Round three of the 2025–2026 Hydro Thunder series brings Australasian hydroplane history, family rivalry, and South Island depth to Twizel this weekend.
Round Three of the 2025–2026 Hydro Thunder racing series arrives in the South Island this weekend, with the AE Baker Cup returning to Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel. Racing runs across Saturday and Sunday, with testing scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Warwick Lupton lifts the Cup from Australia
In 1964, while serving as Commodore of the Illawarra Motorboat Club, Arthur Baker Senior donated the AE Baker Cup as an Australian trophy for unlimited inboard hydroplanes. In 1965 the first race took place. For just over three decades, the AE Baker Cup remained on Australian shores with names such as Ernie Nunn and Ron Burton repeatedly showing on the winners list. Then in 2001, Warwick Lupton shipped his Annihilator hydroplane to East Gippsland in Australia, won the Cup, and brought it back to New Zealand.
The first race in New Zealand took place the following year at the New Brighton Powerboat Club in Wellington, where it was won by Greg Orange aboard G.I.B. Pacemaker. It has not left New Zealand shores since. More than six decades after its inauguration, the AE Baker Cup remains one of the most respected prizes in Australasian hydroplane racing.
Since 2002, the cup has been claimed by many of New Zealand’s leading hydroplane drivers, including Peter Knight, David Alexander, Scott Coker, and Ken Lupton. None, however, has matched the success of Warwick Lupton, who has lifted the trophy six times since it found its new home in New Zealand.
Ken Lupton returns in 2026 as defending champion
2026 sees Ken Lupton’s arrival in Twizel as the defending champion, after retaining the AE Baker Cup in 2025. His victory came after a closely fought final that saw Jack Lupton win the opening heat before Ken responded decisively in the second.
2025 AE Baker Cup Final results
GOLD: Ken Lupton – 2025 AE Baker Cup Champion
SILVER: Jack Lupton
BRONZE: Scott Coker
The move south also brings a strong South Island flavour to the weekend. Invercargill driver Jason Haggerty returns after a good showing at Lake Ruataniwha last season, while Andy Knight continues a third generation family involvement in hydroplane racing. Raymond Hart completes the southern contingent, racing Ken Lupton’s old 2019 Henderson/Auld Hydroplane which has past AE Baker Cup success.
With both Luptons back on the grid, alongside former champions David Alexander and Scott Coker, the fight for the cup is expected to be settled on fine margins. Jack Lupton is in excellent form at the moment, winning the past two events at Mangakino; his recent decision to make New Zealand his permanent base seems to be serving him well. I’m not one to take bets, but Ken Lupton won’t want to give up his title easily.
Lake Ruataniwha has become a proven venue for Hydro Thunder, offering consistent conditions and clear viewing for spectators. With a full field and the historic AE Baker Cup on the line, Twizel is set to play host to an exciting weekend on the water.
