchmer St Fitzroy North, get there early (6.30) and have a meal before the meeting, members and visitors all welcome to attend.
As you can see Melton Toyota has been in the wars a bit this year, this damage happen at Hume weir earlier this season and was the reason Grant had trouble keeping up in the last race.........it was taking in a lot of water.
Boat reports
Andrew Wilmont's boat receiving repairs at Tom Heffernan's place, a new pod and deck were in order with sponson and airtrap mods also carried out while the boat was at Tom's place. This boat had been left neglected for some years before Andrew purchased it and needed some serious repairs after wood rot was detected throughout the boat.
Tony/Darren Penington's new Jones Hydro. Darren said they have been testing the boat when asked at the recent Glenmaggie race meeting but just ran out of time the make the meeting, can't wait to see this boat hit the circuit. Sorry no pictures available yet.
Brad Nankervis's new Jones Hydro is well on it's way to completion but work commitments have seen progress slowed some what. Should be ready later this season, photos are coming.
Chris Burns boat Still Playin finished the Glenmaggie meeting with signs of improvement but has a little way to go yet. Biggest problem is testing the boat as both VSBC & MRSBC venues are still suffering low water conditions and the time required to travel to other venues for testing by all involved is another drama.
Grant Rollason's Melton Toyota came up fighting at Glenmaggie after extensive repairs where carried out after the Yarrawonga meeting. The boat is sporting a new composite deck and was finished on the Thursday before the Glenmaggie meeting and looked a treat as you would expect from the Harrison team. Thanks for photos Kiwi.
Natasha Heffernan's Lil Terra suffered a carbie flooding problem during start up at Glenmaggie's first race but came good after Natasha managed to get the boat up on the plane. The team are working on a spare engine as the "No 5 is alive" engine is due for overhaul during the off season and is showing sign's of working too hard trying to catch RKM & Melton Toyota.
Rick and Kelvin Macansh's RKM is going strong and also had some repairs carried out after the Yarrawonga meeting. The boat/team is the flagship of the Oz lite register in the way the boat/team represent themselves and their sponsors at race meetings and displays. RKM currently lead the Australian championship with three more races to decide the series, one race left to run from Glenmaggie and two races at the Mildura meeting in May. There was to be a round at a MRSBC meeting down for 6-7 Feb but no news on this race meeting has been revealed as yet.
That's the latest news around at the moment but if any of the other teams out there have any updates/photo's or news you want to share please e-mail it to jeff.heggaton@bigpond.com
Don't forget the Oz Lite stubby coolers $10 each or members special 3 for $20
Glenmaggie report
The day didn't start out too flash after a strong storm over night and the tail end of the storm still hanging about on the morning of the race meeting. The Oz lite teams had their tents up to cover the boats and provide the team members some shelter from the rain. After the rain disappeared the water conditions for racing was excellent and racing got under way. The first heat saw RKM draw a pole position inside of Melton Toyota and as per the season so far the two boats fought it out side by side with RKM pulling away as the race progressed, Melton Toyota changed lanes on the last lap and tried to get under RKM on the last corner but wasn't able to pull back RKM's lead. As the boats hit the water for the second heat the wind started to pick up and a holt was put on racing as the rescue boats came in to have a break and we waited to see how the wind played out. Oz lite Register members, Australian referee, APBA officials and GDBC club officials decided that running the second heat of the Australian championship in such conditions would place the drivers at an unacceptable risk and it was then decided to run the rest of the Oz lite races as non point scoring scratch races and the drivers to race to the conditions. This allowed Kelvin Macansh to take to the wheel of RKM and gain more experience and get the last signature to obtain his full licence. So the second was won by Melton Toyota from Kelvin in RKM and Lil Terra coming in third, this left Still Playin coming in fourth and still sorting out the boat after a refit. Third heat saw the conditions improve a bit and racing got under way with the drivers still putting on a show until the last lap down the back straight where everyone made a run to the line, Melton Toyota made the most of it winning by a few boat lengths from Lil Terra and Kelvin getting valuable seat time in RKM coming in third....this left Tom driving Still Playin coming in forth.
The boats about to head out to race with the newly overhauled hull of Melton Toyota getting lowered in the lake. Below Melton Toyota leading the way in one of the heats with a crash boat in the back ground. On a side note this crash boat is owned and operated by the legendry VSBC boat racer Ben Fox (6lt Hydro Freebooter) who after some twenty years since racing is still involved in the sport, it's great to see Ben still getting around and always has time to have a chat about the good ol days.
Having fun sorting out the new helmet restraints which came into force along with the ballistic pants of 1st Jan 2010.
Kelvin heading out in RKM
Not what it seems, no Grant Rollason isn't about the race with the big boys but he is heading out for the third heat. The big boys have just come back from the final of the Glenmaggie Cup which by the way was won by a member of the Oz lite register driving his other boat GP1, well done to Grant Harrison and his team.
These four pictures are from the VOC and shows how close the racing was on the day.
Last of all a huge thanks to the GDBC for a great race meeting and putting it all together so we can go racing.
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2nd Jan 2010
Just a quick update with more to come over the next few days as I go thru all the pictures taken. The weather was not too good at 8 o'clock in the morning as you'll see in the pictures below but as the day progressed it became a lot better and the sun came out and everyone ditched their jackets. 1st heat of the Australian Championship race went to RKM with Melton Toyota not far behind, Lil Terra and Still Playin rounding out the placing's. 2nd heat of the Australian Championship was cancelled due to gusting winds but the boats took to the water for a scratch race instead with the drivers taking it easy and putting on an exhibition of close racing until the last corner and then it became a drag race until the finish. 3rd race of the day was the same as the 2nd race.
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As you can see there is plenty of water in Lake Glenmaggie ready for Jan 2nd. Bit hard to see in the picture but there is work happening on the ramps in readiness for the race meeting. The Glenmaggie and District Boat Club (GDBC) have put a lot of hard work into the facilities over the past season with a new control tower, retaining walls, fencing and the ramps.
Work has been completed on Still Playin and is ready to go for the Jan 2nd meeting at Lake Glenmaggie.
Work going on Chris Burns' "Still Playin" in readiness for the Lake Glenmaggie race meeting on 2nd Jan 2010, Chris can't make it so Tom Heffernan will be at the wheel. Other news - "Melton Toyota" joint Australian Championship leader has the hull stripped down for repairs and modifications after Grant's high flying racing at Yarrawonga and will be ready to take on RKM on Jan 2nd - another boat that hasn't been on the circuit for some years is rumored to make a return to Lake Glenmaggie
Notice to all Drivers
As of the 1st Jan 2010 rules regarding Helmet restraints and/or breakaway clips and ballistic pants come into force, please make yourself aware of the rules 801.04 to 801.061. As 2nd Jan 2010 is the first meeting of the new year at Lake Glenmaggie please have your new gear by then.
Yarrawonga Report
Three boats fronted up to scrutineering on Friday afternoon and all went thru with no problems and the weather looked good but unfortunately this wasn't to last. Early start on Saturday morning saw the 1.6lt Lil Terra, RKM and Melton Toyota hit the water for the second race of the Yarrawonga meeting and a heat of the Australian Championship. With the wind picking up it was going to be an exciting race to watch and the class didn't disappoint, RKM and Melton Toyota were running sponson to sponson in the ever increasing rough water and Lil Terra having to deal with the front running boat's wash saw Natasha hanging on just to stay in the boat. Four laps of hard charging, changing lanes and running thru RKM's rooster tail saw Melton Toyota just come up short at the finish line to take out second place.....So the placings were Rick Macansh in RKM, Grant Rollason in Melton Toyota and a exhausted Natasha Heffernan and with the wind picking up to dangerous levels the meeting was cancelled not long afterwards.
Sunday started off wet and chilly but no sign of the strongs winds that were around on Saturday. Another early start saw the Sunday schedule of races reshuffled to fit all the Championship and trophy races in and the 1.6lt's were the fith race on the program. Melton Toyota got off to a flying start from pole position and pushed hard into the first corner and held RKM out wide and in was game on for the two boats down the front straight but RKM wasn't able to make up ground over the following laps and stettled back for a second placing with Lil Terra rounding out the placings. The third race for the 1.6lt's saw a driver change for RKM with Kelvin Macansh taking the wheel for the second time in his racing career, Lil Terra started from pole position and a mix up between Melton Toyota and RKM pole positions saw Lil Terra get off to a flying start and lead the way down the back straight into the first corner and up the front straight but Melton Toyota recovered from a slow start to catch Lil Terra and Kelvin in RKM was starting the make some lost ground also. What happened next had the crowd standing in disbelief, with the boat's running it a gusting head crosswind up the back straight Melton Toyota started to sponson walk then all of a sudden a wind gust picked the boat up off the water and it looked like the boat was about to blow over fortunately luck was on Grant's side and the boat floated for about 15-20 meters and landed safely and continued on to win the race from Lil Terra and Kelvin in RKM finishing in third. So that's another round of the Australain Championship over and not a good weekend as far as the weather was concerned but the 1st position in the Championship is a tie between last years winner RKM and Melton Toyota with Lil Terra running third and Still Playin forth. Don't forget next round at Lake Glenmaggie 2nd Jan 2010.
Some photos from the weekend at Yarrawonga.
Presentation Night 08-09 Season
08-09 presentation night kicked off at Paul and Meghan’s place around 3pm on Saturday the 21st and it was well supported with at least 40 people in attendance.
16 pass and present drivers were all there swapping stories and the newly appointed life member Bob Found along with Ellen. While festivities were under way a well position TV allowed us the watch Ford take honours in the V8 supercars in WA with Brad Nankervis keeping an eye on his team, unfortunately it wasn’t Brads Ford team winning.
Trophy winners on the night were:
Rick Macansh in RKM taking out the Australian championship, Victorian championship, State trophy and the ASDA National champion. So what a night for Rick and the team from RKM in what would have to be one of the best presented teams in Australia, well done Rick and a clean sweep.
Grant Harrison took out second place in the Australian championships with Times “R” Tuff and a team effort of Grant Rollason/Grant Harrison placed second in the State trophy. This boat has had a big refurbish during the off season and the results are paying off now, great job boys.
The Nankervis boy’s Brad & Rowan in Tiger Cub had a good year considering they couldn’t make it to all the meetings but they came away with Brad winning third place in the Australian championship, a combined effort saw them walk away with second in the ASDA champion. With their new boat almost finished and Rowan’s daredevil driving the boy’s will be something to watch once the two boat team hits the water again.
Natasha Heffernan in Li’l Terra had a consistent season which saw Tash taking home second place in the Victorian championship, third in the ASDA champion and a third in the State trophy.
Encouragement award went to Chris Burns in Still Playin after having a few years off from racing. Chris has got back into racing and is still finding his feet and coming to terms with Hydro’s…..after his many years as a 4.2lt displacement driver. Sorry no picture as Chris had to leave early.
This years saw the register pick up two new drivers so two Rookie awards where handed out, one to Grant Rollason and the other to Rowan Nankervis who unfortunately couldn’t make it on the night, once again well done, it’s good to see the register picking up new members. Grant Rollason is working on a new design for a 1.6lt Hydro and if it goes like the boats that Grant has already built (GP 1 and Warlord) it’ll be something to see.
Now the night wouldn’t be complete if a surprise award didn’t make an appearance and this year Natasha Heffernan was caught unaware, a card and a small thank you gift was presented to Tash for all her many hours of behind the scenes work as secretary/organiser/recording secretary and assistant treasurer, so from the members and committee thanks again Tash.
Last of all a big thanks to Paul & Meghan for the use of your lovely place, to Phil & Carolyn Norris helping out and to Rob Fraser getting the BBQ essentials all sorted and to all the members that turned up to make a night if it.
Next 1.6lt general meeting will be 7.45pm Tuesday the 8th Dec at The Parkview Hotel 131-137 Scotchmer St Fitzory Nth all members and guest welcome, arrive early and have a meal before the meeting. Hope to see you there.
Hume Weir report
Well the Lake Hume meeting has been run and won and what another top weekend of racing between the Oz Lites with the Australian championship round two producing some very close racing again. Four boats turned up, they being RKM, Melton Toyota racing, Lil Terra and the long awaited return of Mollydooker. The championship is sitting at a tie for first place at the moment between RKM and Melton Toyota and it appears to be coming down to pole positions as to who wins the race. First race saw Melton Toyota racing take the win with RKM (driven by Kelvin) close by and Lil Terra chasing hard with Mollydooker suffering driveline vibrations and pulling out of the race. Second race and first heat of the championship saw Melton Toyota running neck and neck with RKM (Ric driving the championship races) and Lil Terra running flat out in third and that's how the heat finished. Race three, heat two saw Mollydooker make the race after some repairs to the driveline, once again it saw RKM running sponson to sponson with Melton Toyota racing however on the last lap Melton Toyota racing started to slow and Lil Terra was pushing hard trying to snatch a second place but Melton Toyota held on with Mollydooker finishing his first race in two years to take out forth place. The cause behind the slowing Melton Toyota racing was revealed as it saw craned back onto the trailer, it had suffer hull damage and was taking on water. The Oz Lites were lucky enough to get a forth race and this time Lil Terra got pole one and didn't look back with Kelvin at the wheel of RKM chasing all the way with Mollydooker looking better after each race. Confusion with the flags on the course saw Lil Terra started to slow down and a hard charging RKM nearly stole the race on the line and Mollydooker not far behind. The Oz lites are putting on some very close racing and a tight championship will see the front runners going head to head at Yarrawonga on the weekend of 28-29th Nov, so be there to witness the best racing the class can produce.
These pictures from Hume Weir where supplied by Wayne of www.allracephotography.com.au
Pictures below are members doing their cell test back in Sep (fathers day)
Kelvin Macansh from RKM and Tony Murphy from Mollydooker
The race meeting held at Lake Charm over the weekend of 3rd-4th Oct 09 saw 4 boats contest the first round of the Australain Championship. RKM racing and Melton Toyota (former Times R Tuff) taking a heat each with sponson to sponson racing with Lil Terra not far behind and Still Playing coming in fourth and sorting out a miss fire. Race three saw a driver change in RKM racing with Kelvin taking the wheel only to have a starter motor fail and leaving three boats fronting up to the start boat, Lil Terra got off to a flying start followed by Melton Toyota and Still Playing in hot pursuit. Melton Toyota was winding up and it took a lap and a half to catch Lil Terra and take the chequered flag with Still Playing sounding better and improving as the race went on. It was a top weekend with the VOC running the meeting and everyone came away talking about the racing between RKM racing and Melton Toyota, 1.6 lt life member Bob Found said it was the best couple of races he has seen in many years and with a few more boats about to hit the circuit it looks like a top season ahead.