The Supersports 85 class arrived at the start of the season with real potential for competitive chaos. Defending 65 champion Hary Bakkr crossed over to partner Steve Kelly aboard The Colonel, while Mark "the Russian" Pecherzewski and Ian Tricker, racing under the TR Racing banner rather than the originally stated Nut Case, lined up as the rivals to beat. Tricker was himself a change from the originally listed Mel Nelson. Rounding out the field were Aaron and Jack Panozza in Skater 28, Darren Penfold in Thunderstruck, and Anthony and Hunter McAnally representing Watersports Marine. With that mix of crews and machinery, spectators had good reason to expect close, multi-boat racing throughout the weekend.
First race, a penalty shakeup
