Lake Mulwala will reverberate with the familiar rumble of the GP Hydroplanes this April. Pictured is local Grant Harrison in GP1.
The Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular (April 17-19) is raring to go, with forward planning, ticket sales, and boat entries all strong despite concerns around fuel.
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The Victorian Speed Boat Club has been well prepared for months for the event, including securing its fuel supplies.
Event organiser Stephen Scott, of the Victorian Speed Boat Club, expects some negative backlash due to the current situation but assures people that the club and its members have been planning the event for months.
“We pre-purchase our fuel needs for our competitors in January for this event each year, and this year it was well before the current Middle East war began,” Mr Scott said.
“The event is 100 per cent going ahead. We have 80 volunteers already booked in with accommodation, along with the many competitors already entered.”
Mr Scott said he had seen comments on social media raising concerns about local fuel usage for the event.
“It’s not a concern. Our fuel needs are already covered and like every year we bring our fuel up from Melbourne.”
Ticket sales have been strong for the Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular.
He said driver entries were again strong this year and continued to filter in across a variety of racing classes, including the National Drivers Championship.
The four-round championship, which features forced-induction boats with supercharged or turbocharged engines, is one of several key high-profile trophy events.
Other highlights include the Anzac Day Trophy, with the final to be held on Sunday, and the addition of Formula GP and Formula 4, both tunnel boats with outboard engines.
The boating spectacular features the first round of the X100 National Drivers Championship, with reigning X100 champion Mike Godsell facing no shortage of competition.
The New Zealand entry for the EC Griffith Cup, previous cup winner Ken Lupton’s Lucas Oils GP-577, has arrived in Australia and is looking forward to putting on a show and hopefully taking the cup back to NZ.
“It’s a big build-up for the EC Griffith Cup, with the New Zealander taking on the Aussies in the hydroplanes,” Mr Scott said.
It’s the first time in nearly a decade that New Zealand will be represented in the EC Griffith Cup, which remains the highlight, drawing huge crowds.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business executive officer Nathan Bibby remains positive and excited about this year’s event, which features a world-class freestyle motocross (FMX) stunt show taking place on the water’s edge, featuring elite Australian riders Jackson “Jacko” Strong, Ben Richards, and Tom Richards.
“It is going to be an amazing spectacle, complementing all the thrilling action on the water,” Mr Bibby said.
“Businesses remain optimistic for the Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular, with accommodation providers reporting strong bookings and very few cancellations at this stage.”
Off the water, visitors can enjoy live music, carnival rides, sideshow alley attractions, static powerboat displays, food vendors, merchandise stalls, and a licensed bar.
A dedicated VIP area will offer premium viewing close to the finish line, placing spectators at the centre of the high-energy action.
And for the first time there will be “A Night of Champions” held at ClubMulwala on the Saturday evening (April 18) bringing Ken Lupton, Ricky Howard and Tate Ramsey together for an exclusive event, sharing stories, insights and behind-the-scenes moments from the world of powerboat racing.
Gates open for the racing at 10am on Friday and 8am on Saturday and Sunday. Friday tickets start at $20 for adults and $15 for concession, while weekend tickets start at $25. Entry is free for children under 16.
For tickets or more information, visit www.yarrawongaboatracing.com.au or contact the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5744 1989.
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