Racers were back in action in Redcliffe chasing points at Round Two of the Queensland Titles, and with announcers pumping out tunes all day spirits were high. The day started out perfect with Moreton Bay offering some of the flattest conditions we’ve seen, but after lunch the winds started to pick up and white caps were forming. By the third moto, it felt like an entirely different track offering new challenges to what now seemed like a freestyle event.
The heat was on in the Open Runabout class with seasoned racers bringing in the big guns, in the form of new skis. QPWC’s President, Dan Fox was sporting a Les Cooke-built Sea-Doo RXP-X which he stated was nothing like he’s ever ridden before. Brett Douglas brought along the new addition to his ski family, being the 2014 James Bushell Sea-Doo RXP-X, but unfortunately the ski didn’t make it to the starting line after some technical difficulties forced Brett out of the race. Despite his best efforts, nothing could keep up with “The Hulk,” Brendan Boyd’s tried-and-trusted number 23 Sea-Doo RXP-X, which has consistently been the ski to beat in this class.
The Spark class was lighter in numbers than normal, but the battle between Jetports Matt Daley and JetSkiShop’s Wade Clucas was on. With Jetports’ finely tuned ski due to compete at the Kings Cup, it was going to be the one to beat. Wade Clucas managed the hole shot in the first and second moto and even had an impressive lead in the third moto – that is until his seat unclipped and tried to independently jump ship costing him the lead. After claiming his deserving first place, Matt Daley confirmed the ski will be at the King’s Cup with a local racer ready to hopefully take international victory. Newcomer Josh Barry had a great time racing in Spark class and battled through some pretty hefty chop to pull in third place.
The vintage boys were at it again, bringing with them loads of enthusiasm, like kids in a candy store. Their passion and love of the sport shines right through from their well-tuned upbeat skis, the fun they have on the water and respect (with just enough banter) they have for each other. It was pleasing to see a better turn out for the Ski class with six new racers joining the track, Justin Windsor from Liquid Industries claiming first place on his Superjet.
Returning from the 2015 World Finals was Mitch Wayt, however very unusually sitting aboard a Sea-Doo RXP-X as opposed to his usual Yamaha. Despite the change, he still managed to outpace the rest in Stock Class pulling in first place. Although only racing one class instead of his impressive four from the previous meet, the Rider of The Month was awarded to Bailey Cunningham for his tireless efforts. Rumors have it that he will be back with more skis next time, so watch out.
Once again, a massive thanks to the dedicated committee members, marshals, volunteers and major sponsors TWT Concreting and Liquid Industries for another fantastic event. The final round is set for 13th December at Redcliffe, Queensland, so stay tuned for that coverage next month.
