The Rotoiti Powerboat Club’s 102nd Annual Regatta delivered an unforgettable weekend of powerboat racing on Lake Rotoiti, Nelson, hosting Round 4 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder New Zealand Series and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the AE Baker Cup. With 11 competitive classes, 39 competitors, and generations of racers battling it out on one of New Zealand’s most scenic racing venues, the event was nothing short of spectacular.
A historic event at a stunning venue
Lake Rotoiti, known for its breathtaking backdrop (and host to the 2025 NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show) once again set the stage for Grand Prix Hydroplanes, V8s, Pro Stock boats, and juniors alike.
The regatta also marked a major milestone for the AE Baker Cup, one of Australasia’s most prestigious hydroplane racing trophies, first contested in 1965. The Lupton family, which has played a dominant role in New Zealand hydroplane racing, featured prominently in the weekend’s results.
Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder: Ken Lupton dominates
The Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder New Zealand Series saw an unmatched performance from Ken Lupton, who stormed through the weekend, winning all three heats and the final to claim the Round 4 victory.
Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder results at Lake Rotoiti
Ken Lupton was unstoppable in Heat 1, grabbing first place, followed closely by Jack Lupton and Scott Coker in second and third. Andy Knight rounded out the field in fourth. Heat 2 saw a similar result at the front, with Ken again taking the win, while Jack and Scott maintained their positions. Unfortunately, Andy Knight encountered fuelling issues, forcing him out of contention. By Heat 3, Ken Lupton was on a roll, securing yet another first-place finish. Jack and Scott kept up the chase, while Kevin Ireland claimed fourth. Andy Knight, unfortunately, did not finish.
When it all came down to the final, Ken Lupton sealed the deal with another victory, taking out Round 4 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series!
Round 4 Final results
GOLD: Ken Lupton – Round 4 Winner – Absolutely unstoppable all weekend!
SILVER: Jack Lupton – Pushed hard, but just couldn’t quite topple his brother.
BRONZE: Scott Coker – Consistently strong and always in the mix.
4th – Kevin Ireland – Solid finish, proving he’s right there with the best!
Ken Lupton’s reaction
“Good day today, boats good, team is epic, guys working hard to keep Lucas Oil GP577 on top. Qualified 1st, Race 1 victory 🥇, Race 2 was rough, but we managed to claim another 1st place.” (Facebook update)
After clinching both the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder win and the AE Baker Cup, Lupton added: “Lucas Oil GP577 had a fantastic weekend! We were fortunate enough to come away with the Round 4 Hydro Thunder win and the AE Baker Cup. To win these races comes from such an epic team of people! Huge thanks to the Rotoiti Powerboat Club, the Hydro Thunder team, and all the volunteers who make this sport possible. Looking forward to Round 5 at Twizel—excited to see Andrew back in the Pete Dudson Gulf Oil hull!”
AE Baker Cup: Ken Lupton retains his crown
The AE Baker Cup’s 60th anniversary race was highly anticipated, with Jack Lupton taking a dominant victory in Heat 1 before Ken Lupton roared back in Heat 2 to defend his title and secure his place as the 2025 AE Baker Cup Champion.
AE Baker Cup Final results
GOLD: Ken Lupton – 2025 AE Baker Cup Champion
SILVER: Jack Lupton
BRONZE: Scott Coker
4th – Kevin Ireland
Andy Knight’s return brings the Knight name back to hydroplanes
A major storyline of the weekend was the return of the Knight family name to hydroplane racing, with Andy Knight debuting in GP Hydroplanes aboard BOSS GP5. A third-generation racer, Andy follows in the footsteps of his father, Peter Knight Jnr, and his grandfather, Peter Knight Snr, a 13-time Masport Cup Champion.
Despite some fuelling issues in Heat 2 and a DNF in Heat 3, Andy gained valuable experience among the country’s best hydroplane racers. Ken Lupton even took BOSS GP5 for a test run ahead of Sunday’s racing, adding to the excitement around the new GP Hydroplane entry.
Blacklisted Racing’s clean sweep
Matt Goudin (Blacklisted Racing) dominated the Pro Stock class and IBRR Challenge Trophy, securing five major wins across the weekend:
GOLD: North Island Pro Stock Champion
GOLD: South Island Pro Stock Champion
GOLD: New Zealand Pro Stock Champion
GOLD: IBRR Challenge Trophy Winner
GOLD: Bacon & Egg Pie – Supreme Winner (an essential part of any race weekend!)
“Matt enjoyed giving the boat a bit of jandel,” Blacklisted Racing commented after his second-place finish in Heat 1 of the IBRR V8 Challenge Trophy. He later went on to win the final heat and secure the trophy.
Allan Ballantyne’s wild ride in Rage
One of the weekend’s most dramatic moments came when Allan Ballantyne, racing Rage in the Mod H class, lost his rudder just before a turn, sending him hurtling toward the shore. The boat came to a stop in the trees, but miraculously, Allan walked away unscathed.
Spectator Brendan Cornes summed up the moment: “When I first saw it, I thought it was a seagull, then I clicked and was like, holy %$#&. Biggest heart-stopping moment. Glad it turned out as best it could.”
Looking ahead to Twizel
With Round 4 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series wrapped up, all eyes now turn to Twizel on 29-30 March 2025 for the final round of the championship. With the return of international competitors the title fight is far from over.
From record-breaking performances to heart-stopping moments, Lake Rotoiti delivered a powerboat regatta to remember. The legacy of the AE Baker Cup lives on, and the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series is set for an explosive finish in Twizel!
Brilliant weekend , Close to where RAGE went in , thought his throttle must have jammed ( change of underwear please ) . Ken Lupton just too good . Don’t know the crowd numbers , but lot of cars were there .