Jetsprints a 'huge success'

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There were all the expected thrills and spills at ASB Baypark this weekend as audiences were strapped in for two-days of exhilarating, heart-pounding and action-packed jetsprint racing.

SunLive photographer Cameron Avery captured some of Sunday's action.

Forty-nine competitors accurately navigated their way through the transformed water-filled stadium jetsprint track on Saturday and Sunday in Round 2 of the ENZED V8 Jetsprint Championship series.

Despite being out-numbered by New Zealand competitors – it was the Australians who claimed glory, with Aussie driver Phonsy Mullan in his canary-yellow Ramjet racing boat taking out the superboats class both days.

Event director Pip Minnell says it was a fantastic weekend – a huge success with really pleasing crowd numbers. Sunday proved the bigger day.

'Sunday was almost double the crowd that were there on Saturday.”

Pip says the crowd atmosphere was as exhilarating as it was at the inaugural event last year.

'There was loads of action from the commentators – and as we anticipated, it was a bigger, faster track which had plenty of high-speed racing as well as some of the thrills and spills that we had last time.”

Although there was the odd crash and boats leaping out of the water – racing action went on without a hitch, says Pip.

'Health and safety is paramount in this sport so although there were crashes there were no serious injuries.”

The Free Kids Zone was also a huge success, says Pip, who reckons the waterslides, face painting and balloons were a hit with the children.

'It was neat to be able that free to all of the patrons. There were certainly a lot of family that were able to enjoy the family entertainment as well as the racing.

Pip would like to acknowledge the NZ Jetsprint Association, including racing drivers and crews, BayVenues and everyone else behind the scenes for their help in bringing the event to Tauranga.

Race results:

Round 2 PSP New Zealand Jetsprint Championship - January 24, 2015:

Biolytix 400's Class Donna Thomson 50.61 Ollie Silverton 49.80 Ross Travers 47.62

PSP Suntuf Group A Class

Tristan Hynds 48.11 Blake Briant 45.31 Sam Newdick 45.26

Suzuki Superboats Pat Dillon 44.72 Peter Caughey 44.634 Phonsy Mullan 43.587

Results for ENZED Stadium Jetsprint Cup at ASB Baypark, January 25:

Biolytix 400's Class Patrick Haden 49.507 Ollie Silverton 49.321 Ross Travers 46.992

PSP Suntuf Group A Class Simon Gibbon 47.765 Blake Briant 44.768 Sam Newdick 44.734

Suzuki Superboats Glen Head 44.103 Rob Coley 43.786 Phonsy Mullan 42.957

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