By Glen Laundy

22nd May 2009

On your marks and get set for what could be one of the biggest weekends in powerboat racing since the B.A.D World Cup.

Mildura once again plays host to some of the most sought after trophy races in Australian Powerboating. The open and unlimited (no restrictions) Riverside Trophy and Marjorie Watson Trophy for displacement race boats are among 14 highly contested trophies up for grabs over the two days of racing.

Other titles up for grabs are the Australian Championships for a number of classes including 6 litre carby and injected- both of which were brought home last year by South Australian teams Alcatraz and In Excess respectively.

Terry Smith in Alcatraz had more speed than some of the 6lt injected boats at last years event and is looking good for a title defense. The Smith's have been to plenty of racing in Tasmania and Queensland's Bundy Thunder so have certainly got the experience to match the pace of their boat.

Jeff Stunell has been turning heads at his reign at the top of the 6 litre injected class and has been fired up under pressure in some very tight racing against Western Australian rival Paul Harvey. Being number one has taken its toll on the team who have had a couple of engine hurts this season, but that won't be enough to induce Stunell's determination for back to back titles.

Third place getter in the Marjorie Watson trophy last year was Bruce Jordan's outfit The Real Thing, and since May last year this team has gone from strength to strength and will certainly have their eyes on the prize at this years event. A team backed with Tony Walsh is always going to be a top contender.

Another of our podium finishers in the big races last year were the Agent Orange crew - fresh in their new 21ft Evercraft. Since then the Stanleys have got a handle on the new boat and are pushing massive amounts of horsepower through it. Expect Trevor Stanley to be giving his all to make it to the top.

John Warren will be In it Balls'n'All, harassing fellow competitor Tom Barnhard in the 6lt carby class, while representing the hydroplanes will be newcomer Mark Ward entering his first event at Mildura in the 6 litre carby hydro Disturbed.

Of the 5 litre guys it will be Jamie Royles back on the attack in Jimbo, along with Chris Wellington in JAC Racing.

Other South Australiian competitors making the trip to Victoria include Brian Jeffrey and his crew with Bondage (6lt injected), and last but not least Dave Clark will be there in the B.A.D class armed with 2 complete 530ci big block engines. That's Tuff-e-Nuff for some serious racing.

A very good showing for South Australia indeed- looks like we're a force to be reckoned with again this year. Show your support and get behind our teams at Mildura, 30th & 31st May 2009. Racing starts 9:30am Saturday & 9:00am Sunday and there will also be a practice session on Friday afternoon.

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