Close jet boat race

Press, 28 September 1984, Page 40

Close jet boat race

PA Palmerston North A Whakatane deer farmer, Bill Roberts, holds a slim seven-second lead over Angus McFarlane, of Christchurch, after stage four of the Citizen Watch jet boat marathon down the Manawatu River yesterday. McFarlane, who took line honours in the 70km stage up the Ruamahana river earlier in the day, completed the 52km stretch down the Manawatu and through Palmerston North in 31min 17s. The consistent Graeme Hill (Hastings) aboard Mrs Ford Telstar was second in 32m 08s, while the frontrunner, Roberts, finished third.

The infamous White Horse Rapids in the Manawatu Gorge posed few problems for drivers and navigators in the field, which is now down to 29 boats from the 40 original starters in Napier two days ago. The pre-race favourite, Don Johnston (Feilding), and his boat Wicked Wanda, are out of contention for this year’s title after engine problems on Wednesday evening. McFarlane is the only 6600 cu cm and over class survivor, while Taumarunui’s Ken Bullians heads the 5100-6600 cu cm division.

Over-all results (with total times) at the end of stage four

are:—Bill Roberts (Whakatane, Whakatane Auto Spares), 2b 51min 30s, 1; Angus McFarlane (Christchurch, Businessworld Computers), 2h 51min 375, 2; Graeme Hill (Hastings, Mrs Ford Telstar), 2b 55min 50s, 3. Class placings (6600 cu cm and over).—McFarlane 1.

5100-6600eu cm.—Bullians 1, Ron King (Palmerston North, Belongabank), 2; Gary Thomson (Eketabuna, Siesta), 3. 4201-5100 cu cm.—Roberts 1, Hill 2, Bruce and David Keighley (Hastings, Lil Puke), 3. 3401-4200 cu cm.—Kelvin Frederickson (Inglewood, Dynamite), 1; John Borren (Palmerston North, Mr Altherm), 2; Tim Jolly (Palmerston North, Six Pack 2), 3. 0-3400 cu cm.—Noeline Kiddie (Te Puke), 1; Ron Hardie (Palmerston North, Orinoko), 2; Roy Benton (New Plymouth, Hell Bent), 3.