Predator Jet

SPRINT 10-11 - Meremere - 11 Dec 2011

2011-12-12T11:43:00.005+13:00

Sprint 9-11 - Meremere - 13 Nov 2011

2011-11-14T13:48:00.006+13:00

SPRINT 8-11 - Meremere - Sun 16 Oct 11

2011-10-17T11:40:00.006+13:00

Well, it’s a first for me - having to do a write-up for the Predator sprint class, and I will do my best.
The day started off with weather more like summer, with just a quick shower half way through the meet.
Today we only had three boats turn up, and four or five V8s made the trip as well. The day didn’t start off too well with Honda spitting the dummy with heating problems, so we were down to two, but that didn’t bother us too much.
Competition was evenly matched throughout the day, Ree starting off with good times (having me as navi helped ha!)
Wayne and I were having a couple of rotation issues, Doug and Den were playing with their toys (gps) and Rodger was Mr Consistent as usual.
All in all, a good even day’s racing, with Den taking the honours in Wayne’s boat, ahead of Doug and Ree.
Cheers, Andy

SPRINT 7-11 - 18 Sep 11 - Meremere

2011-09-21T14:52:00.002+12:00

SPRINTS 5 & 6 - Aug 2011 - Meremere

2011-09-21T14:48:00.001+12:00

SPRINT 4-11 - Meremere - Sun 15 May 2011

2011-05-16T15:04:00.003+12:00

Doug's version of the day will appear here ...

SPRINT 3-11 - Meremere - Sun 17 Apr 2011

2011-04-19T10:43:00.007+12:00

Sunday’s meeting was a series of firsts for me… First time not being hungover on a Sunday in a while, first time navigating for the old man in a while… first time driving a boat in the track in a while… First time taking the cake and winning the day for a while! And because I was on such a roll and feeling so fresh, knowing I wouldn’t suffer a bad case of Monday-itis since I wasn’t still hungover after a hard weekend.. I volunteered to produce a whopper write-up! Another first! Probably a last though ;-)

The wet, windy weather didn’t stop us Jet Boat enthusiasts from heading down to Meremere on the weekend! But the V8’s that were on must have! Where was everybody?

With only 4 boats and Doug’s M Sprint along for the day, we collectively had 6 drivers and what seemed to sound like 1 navigator… me?

With much contemplation and making my “non-hangover” Sunday one to remember (literally) I decided I would scrap navigating for every driver and drive myself.

I picked the red course. The red one. God knows why because I hate red? But oh well the course was set! Den was out with a seamless demo making the total 360 rotation around Baldy Island look easy!

So naturally in an orderly fashion, one by one we all went out on our reco runs to try the same and must I say, good work everybody! Not one single park up the entire day! A few boats were chocka full of weed however, but a good mow was much needed around a few corners!

Defining the law of “Weedy is Greedy” I took the pleasure of accompanying Dad whilst he threw our poor little “Mini Me” boat hard into 11 and practically split the Island in half! Needless to say the rest of the run was a slow clogged up one, but was super fun never the less!

An early quick pace of 1.14 – 1.15seconds were set by all the drivers so the day was to be a close one! With only 7 drivers (Den, Ree, Doug, Roger, Wayne, Dad and Myself) making the top ten and top five was inevitable so pressure was off until the final run!

I did take a while to get my groove back.. I dislike this new steering skeg.. whose idea was that by the way? But after thinking F*** it just go for it (and with help from my navi Rhys) I whipped 10 seconds off my first time, catching back up to the lead guys before having boat trouble on my cut off run due to an unhealthy engine which likes to shut off when it gets up to top speed… something it's probably not used to I guess?

So with two booster seats and pointed toes, I jumped into Roger’s boat to give that one a turn and WOW! What a boat! It took a run to get used to very light and very touch-sensitive steering, but by the top 5 final run I think I had it down packed with a smooth fast run timed at 1.12 seconds flat!

Pressure was on the rest of the field to match it! All day Wayne dropped a second or two off every run he went out! Ree was right up our rear ends also - she always is a tough match, this time racing Trevor’s boat. Roger stormed out and sadly went faster on his top ten run (1-13.74) then his final but still came in at 4th with a competitive time of 1-16.12, however, he did drop 6 seconds straight away when he swapped his 95kg navi for me! Den with Doug in beside him, raced to the finish at third with a 1-14.28 while Dad faced the same challenge as I did with mastering a borrowed boat in the last two runs. He was close! But no cigar, coming in second with a 1 minute 12.75!

The saying “a quick game's a good game” interpreted the entire day perfectly. We all helped out with timing, kept the running of the 4 boats continuous and everybody helped out with navigating for one another – great to see. Needless to say, we were over by lunch time so we could all go home quickly and enjoy the V8s! I’m not usually even out of bed by lunchtime on a Sunday, so wasn’t too sure what to do with myself after that…

As I said before, there were no exciting park ups (get ya mind out of the gutters please guys), no dork of the day (although Den did get close when he didn’t hook his boat onto the trailer AGAIN - lucky it stayed stable!) and no juicy club goss that generally circulates around! All in all it was just a fantastic day of racing! Thanks to the newbie Navigators Rhys and Andy who helped me and Wayne out! Was also cool to get a visit from Kerry and Tristan who came along for a nosey and a catch up!

That’s all from me - See you all next time!

“All in favour of Tahlia not borrowing your boat again say aye” ….aye aye aye aye aye aye

Sorry Roger xx

Catch yas!

Tahlia

Sprint 2-11 - Meremere - Sun 20 Mar 2011

2011-03-23T11:02:00.007+13:00

It was a misty morning when we left home, but as always, as the day progressed, the sun came out with a vengeance.

It was a day of differences for Den and me. First, driving the Honda boat (P8), the pedal must have been moved further towards me. I could never reach it before. Then Lucinha was left at home because she had the flu, so Den burgled Jackson for the day as our navigator.

It was nice to see the owners of P13 travel from Taupo, Robbie, Robbie and Belinda who all got the opportunity to ride/drive in the boats. Be nice to see their boat up and running in the pond.

With only eight drivers, Simon’s roundy-round rotation got the brain working. Some forgot which roundy they were up to (me), while someone else learned to never change your direction (Robbie) as you’ll end up on the bank, someone else forgot to put the bungs back in their boat before putting it back in the water (Greg), and someone forgot you don’t blitz the field on your first run, then again on the final to record FTD. Yay Cam.

With so few drivers it was nice to finish the day early.

See you all at the next sprint - April 17. - Ree

Sprint 1-11 - Meremere - Sun 20 Feb 2011

2011-02-23T00:04:00.004+13:00

Doug's day will be here soon ...

2010-12-20T18:44:00.006+13:00

It was a dark and stormy night and then it was morning and a damp and crappy one at that.
We had a go at making everyone happy, but as with all good intentions, it didn't quite work out that way.

The attendees were as follows: Sheila and Simon, Craig and Simon, Greg and Chen, Cam and Jackson, Roger and Cam No 2 and Wayne and Ja.

I was supposed to be somewhere else and the deal I had with my love interest was - I would do my 4 runs and then do a runner but as usual I forgot to do the runner part, so our family lunch in Whangamata became an early dinner (oooops).

The timing gear started to play up as well, so was just a bum titties day. Simon was on the pace straight away and was in the 60 sec bracket with only one run of 63 sec and a FTD of 59.58 and another round win and the series win as well. Yours truly did a 61 in the first timed run and then went progressively slower all day and finished with a 62.27 to come in secound for the day and for the series again. (This would get a lesser man down, but I just have to HTFU).

Roger's times are very consistent, so we know he can drive, so all he has to do is get the angry man out and we know his boat is quick - he ended up 3rd for the day and 3rd for the series, (see the pattern here?) Wayne was also consistent with his times and is getting it all sorted out for next season, but a good 4th on the day. Craig and Simon started with a 81.28 and ended with a 66.71 so a huge improvement on the day.

Rumour has it that Grimz now has the Big cam inside his engine and the story is that he is bringing up a huge can of whipass to the summer season, so we will know what he's got on the 20th Feb for the start of the new season - let's get into it and go hard or go home.
---The Jonesy

SPRINT 8-10 - Meremere - Sun 14 Nov 2010

2010-11-16T22:41:00.007+13:00

HANDICAPS have all been updated - see how much your Handicap has risen! As well as the ones in BLUE below, both Simon's and Cam's have risen to the 99.99 maximum.

No sign of spring this morning; it was a dismal start to the day. Craig’s friend came down with his camera and beautifully captured the drivers briefing ritual and then the finger pointing going round in circles rotation learning ritual. (Photos will be posted soon)
The fun started when we hit the water with a bit of on track weeding being performed and a damsel in distress mission for Cam as he rescued Lucina from one of Den’s park ups.
P1 was not playing nicely, so Cam hopped in with Rodger and proved how quick P14 is, posting the fastest time of the day and taking home the trophy for the day. The DOD trophy finally found a willing recipient after being unclaimed for a while. Yep, Den the old master, left the boat on the ramp while a trailer extraction was performed. The resounding thump was heard clearly around the whole of the course, as was the hysterical laughter and applause that followed. Yup, no secrets out here.
Thankfully the day improved and by the time we were doing the top 5 the sun was out. After racing finished we had a quick flurry of activity weed eating and mowing the islands, starting the tidy up for summer. By the time prize giving came around it was back to a lovely day ,thanks to all for the help with the BBQ. Cam deservedly took the trophy home, saving his last run to post the fastest time of the day. Den and Rog shared second place with Simon coming an unusual 4th. I was quite happy taking it easy, slowly getting back into driving again, but really enjoying sitting in the silly seat flapping my hand.
Great to see Craig and Chris, our new drivers, shaving seconds off their times.
An enjoyable day for all and some great candid photos to take away too.
See you next month,
Sheila

Sprint 6-10 17th October Meremere

2010-10-26T16:13:00.009+13:00

out of the horses mouth !
better late than not at all
We left whiti at the usual time heading for Meremere but with a difference,Following close behind was Chris with P13 in tow.
We landed at the pond to find rodger the only boat there (as yet),Slowly the crews come through the car water course and backed up ready for a days fun.The weather was bleak with the odd shower and a cold breeze blowing through (brrr).
Boats and more boats turned up 7 to be exact,ps 1,10,8,14,19,13 and 5 great turn out.
Most boats did 1 or 2 runs pre racing on weed control (Chris it is fun LOL)and there was casualties.
Racing started and we all were having a ball,swapping nav's and boats running aground etc,(yes me 3 times,Chris twice and Doug was it 2 or 3 times?)
Vanessa up on the deck doing the timing god thing and every one helping flapping the flags. Thank you.
Once the racing was done it was off to weedeating and lawnmower racing around the islands,looking good,pity about Simon killing the new club mower ! Whats with that ?Price giving and BBQ to finish off .O for awesome.
1st Cam,2nd Simon(president)and 3rd Doug
1st Lady was the 1st Lady (Sheila)
Welcome to the new comers,Please come again and thank you for everyone for coming along.
GRIMZ
Ed's note,
Grimz got DOD and thanks to Craig (newbe)for BBQing the snags.

2010-09-12T16:15:00.003+12:00

I woke in the mornig to the sound of pouring rain and thought this is going to be fun but by the time we got to Meremere it had cleared into a alright day.
Rodger was the first there so we set about setting up the timing gear but that wasnt a happening thing so it was hand timing for the day,i think the old timing light has seen a bit to much water with myself, rodger and Grimz al trying to get it working but na.
A big thanks to Vanessa and Wayne for the timing duties,you cant stay on that deck all season Wayne !.
After two attempts at the demo we got it right and then it was down to racing.Myself and Sheila in P10,Rodger had his nav Sean again and Cam and Doug swapped around in P1 with Jackson and Grimz talked me into naving for him.Our cut off run didnt go to well with us picking up a bit of stick firmly lodging itself onto the front of the blade making us limp our way around to the finish.The track was pretty full due to the rain and lots of weed in the track saw plenty of weeds being pulled out of grates on a regular basis.All the boats ran pretty close over the day with only nano seconds between 1st 2nd and 3rd.Grimz reconds i wasnt allowed lunch to keep my weight down but you know what they say about a man and his lunch !
The rotation was nice fast and sweeping with a few new corners not tried before but there was no whoops and everybody nailed it quickly so the old dod award went unawarded for another month ,its funny how no body wants to take that trophy home !
After racing it was play time and i took Grimz boat for a spin to see if i could go any quicker than him but nooo it was about the same so Grimz jumped in P10 for a spin and found out just how different the boats handle.
So it was onto prize giving and stories and pack up to head home until next month.
Until then
s

August 2010 Rogers Birthday Sprint

2010-09-07T18:19:00.004+12:00

Rogers day will appear here

Sprint 4-10 Whitianga Sat 19 Jun 2010

2010-06-20T22:04:00.009+12:00

Due to maintenance at Meremere sprint 4 was relocated to Whitianga at the track which had been made for the Speed weekend display.
**Thank you Grimz for organising the venue and tractor.

It was a very early start as I was travelling down with Den and Ree and they needed to leave their home at 6am. We travelled south and looked for the stars of Matariki which mark the Maori new year but too cloudy and misty.

Making good time we stopped in Tairua for a coffee etc then carried on to Whitianga to find a bakery {another story}. Txts exchanged with the others then all met and convoyed into the venue.
This was the first time I had seen the track, which is made in part of the waterways. It had plenty of water in it after all the rain. A long pond with tyres making the islands was the challenge for the day. Launching a bit hard with a car so Grimz had arranged a big tractor for that task. The boats all in the pond. Next, Rodger gives drivers briefing and a course randomly chosen. I had not been in a Pred since February so was looking forward to the days racing even if it was windy and cold.

Grimz had trouble demonstrating the rotation, which was good as it gave me a bit more time to get my head around it, knowing that the tyre islands were going to take a bit of distinguishing at water level, as they all look the same except for a little grass growing in some. The wind was cold but seemed to have little affect on the water in the track. Vanessa parked her truck in line with the start finish line to keep warm while time keeping, and soon the days racing started. There only being 6 drivers it did not take long to get through to the final where all but Ree managed their best run for the day.
**Well done Simon on taking out the day with a great run of 57 secs closely followed by Den then Doug and Rodger =3rd.

The Round had finished quite early so it was decided to have another little competition where all drivers had one go only driving Grimz's P19 around the same rotation with the same navigator. Rodgers nav Charlton was elected and off we all went. One time best time drive in same set up - what a great little bit of fun. It showed how close all the drivers are getting with less than 3 seconds covering the field.
**Well done to the master Den who took it out, over 1 second clear, ahead of the rest of us.

**Grimz thankyou for the use of your boat but I guess it shows you it can get around a bit faster than you or I have managed to yet.

With all the boats back on the trailers we set off to Grimz & Vanessa’s house for a great cup of coffee and warm up out of the wind. The day’s results announced and decision to cut the series to 4 rounds was agreed and then the series results announced.

**Simon with navigator Sheila in P10 took out the series win, a great effort with some nice consistent racing.

**Prizes from our great sponsor CRC where given out, then we set off home.
Thanks to all who came out for the day. I had another great day of Predator jetsprinting, looking forward to the next round.

Doug D

Sprint 3-10 * Whitianga Waterways * Sun 10 Apr 2010

2010-04-16T11:47:00.005+12:00

Cam's expressions will land here ...

Sprint 2-10 * Meremere * Sun 14 Mar 2010

2010-03-17T16:56:00.007+13:00

Nathan (McWinner) will tell his story here ...

SPRINT 1-10 - Meremere - Sun 14 Feb 2010

2010-02-16T14:47:00.006+13:00

Firstly sorry for the lateness, I forgot it was my turn.
Welcome all to the new season. I hope everyone had a pleasant xmas and new year.
The weather was great; track looking fantastic, lots of work has been done. The club room and deck provide our timers and flag flappers a great view and shelter for their fantastic work for whom without there would be no results to publish.
A good turnout with seven boats on the ramp.
Racing was close as always, with less than 0.3 of a second separating the first three boats.
It is good to see families out there competing together and against. With Sarah and Cory both trying to beat each other and Mum and Graeme, Cory winning the day with a little help from Cam.
I think Sarah's new horse would have been faster on the day than P14, it would definitely have eaten less weeds!
Looking forward to seeing everyone next meeting.
Cheers
Rodger

SPRINT 10-09 - Tuakau - SUN 13 Dec 09

2009-12-17T22:51:00.004+13:00

With a brisk early morning breeze we assembled down at the mighty Waikato river to complete the winter racing series on Sunday the 13th of December. Some will tell you the number 13 is unlucky and as the events of the day unfolded I began to believe it is so. Firstly we had roll call or as it was a Rrrr. It didn’t take too long at all, Den, Ree, Cam, Rog Greg, Simon & Sheila and several boys out in the river. The list of apologies took longer to read out, but never mind. Usual blah de Blah was read out and all mumbled acceptance, then Sheila decided we had to move camp so she could get a better view so she could accurately carry out the most important job of timekeeping.
Den & Ree did the usual double act of co driving each other, Greg sat beside Simon all day and waved his good wing from time to time. Must have done OK as Simon managed to have the FTD during the early rounds. I jumped in with Roger and told him the first rule of river racing was not to wet the co driver. Didn’t do me any bloody good as he told me later he doesn’t wear his hearing aids when he is racing. Thanks Rog.
We sometimes get away with not too much interference from the Ski boats but today was not the day with the Red flag out to stop competitors entering the course being waved from time to time. The other little problem was the wind as it was not constant so sometimes you might be lucky and get a good flat run through the course and a quick time or as my luck would have it a combination of a HUGE wake and a very stiff breeze combined at the end bouy to provide the watching spectators with a very spectacular view of P1 very airborne and then very wet as Rog and I tried to turn it into a submarine. A bit too much water inside the boat, the bilge pump going full bore and a little help was required to help us to shore. I told Rog I would pay him back for getting me wet but I think I over did things a bit. (Luckily I always have the Bilge on when we are in the river). These boats are very forgiving and it did not take too long to get P1 fired up again and we were able to complete the day.
Simon and Den scrapped over first place with the old master coming out on top, (he just loves to mess with peoples heads eh), Simon second which gave him the points required to take out the series, Rog was third, Ree 4th and yours truly at the other end of the field.
We then adjourned to the club rooms quite early where very soon we were joined by Wayne & Pam for the aftermatch, They must have wanted a bit of a lie in or something but they were there for the Prizegiving and had made the effort. We need to sell the two boats or encourage people to lease a boat on a meeting by meeting basis so we can get the numbers up again as once people have a go they realize how much fun you can have for very little money.
To you all have a safe Xmas and New year, remember to check the Blog for Working bee dates ect and lets pull finger and hit the ground running in 2010.
Regards
Cam

Sprint 9-09 - Meremere - Sun 22 Nov 09

2009-11-30T21:07:00.008+13:00

Sprint 8-09 - Meremere - Sun 11 Oct 09

2009-10-21T11:07:00.010+13:00

Sprint 7-09 - Meremere - Sun 20 Sep 09

2009-10-01T09:56:00.008+13:00

Sprint 6-09 - Meremere - Sun 9 Aug 09

2009-08-09T20:50:00.008+12:00

2009-06-14T20:42:00.004+12:00

Sprint 4-09 - Meremere - Sun 10 May 09

2009-05-11T17:02:00.006+12:00

We have to be there by 9, Drivers Briefing at 9:30. Simon says.
When we arrive, they’re the only ones there. Simon says.
Drivers Briefing in 2 minutes – Simon says.
So I get caught to do the briefing.
Simon says, Greg pick a course. “Course 1, ‘cause it’s got twice through the Start-Finish channels.” Greg says we’re not allowed to use the speedbowl or channel 4, so it’s a different sort of flow today. We need to let the topsoil mods settle in for the next season.
Simon says, “I’ll do the demo.” So he does.
Three times, finally getting it right!
We’re off. Simon says.
Rodger seems to be the only one that likes lawn-mowing today, except in his last run it appears to have changed to “navigational error”, Simon says. His navigator Kirsten doesn’t agree.
Wayne and Steve still can’t do without each other in the boat – they had a nice lightweight nav for some of the middle runs though, Simon says. But Wayne had the last laugh – he got into the Top Five, beating his cohort by over a second, Simon says.
Simon says he’ll ride in the monster (Superboat supercharged superspeed) so that when he gets back in the Pred, it’ll be a doddle.
So Simon says.
But it didn’t seem to help, Simon says.
He changes to driving Greg’s Group A V8 instead, so that when he gets back in the Pred, it’ll be a doddle.
So Simon says.
But it didn’t seem to help, Simon says.
Sheila, Simon says, gets quicker by the run, and in the end, becomes a member of the elite “Husband-Beater’s Club”. Sheila snaps into 3rd , well into the Top 5. “Bugger!” Simon says.
Ree, with Sheila in the Simon says seat, gets to grips with the difficult course and gains a very creditable second, Simon says. And Den manages to scrape in another Simon says first.
“I’ll grab 4th then,” Simon says.
Simon was the only one in contention for the DoD loo seat today, by ramming the launch pool wall, so Simon would have had it easily.
Simon says “No.” Cam forgot to give the DoD loo seat to anyone, so gets it automatically for not getting back from Europe quick enough. Simon says.

After the day’s pressure, all the watchers were taken for rides in Preds and V8s. And after the rides, the Champagne was popped, and the Predator’s 15th Birthday cake and bubbles enjoyed by the faithful lingerers.

So Simon says. Check the photo!

Den

Sprint 3-09 - Whitianga Waterways - Sun 5 Apr 09

2009-04-06T18:40:00.007+12:00

Well, here goes my write up for the fantastic Whitianga Speed weekend.
First, thanks must go to the organisers of such a great weekend of festival and speed. WELL DONE, PLEASE MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS AGAIN.
The weather played a great part, it could not have been better. Our accommodation at Aotearoa Lodge was great and our hosts ensured we were well catered for and would like to return next year, thankyou sincerely for your kind welcome to us all.

Thanks must go to John Booker for his efforts in all the organisation that was undertaken. The track was a challenge, especially when two of the islands all but disappeared under water. Thanks Den for your pole markers.
It was great to have time on the Saturday to do the Tiki Tour up the river to the Coroglen Pub, great scenery, great fun pushing the boats over the boulders, even more fun when you do not have shoes on. We were honoured to have a fly past x10 by the honoured club presidente. Well, Greg, have you come down to level ground yet?
Sunday was a great race day with some new found friends amongst us. Graham and Cliff, thanks for the tractor to haul us in and out, we all thank you and hope you enjoyed your day racing with us, you were both great. Would love to see more of you both.
Ist place for the day went to Den followed by Simon, Ree, and Cam, next was Rodger and lastly myself.
Thanks to every member, helper and all the spectators who helped make it a great weekend. Cheers, see you all at the next sprint at Meremere on Sunday 10th May. Cheers and happy Easter. Wayne

SPRINT 2-09, Tuakau, Sunday 22 March 09

2009-03-23T17:32:00.006+13:00

It was great! You should have been there! - Wayne

SPRINT 1-09, Meremere, Sunday 22 Feb 09

2009-02-22T23:18:00.006+13:00

Welcome all to a new season of fun and racing.
The weather could not have been better for our first sprint. Five boats ready to race, track looking great, everyone raring to go.
It was nice to see some of the V8 guys come down to race with us in our boats too.

Today was my first outing to the track in my new boat P14, having purchased it from Nick in January. It is good to racing MY boat.
I would like to thank all members of the club for helping and sharing over the last six or seven months until I got a boat. Thanks to Campbell for the use of P1 for the winter series, Den and Ree for the drive of P9 on the river, I obviously was not trying hard enough first time out in a boat because Ree reached over with her left foot, mashed the pedal to the floor and yells “That’s how it’s done.” Thanks Ree.
And Den for showing me the way around the track and how to drive.

Now back to the events of the day.
After Gregs official stuff, course of the day given and half studied, a second course given (definitely less dizzying than the first), boats wetted, engines warmed we were off racing, Den setting the mark for the rest to chase, seems familiar.

John Mincham driving a pred P14 for the first time, soon came to grips and set brother Graeme in his sights. Strategy: kicked me out as navigator. Get Tahlia as nav (very busy, 4 drivers to sort out), good move, she pointed and coached the good lines and times dropped all day to a second place finish.
Great, thrashed in my own boat. I can’t blame P14 now can I?

Graeme Mincham in P1 then P9 seemed to be enjoying the scenery on the way around the track. Not something he gets to do in his fire breathing super boat.
I think Rueben his navigator was heard to say “Hey dad we did not crash”.

In fact NO land claims were made all day. Hey are we all getting good or just not trying hard enough? A great days racing was had by all.

Cam was out in the group A boat, giving sponsors rides, great to see the ear to ear smiles on those returning to the trailer.
Cams results getting better as the series continues, top 8 finish last outing. Keep up the good work.

Racing finished - thanks to Kathy on the Timing, Amy on the flag flapping.

Then onto Beer and Hamburgers from the bbq, thanks to the cooks.

Prize giving. See results above. Tahlia seemed to take just too much enjoyment presenting Dad with the DOD award. I can’t remember what for though.

See you all next time
Cheers
Rodger

SPRINT 10-08, Meremere, Sun 14 Dec 08

2008-12-15T23:26:00.005+13:00

The last race day for the season was a busy one with the best turnout of Predators for months and some of the V8s coming down to get the last chance for testing before their racing starts in the new year.

It was good to see some of the Preds turn up and blow the cob webs off and hopefully they will continue to show up next year.

With so many drivers and the big line up of V8s it was going to be a busy day so it was straight into racing.

We managed one run each in the Black Boat before she decided that she didn’t want to play any more and sulked in the corner to await an overhaul over the holiday break. Many thanks to Ree and Kerry for the use of their boats to get us through the day!

The day brought a few land claims with the usual suspects including myself- you quickly discover how differently the boats handle - some more forgiving than others. Great to see Mal and the RSQKRU getting in some practice for the World Series race, our land claims have never been so professionally managed.

The day went extremely well and everyone got through their runs quickly. Den and Ree took their usual 1st and 2nd place. I managed to come 3rd, driving the unfamiliar P9. It just supports the concept of Predator racing - warm hearts, and evenly matched boats, not deep pockets.

Ryan and Alison made the most of their last day racing, coming 5th and 6th respectively. Sheila pulled off of a very respectable 7th place - her first time getting through to the top 10 (albeit in P9!!) and took out 1st Handicap and 2nd lady for the season. Not bad considering she’d never driven a boat before June!

Mal took the opportunity to take P1 for a skid and showed great promise, coming 1st in handicap for the day. Congrats to Den and Ree first and second (again) and Greg taking third place. Den had the honour of 1st place in the new Pensioner category!!

Cam, El Presidente, had a distracted day with the shiny new Extreme lying in wait for him at the end of the Predator racing. Mal and crew got to test out their rescue techniques when Cam tried to turn Extreme into a Bobcat and reshape the bank on the back straight. Thankfully neither Cam nor Sandy were hurt - only pride and Extreme’s paint job!

After prize giving everyone tucked into the feast of goodies, indulged in a few drinks and enjoyed the Pred Christmas party with the distribution of secret Santa presents. Farewells were made with best wishes to Alison, Ryan and family, off to their new life in Aussie.

Must have had something to do with the Christmas spirit but the Dork of the Day went unawarded. Surprisingly no one volunteered to take it home - funny that!!

I hope everybody has a great Christmas and a safe New Year; hopefully many of you can make it down to Meremere for the World Series V8s to support Cam in 44 Extreme - Go Team Extreme!!! (Just keep it in the water, eh Cam, or should that be “Bobcat” Jones???)

See you all in the New Year

Simon

Sprint 9-08 - 9 Nov 08 - Meremere

2008-11-09T21:12:00.009+13:00

Sunday 9th November

I came fifth over all!!!
Day dawned really bright, should we take a jacket? Yes its Meremere. Get there early to mend the boat, first time we’ve been the first there! Then the black boat arrived (cant remember all the boat numbers, sorry)
One armed bandit and plastered put Simon out but Greg and Sheila good to go. Den and Ree, Cam and Kath, the 4 of us, Roger and Wayne and Steven. I was offered the use of the blue boat so evened up the numbers in the boats, and I would like to thank you very much.
Did I mention I came 5th over all???
Andrew tried on several occasions to break the purple peril but Martin on hand to sort that out. Ryan tried to sink the boat by not putting the bungs in!!
Oh, I came 5th over all and second lady.
The newly painted 5p boat had a few problems but did eventually get going. Kerry did come after all and the terrible two where back in the boat together with discussions about finishing as they started by rolling the boat!!! They nearly succeeded.
A few of us found the new tires and how good they are secured in the track. A few different angles needed to try and get round.
Forgot to mention I came 5th over all, probably due to the co driver, but I came 5th over all.
Den and Ree, for reasons known only to themselves, liked the same tire and decided that their co driver should see how cold the water was and believe me it was very cold when it goes straight down your back.
Just because Ryan was being beaten by his mother he decided to drive a blinder on his last lap just to keep the record straight, and probably because he had to get out and push the boat a couple of times and needed to vent his frustration at having to get his feet wet.
A good time had by all and the usual suspects up front and in the lead, but I don’t think I mentioned I got into the top 5 and came 5th over all.
See you all at our xmas sprint and don’t forget to bring your goodies.

Alison

Sprint 8-08 - Sun 19 Oct 08 - Tuakau on the River

2008-10-20T11:02:00.007+13:00

Honesty is the best Policy.
Honest!
When I awoke Sunday morning feeling lethargic it wasn’t because of a hangover. Honest! Half way to Tuakau I realised the “Trophy” had been left at home, so Den and I decided we wouldn’t mention it till the end of the day. We arrived at Tuakau where all the usual suspects were getting their boats organised for the day’s sprint. P5 has had a complete makeover, losing its yellow sub look, to a spectacular silver and blue regalia, a definite change for the better. Cam was out on the water setting up the buoys. P9 was put in the water, and by the time I’d tied the boat further up the shoreline, Greg took great delight in telling me he knew about the trophy. So much for Den saying I won’t tell anyone hon, honestly!
With briefing out of the way, Ryan and I ran the gauntlet and sorted ourselves out with the recon. Because the weather was good to us, there were a few fizz boats taking advantage of the sunshine, so caution was needed as huge wakes were occasionally thrown through the course.
At one stage Rodger anointed himself with Waikato water, and when Den shouted “Abort! Abort!” Rodger must have thought he said “That buoy, that buoy!” because he soldiered on to complete the run with a boat full of water, and the pair of them were drowned rats when they came ashore. I felt sorry for them though. Honest!
Cam kept losing sight of one of the buoys, but he still eventually managed a top five finish. It was always there, Cam, honest!
Wayne and Steve battled it out all day between themselves, see-sawing their times with each run. Wayne considerately goofed the final to let his sidekick beat him, so Steve took out second place for handicap. Honest!
Sheila, your driving is getting a lot more aggressive and first overall in handicap is only the beginning. Don’t let those two other drivers of the boat deter you - they are beatable. Honest!
Ryan had a little difficulty adjusting to P9, so lets hope we can get P13 back on the water for the next sprint. He’s too good now to be allowed to shoot it out for the Handicap (when you get to over 95%, you’re not eligible any more). Honest!
A well deserved win went to Den, whose times were pretty consistent all day, in spite of his drenching. (Honest I suppose!)
Greg was improving with each run, (having never done a river sprint before) but in the final when he tried an “all out”, he very sportingly gave second to Simon, who managed a superb final run to finally beat Greg in his own boat.
I also very sportingly purposely “fluffed” my final, to let others take some glory. Honest!
I purposely didn’t bring the Overall Trophy, so one of us could take it back home. Honest!
But I didn’t really mean to bring the DoD trophy home as well, even if it was sabotagedly given to Den mainly by the sly Greg and even slyer Cam.

Watch out at the next sprint, guys ‘n’ gals!

Someone else is gonna get the dreaded DoD. Honest!

Again, thanks to Kathy for the timing, and putting on the eats at the end of the day. You didn’t have to go to all that trouble. Honest!

Ree

..

SPRINT 7-08 - 14 Sep 08, Meremere

2008-09-14T20:53:00.006+12:00

Sorry guys and girls……I will not be mentioning names because I can’t remember any of them (had my work cut out remembering the rotation).

Not going to talk about the results because I don’t care (OK I came Last!) What I’m going to talk about is my day, the fun I had and the butt kicking dished out to me by a “predator”. I see why the little beasts are called predators now.

It’s to do with their ability to lay on their trailer in-wait for some unsuspecting green horn Group “A” driver with little respect, to climb aboard thinking how hard can it be and that’s when it turns into a “predator”!

I was feeling a little lonely for the first few rounds being the only one getting bank time until a few of you more experienced pilots started to show a little less respect for your craft than you should and join me on the bank - that brought a smile to my face!

I was pretty apprehensive driving back to the launch ramp after my first “off” as Cam sat waiting for me to bring his beloved “mini me” back in one piece but when I saw his face I realized he was more interested in seeing one of us V8 boys get whipped. I must say I understand what that feels like now as I watched an “unnamed” super boat pilot get lured in to the “M-Sprint” a little later on in the day. Let’s just say he had issues.

I would have to recommend that all V8 boys may like to humbly ask a predator owner for the opportunity to polish their skills - I learnt more in one run in a predator than I had all season in my group A boat. So if any of you other predator owners would like to make a fool of me, I would be only to happy to drive (crash) your rig. Big thanks to Doug for inviting me over for the day and to Cam for letting me crash (I mean drive his boat). It would be a real hoot to see some of the front running V8 boys go “toe to toe” with the predator crowd but they would need to lay off the pies.

One special mention “DORK OF THE DAY” - Greg if you can’t park a predator on the trailer how the hell are you going to park your fire breathing super boat.

Cheers Grass Cutter

SPRINT 6-08, Sun 10 Aug 08, Meremere

2008-08-11T23:58:00.005+12:00

After weeks of storms and floods the weather gods finally got their act together and after a very frosty start turned on an absolute pearler of a day.

The drive down through the Waikato to the course was rather sobering seeing so many paddocks still well and truly flooded after the storms and getting to the course was a little challenging to say the least, with 4-wheel drives being the best option to cope with the flooded road and carpark.
We tried coming down the hill, possibly not recommended in a Commodore, towing a boat!
Nick made an early claim for an award for the “Best Presented Boat”, dripping with mud inside and out. Oh dear - an early bath for P14.

Today though, marked the return of P10, the legendary “Black Boat”.

During the last after race BBQ at Meremere in May, Simon and I heard that there was a Predator for sale. We were both very impressed by the concept of Predator racing and the warm friendly group of people we'd met.
Buying P10 wasn't a hard decision and after a few conversations with Greg and Doug, P10 arrived in our driveway. The winter has passed in a blur of cold, late nights in the garage slaving over P10 stripping, cleaning, polishing and rebuilding the boat with the fantastic assistance of Greg.
We had heard so much about P10, how she used to be the fastest boat and we were keen to see how she performed.

Not only was P10 on trial, it was my first day driving on the track and I was as nervous as I was excited. So different to the river - no eels to worry about - just clay banks, tight turns and Baldy! All sorts of opportunities to put in a land claim. I made my first one on my recon run - good to get it out of the way early and reassuring to see many of the more experienced drivers park up over the course of the day!

For some it was a day of technical challenges. Cam and P1 were plagued with problems, first the carburettor, then some unidentified flying underwater object made its way into the impellor and made a real mess. P9 lost a bolt and dropped its bucket leaving Ree and Den without a reverse gear for the rest of the day. Cam tried the theory that it was P9's bolt that wrecked the impellor but something about the laws of physics, mass of metal and water put paid to that one. Good try though!

Racing was competitive with some great times being posted. It was great to see some new drivers and navigators coming through. Rodger took to the track for the first time with Doug navigating. Andrew had a good run, just pipping Alison in P13 to take out first place in the handicap. For a wee while Ree has been in a limited pool for the ladies section and although there are a few ladies driving now we all have a long way to go to be competitive with such an outstanding driver.

Greg's Group A boat is undergoing a metamorphosis into a Superboat (more nights in the garage-just ask to see the baby photos!) but he kept in touch with the track as my navigator, tolerating a very pedestrian round. My excuse is that I was working on my lines and concentrating on getting to know the track!
Den, as usual took 1st place in P9, but both Doug and Greg, 2nd and 3rd respectively posted their fastest times in P10. Don't worry Cam; Simon now knows what it feels like to be beaten in your own boat!
Doug had brought down the MSprint and several drivers took it for a drive. Nick took Julie out on the track for a spin and she was so impressed she used words that Nick didn't even know that she knew!

So how was “the Return of the Black Boat” - did P10 perform to expectations?

It had been a long day and the planned thrust testing was abandoned but the boats were all measured on a GPS timed run down the back straight with P10 coming out the fastest at 68.5. Good to see the old girl back, performing well and looking good. She'll look better after a repaint (even more nights in the garage), but we are going to wait till the end of the season and for me to stop putting dents in her.

There were many contenders for the prestigious Dork of the Day award; Nick for his early morning Mud Run, Amy for nearly forgetting to return the award-she was obviously very attached to it, plenty of land claims to choose from, Den for trying to pull the boat out minus the trailer. Cam nearly scored the award for the number of times he spilled his beer during the prize giving. The award finally went to a highly deserving Den for trying to complete a run on vapour!

Lastly, a huge round of thanks to Cam's daughter Amy for her fantastic work on the timing all day. Enjoyable in the morning sun but ooh - once that southerly picked up in the afternoon. Brrrr….

Look forward to seeing you all in September …..

Cheers
Sheila

SPRINT 5-08 - 8 Jun 08 - Tuakau on the River

2008-06-08T22:03:00.006+12:00

I recently joined the predator jetsprint club. Certainly an exciting experience for someone who has never driven a boat before. I was aware there was a prestigious award handed out each month. I'd heard of the "Dork of the Day" award and was in awe of the stories for the award winning performances that had happened in the past and some I recently bore witness to, which seemed even more grand than the stories passed down from the experienced crowd - I guess you had to be there.

On Sunday 8th June I was not to know that I too would fall in this category... Although when reviewing the dictionary meaning for Dork (Somehow I think I was born without that appendage) but to be an honorary member was a prestigious moment. A Girl's gotta do what a Girl's gotta do... I guess.

This months Predator Jetsprint Club day was held at the Tuakau bridge, down by the boat ramp. It was a clear beautiful day although we were all ready for turbulent weather as per the warnings of our resident "Rain Dancer" Campbell who lives on the hill. Well maybe his fortune marbles had been demagnetised this week... but the water was glassy, the wind was still, and the boats were ready. It all looked good.

Today's circuit was on the river. The buoys marked out the course and the paper handouts were delivered after the drivers briefing. For the newbie's and drivers who had just joined this season this was a new experience and a chance to practice our lines or at least survive. No clay banks to worry about at least.

The recon run was a good chance to experience what water does when not trapped in a jetsprint track. Basically on the Meremere track you stuff up and you end up on the bank... Here it was more like you end up on the riverbed chatting with the eels. But the day didn't not bring any of that into the mix although the drivers of P19 looked like they were going for it on some corners!

A Blog would not be complete without a short recap of the drivers performance:
Simon and Sheila (who have recently bought P10) came along. Sheila got in to it with first time driving and did fantastic job of those corners in P1! Simon did really well and managed to beat Cam's time in Cam's boat (which didn't go down too well at all - you should have heard the griping and grumbling)

Den managed to pip Nick at the post with half an second lead in the top5 who also had the fastest time of the day of 63.5sec plus took out the season number one spot - well done!
Doug had a superb time with his new Mercury Boat masterpiece doing as I recall (when I timed it) a 51 on the same circuit not to mention a respectable title of third in the predator class.
Ree... There's a reason your at the top in the ladies... You drive like a mad woman and I was proud to be your navigator... Not that you needed my direction. Ree you navigated for me and I must say your hand signals were way more understandable that some people who will remain nameless...
Josh and Kirsten as navigator had a brilliant run and came 5th only 3 seconds behind the FTD.
Cam...who ditched me as the navigator for Simon...Yes it's called karma... came 6th... maybe there was something in it?
P13 got a work out with the skills of Ryan, Alison and Andrew who also navigated for Den in the winning boat.
Rodger managed to knock off over 10 seconds off his original timed run on his cut off time - absolutely fantastic improvement!
Now the boys in p19... I have never met you before, however I must say I was halfexpecting to witness a sinking of a boat. But in true style you guys narrowly (yet skilfully) managed to avoid that disaster. No... I am not available to navigate for you.

Now onto to what you've all been waiting for... How I earned the prestigious award of "Dork of the Day": We all know that I have been single for quite some time now... However my luck was about to change this day. As on my top 10 run I was astounded to learn that I had picked up two boys... Not one but two! However it wasn't meant to be... These fellas weren't really my type, a bit portly, didn't really have much to say, sat on their bums and drifted about all day (which is not very attractive and certainly not my thing).... Ah yes not to mention bloody great big sash weights tethered to the end of their ropes! (sorry about the puns!)

Yes you guessed it! I had picked up inadvertently the starter Buoy (we didn't notice) and the number 5 buoy (which we did notice) and they preceded to become needy, jealous and controlling by wrapping their ropes around each others and around the skeg on the bottom of the boat. Can't stand it when Buoys fight over a woman. Needless to say I gave them the flick. Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do... I guess.

It was an awesome day, we all had a great time, Thanks Cam for having us all up at your place for the prize giving (fantastic view). To all who helped out on the day with timing, co-ordination, and preparations, it was enjoyed by all!

I look forward to handing on this prestigious award in August 2008 to another deserving candidate!
Take care everyone and see you next time.
Cheers
Amy

SPRINT 4-08 - 11 May 08 - Meremere

2008-05-11T22:44:00.006+12:00

SPRINT 3-08 - Sunday 13 April 2008, Meremere

2008-04-13T20:29:00.007+12:00

SPRINT 2-08 - Sun 9 Mar 08, Meremere

2008-03-09T19:01:00.004+13:00

Sprint 1-08 - Meremere, Sun 24 Feb 08

2008-02-25T21:55:00.004+13:00

Sprint 12-07, Sunday 2 Dec, Meremere

2007-12-06T21:12:00.002+13:00