The weekend at Lake Karapiro was packed with adrenaline-pumping races as part of the TradeZone New Zealand Powerboat Nationals, the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series, and, of course, the highly anticipated Masport Challenge Cup.
Friday saw the GP Hydroplanes testing on the water, setting the stage for a weekend of high-octane competition. By Sunday, all eyes were on the Masport Challenge Cup, the crown jewel of New Zealand powerboat racing, which has been contested since 1925.
The event was designed to include an initial heat—serving as a prelude to the grand final—where the best of the best would battle for the prestigious trophy.
The Masport Challenge Cup holds an undeniable place in New Zealand’s motorsport history. Donated in 1925 by Mason and Porter Ltd (now known as Masport), the trophy has long been a symbol of powerboat supremacy.
For a century, this event has attracted the fastest boats and the most daring drivers, from the early days of wooden hulls skimming at 30 mph (today’s equivalent 48 kph) to today’s thunderous hydroplanes pushing well beyond 240 kph. Past champions have included legendary racers like Stuart Buckman, Len Southward, and Peter Knight, all of whom helped shape the event into what it is today.
But this year’s edition will be remembered for a different reason. The first attempt at the first heat had to be abandoned as multiple, maybe all, boats jumped the starting flag. But that is not the reason.
As the second attempt of the first heat of the 100th Masport Challenge Cup got underway, the tension was electric. Engines roared, spray flew, and the boats surged forward in a display of sheer power and precision. But then, disaster struck.
At the first corner, Raymond Hart, piloting Thunderstruck, was caught in the long and high rooster tail coming off David Alexander’s Miss Waverley, causing Thunderstruck to slide across to the left into and across the back half of USA H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Champion Andrew Tate’s, Gulf Oil. Thunderstruck was able to maintain momentum but was damaged, but Gulf Oil was dead in the water. The boats coming behind tried to keep out of the way. Scott Coker on Howzat may have spun out as well.
Race officials acted swiftly, calling off the event to ensure the safety of the drivers and the rescue crews who quickly moved in to assist. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the crash cast a shadow over what was meant to be a landmark moment in New Zealand powerboat racing.
With the event abandoned, questions now hang over the future of the 100th Masport Challenge Cup. Will a rematch be scheduled? Will the cup be awarded at a later date? And how will this incident impact the future of powerboat racing in New Zealand?
Officials are expected to review the crash footage and release a statement in the coming days. Meanwhile, teams and fans alike are left reflecting on a race that was meant to be historic for all the right reasons—but instead became unforgettable for all the wrong ones.
One thing is certain: the Masport Challenge Cup, with its century-long legacy, is far from over. When the boats return to the water, the need for speed—and redemption—will be stronger than ever.
