The New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association championship is heading for a high-stakes finish, with four rounds complete and clear pressure building ahead of the final event in Whitianga.
Across Gulf Harbour, Taupō, Napier, and Gisborne, the points table tells a consistent story. Reliability and repeat results have separated the front runners from the rest.
In Superboat 600, Rainbow Haulage leads on 3900 points, holding a 975-point advantage over Langslow Engineering on 2925. Drivers Colin Dunn and Darren Butterworth have avoided costly DNFs, while Paul Greenfield and Jason Way remain close enough to capitalise if the leaders falter in the final round.
Sports 200 is led by GEN2 on 3800 points, with a 856-point margin over Triple Trouble on 2944. Supersonic sits third on 2350, a further 594 points back. Mikey Smith and Shane Rumens have been the most consistent pairing in the fleet, while Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini remain the closest challengers heading into the finale.
In Sports 140, Gold Ship holds a commanding lead on 2650 points, 1100 clear of Nakita on 1550, with Coranto third on 1350. Tom and Phillip Haycock have built their season through clean, repeat performances, giving them a strong buffer.
Sports 70 is effectively wrapped up, with Cougar on 4200 points, on an overwhelming 4125 points. Grant Smith and Matt Hopkins have delivered a near flawless campaign.
In Sports 80mph, Fury II leads on 2375 points, while Captain Caveman sits on 550. Fury II and team head Owen Mackay’s return to offshore racing has gathered momentum through the latter rounds, while Captain Caveman‘s Keith Riddell and Rodger Puttick continue to rebuild after earlier setbacks.
The most competitive fight sits in the 60 Mile Overall standings. GEN2, with Mikey Smith at the helm with Shane Rumens, leads on 3163 points, but only 586 points ahead of Cougar, crewed by Grant Smith and Matt Hopkins, on 2577. Fury II, skippered by Owen Mackay, is close behind on 2375, just 202 points off second, while Triple Trouble, helmed by Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini (2246), and Supersonic, with Ryan Archer and Joe Den-Hertog on board (2032), remain within striking range.
This battle is shaping into a classic contrast. Younger crews pushing hard for maximum points, against experienced teams managing risk and finishing races.
With one round remaining, every start, every finish, and every point will matter. The Whitianga finale is set to decide the 2025 to 2026 championship.
