QPWC’s first round of the Queensland Titles was held on Sunday the 18th October 2015 at Redcliffe. The day offered perfect tranquil Queensland coast conditions that we have all become accustomed to, with the occasional echo of “Heads Up” being shouted from above as the local skydivers dropped on to the beach offering spectators a treat with both air and sea performances as we all shared the local parkland area.
Everyone was excited to welcome back Tim O’Neil and Brett Douglas who only returned from competing at the 2015 World Finals earlier in the week, unfortunately Mitch Wayt missed this race as he was still enjoying his time over there.
The lemans start endurance kicked of the day, with riders dealing with the usual issues being engine failures and running out of fuel with only two laps to go, but it was Mark Dallow who took the hole shot and led the entire race to earn the top podium position for the day. Mark was followed by Brett Douglas and Dane Alberti, which made it seem like it was Kawasaki’s day with all three-podium places riding 300’s from Brisbane Kawasaki.
The highly anticipated vintage class made its debut, and these guys definitely let the good times roll with a new twist on the podium finish. Instead of scoring the actual races, their names were pulled out of a hat at the end of the day – proving that in its infancy, this class is all about the fun of bunny hopping these old ski’s around the track and just having a good old laugh. With the enthusiasm and interest from both riders and spectators I think it safe to say these classic skis will be here to stay.
Australia’s current number 2 for open ski Michael Stevens made the massive drive from NSW to show his support and took out first place. After some action on the water between Zac Humphries, Joel Batt, and Zane Taylor, Zac managed to take second place with Joel in third.
Bailey Cunningham was an impressive racer to watch on the day and I would bet, will be a force to be reckoned with in the very near future, competing in four classes – Endurance, Vintage, Beginner/Amateur Runabout and Spark/Sport.
QPWC also announced two new major sponsors for the season, TWT Concrete Pumping and Liquid Industries. TWT Concrete Pumping located in Brisbane generously purchased new radios, which were desperately needed and Liquid Industries located on the Gold Coast have provided a rescue ski for future racing events. Without the contribution from our sponsors racing wouldn’t be possible, the club and all it’s members are most grateful and expressed their appreciation.
The second round of the Queensland Titles will be held at Bells Beach, Redcliffe on 15th November.
