GP hydros, strong support classes and the first Hydroplane Invitational Cup round
Lake Maraetai at Mangakino will roar back into life this weekend as Round Two of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series arrives in town. The event is hosted by the Lakeland Powerboat Club, a community group that has been running regattas on this lake for more than seventy years. Mangakino sits about half an hour west of Tokoroa and the lake is central to the town, a deep hydro lake used for wakeboarding, skiing, paddling and fishing throughout the year.
Although Lake Maraetai covers only 4.4 square kilometres, it reaches seventy five metres in depth in places. The pair of power stations at the northern end generate more than three hundred megawatts and create the controlled water levels that make it an ideal venue for powerboat racing. The lake has hosted many key moments in Hydro Thunder history and often produces unpredictable racing.
GP Hydros headline the weekend
The GP field is the strongest drawcard and the championship already has tension. Jack Lupton arrives as the Round One winner in GP33, carrying a slim points lead into a venue where fortunes can change quickly. Current series champion Ken Lupton is well placed to challenge after a strong second place at the season opener.
Jack Lupton claims Mangakino victory as Hydro Thunder season roars to life
Scott Coker comes into the weekend with good momentum. He sits second in the standings after a well earned podium in the Mangakino Grand Final and is only thirty one points behind Jack. David Alexander, the Mangakino winner in 2024, returns after an engine issue at the opening round, and Steve Preece is also aiming to rebound after mechanical troubles.
Christchurch driver Andy Knight had planned to make his debut at Mangakino, but a fuel pump problem has ruled him out. The Gambler is another late withdrawal, a reminder that hydroplane racing often reshuffles the script before the boats even reach the water.
Strong support across the classes
Racing begins with the Total Transport Junior Series at 9.45am on Saturday and 9.00am on Sunday. The Juniors are supported by Clubmans, S3000, ModVP, Pro Stock and H2000. Mangakino is one of the few venues where these classes consistently produce full, competitive grids.
This weekend also includes the opening round of the Hydroplane Invitational Cup Series, a new championship for inboard naturally aspirated hydros up to 2.4 litres. The invitational format brings H2000, Mod H and similar hulls together under a clear set of technical rules. Engines must remain production based four cylinder units up to 2400 cc, naturally aspirated, and running on pump gas. Hull dimensions follow class standards and no adjustable underwater gear is permitted underway.
The concept has drawn early interest, with boats such as Triple Threat, Misbehavin, New Obsession, Breaking Point and Tempo Too expected to race. The series aims to give these boats a consistent place to run and will continue at Karapiro and Arapuni later in the season.
A full weekend at the lake
With warm conditions forecast, Lake Maraetai is set for two active days on the water. The mix of GP hydros, long standing support classes and the debut of the Hydroplane Invitational Cup round creates a strong programme for competitors and spectators. Mangakino has a reputation for close and unpredictable racing and this weekend’s schedule should deliver more of the same.
