New Zealand powerboat racing is gearing up for one of the biggest showdowns in its history. This coming weekend, (March 29-30, 2025), Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel come alive with the anticipated rematch of the 100th Masport Challenge Cup, alongside another thrilling round of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series. With the biggest entry list in Masport Cup history, fans can expect intense racing, fierce rivalries, and the potential for new champions to emerge.
Chaos in February
You may recall that the 100th running of the Masport Cup was to take place at Lake Karapiro in February. However, the event ended in chaos after a dramatic mid-race collision between Raymond Hart’s Thunderstruck and Andrew Tate’s Gulf Oil, forcing officials to abandon the event. With unfinished business, the sport’s top racers return to battle for the trophy in Twizel, determined to make history for the right reasons.
The lineup
With over ten boats entered, the competition will be fierce, and qualifying rounds will kick off at 1pm on Saturday, followed by two heats later in the afternoon.
David Alexander – Miss Waverley
David Alexander returns as the reigning Masport Cup champion, having won the title an impressive six times. His victories span three different boats—Annihilator 2 (2007-2009), The Steeler (2018), and Miss Waverley (2022, 2024). With his sights set on another title, Alexander will face some of the toughest competition in the event’s history.
Kevin Ireland – The Gambler
Making his highly anticipated debut with the newly rebuilt GP Hydroplane The Gambler, Ireland (who comes from the Waikato) is determined to challenge the field. His boat has undergone extensive upgrades, and he hopes to defy the odds in this high-stakes competition.
Julian Stilwell – Blue Dragon
Stilwell is one of three Formula One tunnel boat driver to challenge for the Masport Cup, bringing Blue Dragon into the fray. The Formula One entries mark a significant moment for the race, as the drivers test whether a Formula One hull can compete against the powerful GP Hydroplanes.
Warwick Lupton – Annihilator
A seasoned veteran of the sport, Lupton is gunning for his fourth Masport Cup win. Having previously triumphed in 1995, 2005, and 2015, he hopes to continue the pattern and add a 2025 title to his legacy.
Chris Dufeu – The Panther
Dufeu is also out to break a 25-year drought for Formula One drivers in the Masport Cup. Piloting The Panther, he brings experience and determination, aiming to prove that a Formula One boat can still take the top spot in a competition historically dominated by GP Hydroplanes.
Andy Knight – BOSS GP5
The Knight family name is synonymous with success in the Masport Cup, boasting an incredible 17 victories between Andy’s grandfather and father. Now, Andy Knight seeks to add his own chapter to this storied legacy, keeping the family’s dominance alive.
Jack Lupton – GP33
The youngest-ever Masport Cup champion when he first claimed the title, Jack Lupton returns with a brand-new, New Zealand-designed GP Hydroplane.
Ben Ryan – Dancing Bear
The lone Procom boat in this year’s field, Dancing Bear will be driven solo by Ben Ryan. Without the benefit of a second driver, Ryan faces an uphill battle against the GP Hydroplanes and tunnel boats but is eager to leave his mark in the competition.
Andrew Tate (USA) – GP-57 Gulf Oil
An H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Champion from the United States, Andrew Tate wants another shot at the prestigious Masport Cup. A top competitor on the global stage, Tate brings international experience and elite racing pedigree to the field.
Jeff Price – Lone Wolf
One of three Formula One tunnel boat drivers in this year’s race, Jeff Price enters with Lone Wolf, ready to take on the GP Hydroplanes as an underdog.
Jason Haggerty – Lady Liz
Having claimed victory in the 2021 Masport Cup, Haggerty returns to face a stacked lineup of former champions and rising stars. With a proven track record in high-pressure races, he is set to be a serious contender once again.
Raymond Hart – Thunder Struck
A two-time Masport Cup winner, Hart enters the competition with his boat, Thunder Struck, aiming for his first Cup victory. With a history of strong performances, he will be looking to add another title to his name.
Ken Lupton – Lucas Oil Racing GP577
A four-time Masport Cup champion, Ken Lupton now piloting a Henderson-built GP Hydroplane, hopes to add another championship to his family’s long history of success in the sport.
Supporting races and series highlights
The weekend will also feature the next round of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series, bringing additional high-speed action. Competitors in multiple classes, from Clubmans to Grand National, will take to the water, showcasing both emerging talent and seasoned veterans. With the biggest field ever assembled for a Masport Cup event, fans can expect breathtaking speed, skill, and the possibility of records being shattered.
