100 m.p.h. Speedboat Entered

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31542, 2 December 1967, Page 14

100 m.p.h. Speedboat Entered

D. Cameron, of the Lake Rotoiti club, will be driving his new v-bottom boat, capable of 100 m.p.h., when the Canterbury speedboat championships are held at Lake Forsyth tomorrow. Cameron’s boat, Miss Print 111, is powered by one of the most powerful automobile engines to be imported into New Zealand. Miss Print 111 exceeded 90 m.p.h. in trial runs at Lake Rotoiti last week-end.

The engine is basically a Chevrolet V/8 engine, built and tuned by one of the top American racing experts, V. Edelbrook. The engine developed 500 h.p. on the test bench. It formerly powered an American class champion craft, Suddenly. Cameron is a driver prepared to get the utmost out of his boats, and Miss Print 111 could become the fastest v-bottom speedboat in this country. Three Canterbury championships will be raced tomorrow, the 180 cu. in hydro, 180 cu. in racing runabout (v-bottom) and the open outboard. P. Knight will be having his first regatta outing since racing so well for the New Zealand team in Canada and the United States earlier this year. Knight’s hydroplane, Bel Air 111, powered by a

Zephyr V/6 motor, was severely tested in the tough competition amongst the world’s best speedboats, and Knight has been working on the hull. He holds the Australian and New Zealand record for the 155 cu. in hydro class at 109.65 m.p.h.—only 2 m.p.h. short of the world record. Knight will be attempting to win the 180 cu. in championship before making an attempt on the world record within the next few weeks.

Bel Air could be strongly pressed by J. A. Ryan in Miss Cathie, powered with a Daimler V/8 motor. Ryan has modified and tuned-up his motor during the winter and in club races has shown the boat now has more speed and acceleration.

The New Brighton Power Boat Club, which is holding the championships. has received entries from Lake Rotoiti, Blenheim, Otematata and North Otago clubs. There will be 17 races.