The 2026 USA and New Zealand vs Australia BAD Boat Challenge is underway, and New Zealand’s assault on one of powerboat racing’s fiercest international rivalries is being led by Rat Attack.
Set across two high-intensity rounds on the Murray River, the Blown Alcohol Displacement (BAD) showdown brings together elite BAD machinery from three nations, racing flat out for national pride. For the Rat Attack team, this campaign represents months of preparation, engineering effort, and commitment, from final fire ups at home to shipping boat, spares, and crew across the Tasman.
BAD boats sit at the absolute sharp end of piston powered circuit racing. These are purpose built displacement hulls powered by methanol fuelled, supercharged V8 engines producing extreme horsepower. With no hydros or tunnels to lift the hull clear, BAD boats rely on raw torque, mechanical grip, and precise setup to push beyond 250 kilometres per hour while still running in the water. It is a true test of engine reliability, hull strength, and driver control.
Round one is being staged at Mildura from yesterday, 16 January, until Sunday as part of the Thunder on the Murray programme. The second and decisive round follows at Berri from 23 to 25 January, where double points will be on offer and no lead is safe.
Rat Attack faces a stacked field. American veterans Duff Daily and Ty Newton bring experience and outright pace, while Australia fields depth through crews including Troy Marland. With more than 25 BAD boats expected across both rounds, this is one of the largest and most competitive line ups seen on Australian waters.
Early testing has been positive for Rat Attack, with clean runs and strong pace on Australian water. Rat Attack has drawn 7th in the Qualifying Draw, a one round shootout. With double points looming at Berri, the New Zealand team remains firmly in the fight.
This is full throttle international racing, and Rat Attack is right in the middle of it.
