MTW LS Class
The 400 cu small block Chev engine has been the foundation of modern jetsprinting and its a long way from finished yet. But now it’s time for a new generation of engines to show their worth… welcome to the Chev LS engine.
The MTW LS class has been introduced to allow LS1 LS2 L98 L76 and LS3 engines to be tuned to 580hp and raced in a lightweight exciting package. The aluminium construction and the availability of the Commodore based powerplant makes these engines perfectly suited to jetsprinting. Cheaper engine packages can be upgraded over time as budgets allow, or crate engine options are available for turnkey options.
The MTW LS class is designed to encourage keen punters to grab a boat and come racing. With up to 8.5 inch jet units allowed, donor boats can be sourced from any existing NZ Championship class.
Pure Insanity
#1NZ/285
DRIVER: River Rogers
Born: 2004
Town: Lewiston, USA
Day Job: Student and Car Salesman
NAVIGATOR: Cole Keats
Day Job: Equipment Sales
Engine: LS3 500hp
Hull: Sprintec
Jet Unit: Southern Jet
Sponsors: Rogers Motors, Sprintec, Peters & Keatts, VSR, Gateway Trailers & Materials, TD Plastics LTD
The Fugutive#2NZ/67
DRIVER: Dave Hopkins
Born: 1966
Town: Dunedin
Day Job: Contractor
NAVIGATOR: Elliot McDiarmid
Engine: LS3 570hp
Hull: Jetspeed
Jet Unit: Southern Jet 8.5″
Sponsors: Dave Hopkins Contracting
Skitzo#3NZ/21
DRIVER: Paddy Haden
Born: 1971
Town: Te Awamutu
NAVIGATOR: Jay Haden
Born: 1971
Town: Te Awamutu
Day Job: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Engine: LS2 560hp
Hull: Stinger
Jet Unit: Scott 8.5″
Sponsors: Dairytech
Liquid Addiction#06
DRIVER: Tim Edhouse
Born: 1972
Town: Owhango
Day Job: Automotive Engineer / Workshop Owner
NAVIGATOR: Debbie Edhouse
Born: 1975
Town: Owhango
Day Job: Workshop Owner / Office Boss
Engine: LS3
Hull: Stinger
Jet Unit: 8 1/4″
Sponsors: Owhango Motors Ltd
Castrol Oil, Ryco filters
Ruapehu Auto Electrical
Waikato Clutch and Brake Specialists
Tyremax
The LINK ECU Boat #20
DRIVER: John Verry
Born: 1975
Town: Napier
Day Job: Engineering Manager
NAVIGATOR: Declan O'Brien
Born: 2003
Town: Waipukurau
Day Job: Motorbike Mechanic
Engine: LS3 Chevy V8 580hp
Hull: Stinger
Jet Unit: Modified 8.5" Scott
Sponsors: Link ECU
Engine Rebuilders Limited ERL (Ph. 0800 My Engine)
EFI and Turbo
PKF Carr and Stanton
Coleman Marine & Performance
IMS Manufacturing
Ramage Sheetmetals
Life of Riley Wraps
Quicksilver#26
DRIVER: Samuel Tweedie
Born: 1989
Town: Taumarunui
Day Job: Auto Electrician
NAVIGATOR: Shervon Willis
Born: 1994
Town: Taumarunui
Day Job: Auto Electrician
Engine: L98
Hull: Stinger
Jet Unit: Scott 2 stage 8 3/8"
#56
DRIVER: Dave McDiarmid
Born: 1974
Town: Milton
Day Job: Panelshop Owner/Operator
NAVIGATOR: Carolyn McDiarmid
Born: 1976
Town: Milton
Day Job: Panelshop Owner/Admnistrator
Engine: LS3 520hp
Hull: MackCraft
Jet Unit: 8 1/4 Scott
Sponsors: Clutha Panel Repairs
Island Time#60
DRIVER: William Beazley
Born: 1984
Town: Kaikoura
Day Job: Truck Driver
NAVIGATOR: William van Schaijik
Born: 1990
Town: Christchurch
Engine: LS3
Hull: Sprintec
Sponsors: Kaikoura Transport, West Melton Engineering, D A McGovern Engineering, Fernside Transport, John Jones Steel, M.C Fearnley Design
#61
DRIVER: Michael Fitzgerald
Born: 1986
Town: West Melton
Day Job: Structural Steel Fabricator
NAVIGATOR: Eugene Cronin
Born: 1983
Town: Rakaia
Day Job: Structural Steel Fabricator
Engine: LS
Hull: Sprintec
Jet Unit: Scott
Sponsors: West Melton Engineering, Kilmurry Farm, Kaikoura Transport, Wendelken Builders
LS Express#282
DRIVER: Matt Nairn
Born: 1982
Town: Palmerston North
Day Job: House Removal Specialist
NAVIGATOR: Amara Nairn
Born: 2008
Town: Palmerston North
Day Job: Student
Engine: LS3 600hp
Hull: Jetspeed
Sponsors: Central House Movers, M Hareb Excavating, Speedway Garage, NZ Building Movers, Easy Moves, C4 Energy, Nutrition Systems, Napa, Booths, BAE, Land Pro, Shaka, Apex Racing, Super Sheet Metals, Top Tune, Graphics HQ, MHL, HJC, Road Runner, Hoult Contractors, Landon Motorsport