Team Doosan Competes in Race Three of the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat
Doosan Dominates Offshore Powerboat Race : Video
Pre-race nerves were not so obvious this week as Cary Gleeson and Sam Fillmore prepared for their third race of the season at Maraetai. Instead there was a look of confidence and determination, others had been at the top for far too long. After two frustrating weeks dealing with ballast problems caused by a faulty electronic valve system, the team knew they were back on an even playing field and that both boat and crew were fit and ready for work.
The roar of V8 engines could be heard in the distance as the superboats raced toward the first mark in front of the beach at Maraetai. Doosan looked to be in fine form as she led the field and accelerated away from the turn in a cloud of spray. The three remaining superboats chased hard to take the lead, but as Doosan extended the gap ahead of the field, it became obvious that the boys in Doosan had their eye on a victory and nobody was going to stop them.
The waves were short and choppy, but unlike the smaller boats that appeared to leap around the course, the superboats with their extra waterline length were able to race flat and fast. The race course had several long legs which gave the boats a chance to really accelerate in the long straight stretches of water. The field spread out, and at times it seemed impossible to believe that Doosan was in front, as the wait to see who was in second place seemed to take such a long time.
With each passing lap the distance to the next competitor grew, and remarkably Doosan was able to lap two of the other superboats, and was close to lapping the third when they finished the race. The conditions suited the boat superbly, and the team were rewarded with a well earned win.
Racing now moves to Napier. The race starts at 1.00pm on Saturday February 26th and should be an exciting spectacle. Last year saw the boats racing in four metre swells with the troughs between waves so deep and wide the boats were able to use them as motorways. Napier is known for its ocean swells and requires a whole different game plan from racing on flat water.
Doosan would like to thank all their supporters and would especially like to acknowledge the tremendous support they receive from Doosan Construction Equipment NZ Ltd, JFC, Gleeson Builders, Hydraulink, AB Marine Services, Placemakers Cook Street, Porterhire, Schaeffer Premium Oil and Intertruck without which racing would not be possible.
For further information about the Doosan Team please contact:
Theo Valk General Manager
Doosan Construction Equipment NZ Ltd
Roadquip Ltd
Phone +64 9 2792480
