The ‘Flying Kiwi’ has struck early in the final round of the 2025 GPA/HRL 3 Round Challenge. Ken Lupton, piloting GP-577 Lucas Oil NZ, has laid down the fastest time in Friday’s time trials at the Régates de Valleyfield—clocking an impressive 31.729 seconds to top the leaderboard on day one.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The historic Valleyfield regatta, long regarded as the Superbowl of hydroplane racing, is the decider in this season’s three-round international championship. And with just four points separating the top three drivers heading into the weekend, every split second counts.
Ken Lupton’s performance puts him in a strong position going into the heats. Tied for the championship lead with American rival Jeff Bernard after two fiercely contested rounds at Guntersville and Madison, Lupton’s ability to rise to the occasion under pressure was once again on full display. His time not only earned him top spot in the time trial rankings—it also gives him a valuable psychological edge over the rest of the fleet.
Final showdown: Will Kiwis decide The GPA/HRL 3 Round Challenge 2025 at Valleyfield?
Brandon Kennedy (GP-35) was second quickest, while Bobby King (GP-50) secured third. Both drivers are championship contenders, with Kennedy especially in the mix for the overall title. Jeff Bernard (GP-79), currently tied with Ken in the points, posted only the fourth-fastest time. That leaves him with work to do in the heats if he hopes to clinch the championship.
Further down the leaderboard, Jack Lupton—Ken’s younger brother and fellow Kiwi—finished seventh in the time trials driving GP-33. While not the result he was hoping for, Jack remains in mathematical contention for the title, sitting just four points off the lead. A strong showing in the heats could still see him leapfrog the frontrunners and deliver a dramatic upset.
The full Friday time trial rankings are as follows:
- GP-577 Ken Lupton
- GP-35 Brandon Kennedy
- GP-50 Bobby King
- GP-79 Jeff Bernard
- GP-71 Andrew Tate
- GP-757 Kent Henderson
- GP-33 Jack Lupton
- GP-212 Eric Langevin
- GP-10 Kevin Eacret
- GP-17 Austin Eacret
Saturday and Sunday’s heats at Valleyfield promise fierce action on the tight, technical course that punishes mistakes and rewards precision. With the championship still wide open, Ken Lupton’s time trial performance gives him a crucial advantage—but nothing is decided yet.
Will the ‘Flying Kiwi’ keep his lead and take home the GPA/HRL title? Can Jack Lupton mount a late charge and join his brother on the podium—or even surpass him? Or will one of the American challengers claw their way back in front?
One more weekend of racing remains. The championship hangs in the balance.
