Napier, New Zealand, May 1st, 2008 – ANZAC weekend 2008 is one to remember for the Konica Minolta team. Race 6 at Whitianga was the first true ‘offshore’ race with exhilarating conditions and last weekend at Napier was the second, with even more spine-tingling action.
The weekend started early (& relatively calmly) for Greg and Eldon, with the traditional ‘customer rides’ on Thursday 24th April. Chris Jacobsen and the Napier Konica Minolta team rallied together over 40 enthusiastic customers on a stunning Hawkes Bay afternoon. A light north easterly breeze kept things exciting for those that took up the challenge and stepped onboard the Force F19x Evinrude E-TEC™ 225 HO powered Force Konica Minolta offshore powerboat, for a high speed ride.
By race day Saturday, the swell had increased and the wind gained in strength setting an exciting stage of anticipation for the many spectators gathered on shore. A sizeable field of over 26 boats was at the start line of the 60 mile race & from the blast of the siren the large Classic Class boats excelled in these stroppy conditions.
Greg and Eldon were the first of the Sport class boats and were holding a narrow lead over Super 60 class boat ‘Finance Point’ driven by Mark Diggleman.
“We were having a great race with Mark. There were parts of the course where his boat was handling better and then others where we were quicker” said driver Greg, “but as the fuel was used up, the lighter tanks meant we were struggling to keep the back of the boat in the water”.
Despite the harsh conditions the Evinrude E-TEC™ 225 HO confidently powered Force Konica Minolta Team to another win in the Sport 60 class.
Again Evinrude E-TEC's DQR (Durability, Quality, and Reliability) reinforces how confident the company is with their product. BRP has chosen to offer a full 3 year warranty on all Evinrude E-TEC motors, even in the racing environment!
Konica Minolta has now wrapped up the Sport 60 Championship for 2008. “Our challenge for the last round in Auckland is to find a couple of extra mph in the boat so we can take the challenge to the Classic Class and Super 60 boats.
The final round of the series heads to Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven on Saturday May 10th.
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For Information:
For Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands:
Helen Bromage
Events Co-ordinator, BRP Australia Pty Ltd
+ 61 (02) 9794 6632
helen.bromage@brp.com