One of the premier events on the circuit powerboat racing calendar has yet again impressed racing enthusiasts from all over Australia. Those lucky enough to make the trip to Bundaburg Queensland witnessed racing between some of the best teams in the country.
There was an excellent turnout of boats despite some considerable carnage at the U.I.M General Assembly at the Gold Coast a week earlier. The presitgous Iron Nuts Shield is always a great drawcard for some of the best B.A.D boats in the country, and some of the best blown alcohol racing was on display once again. McCosker managed to rebuild his exploded engine from the Gold Coast and was back on the water, only to suffer from problems all weekend.
Reaching new heights
Old rivals at it again - Walsh matched Cross's speed on the straghts
The pack leaders in the B.A.D class included 'Agent Orange', 'The Real Thing' and 'Tuff-e-Nuff'' (SA), ''BAD Intent', 'Red Bellies' & 'She's the Culprit' (NSW), 'Outlaw' (TAS), 'Mandess' & 'Unleashed' (VIC) and of course crowd favourite 'Rival'. The super-team had their spare raceboat in action, and it looks as though Victorian John Bakker has set the standard for what it takes to be a race leader at two major events held just one week apart.
Hometown team 'The Real Thing' pedalled by both Bruce Jordan and Tony Walsh were right up there taking away several podium finshes on their way to the Iron Nuts Shield Final. A placing in the big race was a certainty, had it not been for a mechanical failure just prior to the start. Tony Walsh wasn't pulling any punches on Saturday showing everyone how it's done- a sensational drive to keep Marj Watson winner Brett Shepherd at bay in his boat 'Unleashed'. Well done to Bruce and the guys- looks like the team has become a force to be reckoned with.
Click to play the Iron Nuts Shield final.
'Bondage' pushing hard through the rough river water
Of our local heroes in the support classes included 'In Excess', 'Bondage' and 'Balls 'n All'. Congatulations to those involved with campaigning these boats at a location so far from home, it really makes us proud to see our flag being represented at an event of this calibre.
Rough water on the river proved tough at times for all competitors as there were many occasions where boats were seeing a little more lift than would seem ideal.
A league of their own - Marland in 'Madness' and Cross in 'Rival' at the first turn of the Iron Nuts Shield.
Chris Palmer in 'Outlaw' looking gnarly. Bad luck to the team which was again plagued by costly problems.
November 2008
THE ASBC SALUTES OUR BUNDY COMPETITORS
Photo by Ryan Stunell
The Adelaide Speedboat Club would like to make a special acknowledgement to its fellow competitors for their efforts at both the Bundy Thunder and U.I.M General Assembly events. Queensland is a long haul (20 hours + on the road in fact, each way), and the commitment our teams make to go the distance really shows their level of passion for the sport we all love so much.
