Knight flips in Masport Cup race

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33776, 24 February 1975, Page 3

Knight flips in Masport Cup race

The title-holder, Peter Knight, of New Brighton, in Road Runnner, flipped lap of the final of the Masport Cup power-boat racing on the Estuary during the week-end. Knight, who won the cup in 1973 and 1974, was not injured.

Knight, easily the fastest of the eight qualifiers, was tussling for first place with the eventual winner, Keith McGregor (Air New Zealand), when the accident occurred. McGregor, who had drawn the inside running, was just in front as the boats moved into rougher water away from the protection of the trees at the Pleasant Point Domain. Road Runner did a complete flip and landed the right way up. Knight was not injured, but the boat was half full of water, and he had to withdraw.

McGregor then won comfortably: only on the final lap, when a 35ft “rooster tail” formed behind his boat, did he go at top speed.

Air New Zealand holds the Australian and -New Zealand water speed record of more than 150 miles an hour.

With McGregor well in the lead, the main interest lay in the minor placings. Gavin Cooke (Glasscraft Unique) finished just in front of Ivan Pizzini (Old Crow Bourbon) and Matt Morrison {Allegro III). Results were:—

Inboard outboard hydroplane championship (six laps, short course).—Glasscraft Unique (G. Cooke), 6:58.0, 1; Hot Spot (G. O’Kane), 2; Chrysler Tunnei (P. Jamieson) 3.

Keith Driver outboard racing runabout championship (six laps, short course).—Miss Ryan Craft (C. Ryan), 8:54.0, 1; Witchcraft (D. Stent) 2, Miss Mason Struthers (E. Dickie) 3.

Hutchinson Motors introard racing runabout championship (six laps, short course).—Rapid Rat (B. Brown), 8:5.0, 1; Side Step <K. O’Brien) 2. Paper Chase (G. Harris) '3.

Masport Cup.—Fastest qualifiers: Road Runner (P. Knight. Christchurch), 1:19.0, 1: Air New Zealand (K. McGregor, Auckland!. 1:23.01, 2; Glasscraft Unique (G. Cooke, Christchurch), 1:31.0. 3: Cost A Lot 111 (R. Denson), 1136.0, 4; Old Crow Bourbon IS. Black. Auckland) 1:38.0, 5: Allegro 111 (I. Pteini, Hamilton), 1:39.0. 6. Final (seven laps, long course): Air New Zealand, 11.50.0,1: Glasscraft Unique 2. Old Crow Bourbon (I. Pizzini) 3.

Radio Avon Classic (six laps, long course).—Air New Zealand (K. McGregor), 10:26.0. 1: Allegro 111 (M. Morrison) 2, Chrysler Tun ne' iP. Jamieson) 3. GO-Cola South Island unlimited auto racing runabout championship (six laps, short course).—Allegro in (I. Pizzini). 6:01.0, 1: Turtle (D. Woodham). 2. Titer V (C. Duneey) 3. Safe-R-Brakes South Island 5000 c.c. inboard hydroplane championskin.—Commander (R. Burns). 6-31.0. 1- Cost A Lot (F Denson) 2. Hot Spot (G. O’Kanel 3. Inboard and. outboard hydroplane handicap (four laps, short course).—Gold Cat (K Smith'. 6:23.0. 1: s-'it’lre (L. Dakin) 2. To-vu (T. Hall) 3.

South Island 1650 c.c. racing runabout ehamnionshln (six lans, short course).— Rapid Rat. 7;53.1). 1: Casino (D. Hancock) 2. Side Step 3.