High-Octane Action Returns with Round 1 of the New Zealand Jetsprint Championship at Meremere Dragway
The 2024/2025 New Zealand Jetsprint season kicks off in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 16 November, at Meremere Dragway, marking the beginning of a landmark year for jetsprinting in New Zealand. With the prestigious UIM 2025 World JetSprint Championship set to take place here in January 2025, this season promises to be bigger and bolder than ever. Teams from across the globe, including four from the USA and one from Australia, will join the NZ series to test the waters ahead of the World Championship.
This weekend, 38 boats will converge for the first round at the iconic Meremere Sprint Bowl—this will be the last time the thrilling event will be hosted at this location. The technical rotation promises to challenge the skills of both drivers and navigators as they navigate its complex layout at incredible speeds. Jetsprinting is among the world’s fastest motorsports, similar to rallying on water, where a driver and navigator steer high-powered boats through intricate channels and around islands, all while racing against the clock. Three competition classes will be on display: LS Class, Group A, and Superboat.
LS Class Highlights
Nine boats will compete in the LS Class. Among them is River Rogers from the USA with “Pure Insanity,” the reigning 1NZ who aims to defend his title after racing in Group A in the USA. Challenging him will be Kiwi favourites Paddy & Jay Haden, known for their eye-catching mohawk helmets in “Skitzo,” and John Verry with the “Link ECU” boat. Husband-and-wife duo Tim and Debbie Edhouse are also in the mix, promising an exciting show.
Group A Class Anticipation
Thirteen boats are set to face off in Group A. Ollie Silverton of PSP Racing, the current NZ, Australian, and World Group A champion, is a strong contender, now racing with new navigator Amanda Kittow. The USA’s Jolly Rogers team, led by Chris & Jen Farmer, will compete in preparation for the World Series. Other notable entries include Kris Rasmussen in “Venom,” Richard Currie in “Currie Racing,” and Sam Gray in the “Giant Oils” boat, who have all moved up from Group B. Returning champions 2NZ Ross Travers in “Radioactive” and 3NZ Brett Thompson in “TNT” are also expected to put on a show.
Superboats: The Ultimate Power
The Superboat class, known as one of the world’s most intense, features 16 teams and showcases massive horsepower—over 1,000 HP (750 kW)—with no engine restrictions. Returning champion 1NZ Sam Newdick of PSP Racing and World & Australian Superboat Champion Phonsy Mullan from Australia are set to bring fierce competition. Eric Werner and Ron Gallagher from the USA, alongside returning Kiwi racer Rob Coley in “Poison Ivy,” promise an adrenaline-pumping experience for fans. Reuben Hoeksema, running a turbocharged 2JZ, and Richard Burt, with his Ford Barra, will battle it out amongst the other teams.
Event Details
Meremere Dragway, Saturday, 16 November 2024
Gates open at 11 am
Tickets:
Presales Online: $20
Gate Prices: Adults $25, Child (5-15 years) $10, Under 5 Free, Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children) $60
Corporate Hospitality Available
New Zealand Jetsprint Championship 2024/25 Calendar
16th November 2024: Round One – Meremere Sprint Bowl Buy Tickets Here
1st December 2024: Round Two – Kiwispan Jetsprint Track, Featherston Buy Tickets Here
27rh December 2024: Round Three – Shelter View, Wanganui Buy Tickets Here
23rd February 2025: Round Four – Shelter View, Wanganui
UIM 2025 World Jetsprint Championship
25th & 26th January 2025 – Novus Glass Aquatrack, Wanaka Buy Tickets Here
1st & 2nd February 2025 – Shelter View Jet Sprint Track, Wanganui But Tickets Here
Follow the NZ Jetsprint Association on Facebook and Instagram
To find out more information head to the NZ Jetsprint Association website, or contact secretary Pip Thompson: P: 021 0248 1421, E: nzjetsprint@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Shot360 Photography
Main Photo: River Rogers & Cole Keatts from the USA winning at Wanganui
Don’t miss the chance to witness the world’s best jetsprint talent in New Zealand – see you at Meremere Dragway!
