New Zealand’s Ken Lupton has etched his name into hydroplane history with a second straight Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) Grand Prix title. Driving the GP-577 Lucas Oil, Lupton combined blistering speed with remarkable consistency to finish the 2025 season with 493 points, ahead of Canada’s Kent Henderson in Canada Boy (415 points) and Éric Langevin in Sylco (352 points).
The HRL Hydroplane Grand Prix season stretched from early June to late August, taking in marquee events across both the United States and Canada. From Guntersville, Alabama, to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in Quebec, each regatta tested both boats and crews to their limits.
Guntersville sets the tone
The 2025 campaign opened in Guntersville, Alabama, with Lupton setting the tone early. In time trials, the Lucas Oil GP-577 blasted around the course in 35.34 seconds, earning maximum 25 points. He followed up with a commanding win in the first qualifying heat (151.55 seconds) and swept the weekend by winning the final outright. With 130 points on the board, it was a dream start that immediately placed the Kiwi at the top of the standings.
Ken Lupton claims heat victory at weather-marred Guntersville HydroFest
Brockville – points in the bank
Later in June, the HRL moved north to Brockville, Ontario. Once again, Lupton showed his raw pace by topping the time trials at 31.496 seconds, another 25-point boost. The heats proved trickier: he placed third in Q-1A, taking just 7 points, but recovered strongly in the final with a 154.453-second run for second place. The combined haul of 53 points kept him well in control of the title race.
Valleyfield – critical consistency
The Régates de Valleyfield, Quebec’s showpiece event, provided a stiff challenge in July. Lupton made a statement in time trials with a quick 31.729-second run, worth 50 points under the double-scoring format. His heats were a mix: third in Q-1A (16 points), second in Q-2A (42 points), and first in Q-3A with a sharp 145.627-second lap (50 points). The Valleyfield weekend produced 158 points, ensuring he left Quebec with a clear championship advantage.
Flying Kiwis finish strong: storm-shortened finale wraps 2025 Régates de Valleyfield
Thunder on the Niagara – a decisive win
North Tonawanda, New York, hosted the penultimate round in early August. Lupton’s qualifying form continued, placing second in the time trial with a 29.965-second pass (21 points). He struggled briefly in Q-1B, recording no score, but bounced back with a second in Q-2B (21 points) and a heat win in Q-3A (25 points). When it counted most, the Kiwi delivered in the final, winning with a 140.71-second run for 25 points. That victory brought his tally to 92 points for the round, consolidating his lead before the finale.
From farm to first: Ken Lupton claims victory at Thunder on the Niagara
Beauharnois – Warwick steps in
By the time the HRL reached Beauharnois, Quebec, in late August, the title was within reach. With Ken sidelined, father Warwick Lupton stepped into the cockpit of Lucas Oil. In time trials he posted 29.55 seconds, good for second and 25 points. The heats included a strong win in Q-2A and second in Q-3A, before finishing second in the final with a 142.649-second time, adding another 21 points. The solid performance ensured the Lupton team comfortably secured the championship, even with Ken watching from New Zealand.
Champion again
At season’s end, Lupton’s GP-577 Lucas Oil team topped the standings on 493 points, ahead of Kent Henderson’s Canada Boy (415) and Éric Langevin’s Sylco (352).
The result confirms what the 2024 season first suggested: Ken Lupton and his team have the consistency, speed, and resilience to dominate across the entire North American circuit. Winning one title is an achievement, but going back-to-back against the best of Canada and the United States elevates the Kiwi to champion status.
