New Zealand's charge in one of powerboat racing's most intense international contests is being spearheaded by Rat Attack, as the 2026 USA and New Zealand vs Australia BAD Boat Challenge gets underway across two rounds on the Murray River.
The Blown Alcohol Displacement class sits at the very top of piston-powered circuit racing. These purpose-built displacement hulls run methanol-fuelled, supercharged V8 engines producing extreme horsepower, yet unlike hydros or tunnel boats, the hull stays in the water rather than lifting clear of it. Raw torque, mechanical grip, and precise setup are the only tools available to push speeds beyond 250 kilometres per hour. The discipline demands engine reliability, hull strength, and absolute driver control in equal measure.
For the Rat Attack team, reaching the start line at all represents a substantial undertaking. Months of preparation, engineering work, and final fire-ups at home preceded the logistical challenge of shipping the boat, spares, and crew across the Tasman. National pride is real currency in this competition, and the New Zealand camp has invested accordingly.
Round one is being staged at Mildura as part of the Thunder on the Murray programme, running from 16 January through to Sunday. The competition then shifts to Berri for the second and decisive round from 23 to 25 January, where double points will be on offer. No advantage built at Mildura can be considered safe once racing resumes downstream.
Rat Attack is up against a formidable field. American veterans Duff Daily and Ty Newton arrive with both experience and outright pace, while Australia fields considerable depth through crews including Troy Marland. With more than 25 BAD boats expected to take part across both rounds, it shapes as one of the largest and most competitive fields seen on Australian waters.
Early signs have been good for the New Zealand entry. Testing produced clean runs and strong pace on Australian water, and Rat Attack has drawn 7th in the Qualifying Draw, a one-round shootout that will set the competitive order. With the double-points finale at Berri still ahead, the New Zealand team remains well within striking distance.
