Gamble’s jet boat success

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 22

Gamble’s jet boat success

Success in two jet boat races at Queenstown last week-end has swept a comparatively . inexperienced river racer. Trevor Gamble. ,of Queenstown, into top position in the 1983 South Island Race Circuit.

The Lakeland Regency Jet Boat Marathon held on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawaru and Shotover Rivers on Saturday and the A-Line Trophy Race on the Dart River on Sunday were the first two events on the 10-event circuit. Trevor Gamble won both races in A class. accumulating the highest possible score of 40 points.

Surprisngly, Trevor Gamble's strongest rival is a C class entrant, John Watson, of Christchurch, who took third place over-all in the Lakeland Regency marathon and second-place over-all in the A-Line Trophy race, winning the event* on handicap.

Watson has also accumulated the best possible score of 40 points in C class.

The next two circuit events, to be held on the Rakaia River on May 7 and June 4, may well see John Watson maintain his lead in

familiar territory, while Trevor Gamble may be hardpressed to navigate the meandering Rakaia as surely as he would wish.

Driving what he described as a “multi-purpose toy" — a new Andrews Fibreglass racing hull powered by a 455 Oldsmobile motor — Trevor Gamble made the most of his knowledge of the Queenstown rivers despite his lack of racing experience. Certainly. Gamble should know the Shotover better than anyone. As owner of the now world-famous Shotover jet tourist operation since 1970. Trevor Gamble spent six years driving boats on the river before hiring younger men for the task.

Gamble was a popular winner in Queenstown with local spectators delighted with the proof that he had lost none of his old driving skills.

Thirty-two boats took part in the 60km event on Saturday. A Le Mans style start on Lake Wakatipu provided an exciting sight for onlookers — many of them

American tourists — and a hair-raising experience for participants.' Some boats were almost swamped in the choppy conditions; others were nearly swiped by boats spinning out.

Results of the Lakeland Regency Jet Boat Marathon were

A ’ class (above 5100 c.c.); Trevor Gamble. Queenstown. 33:57, 1; Norm Bagrie. Rakaia. 34:25. 2; D. Trevathan. Queenstown. 40.07. 3. B class (4200 c.c.-5100 c.c ): Warren Meredith. Christchurch. 39:47. 1: Dave Matterson. Christchurch. 40:00. 2; Tony Gillespie. Omakau. 40.56. 3. C class (3400 C.C.-4200 c.c.): John Watson. Christchurch. 37:09. 1: Ross Murdoch. Ashburton. 45:01, 2; Brian Scott. Geraldine. 50.12. 3. D class (below 3400 c.c ): Brian Harvey, Queenstown. 41:23. 1; Selwyh Paynter. Christchurch. 45:04, 2; Noel Gray. Tarras, 47:40, 3.

Results of the A-Line Trophy Race were: A class: Trevor Gamble. Queenstown. 52.58. 1. B class: Dave Matterson. Christchurch. 56.37. 1. C class: John Watson. Christchurch. 55.39, 1. D class: Selwyn Paynter. Christchurch. 59.35. 1.