Round 1: A Farewell to Meremere
The first round of the championship, held on 16 November 2024 at the iconic Meremere Sprint Bowl, marked the end of an era. Known for its complex layout, Meremere’s challenging tracks tested drivers and navigators alike. Despite torrential rain during the setup, race day dawned clear, and the roar of engines filled the air as 36 teams took to the water.
Three competition classes – LS Class, Group A Class, and Superboats – delivered non-stop action. International and local talents showcased their skills, with Australia’s Phonsy Mullan taking the top spot in the Superboats class, New Zealand’s Ollie Silverton dominating Group A, and USA’s River Rogers clinching victory in the LS Class.
Round 2: Sunshine and High Drama in Featherston
On 1 December 2024, the second round took place at the Kiwispan Jet Sprint Track in Featherston. Perfect weather set the stage for a thrilling day, with teams battling for crucial championship points.
The Rescue Team was kept busy with 28 recoveries, underscoring the sport’s intensity.
The three competition classes – LS Class, Group A Class, and Superboats – again delivered adrenaline pumping action. Results were almost a duplicate of the Round 1 results with Australia’s Phonsy Mullan and Niketa Wells taking the top spot in the Superboats class, New Zealand’s Ollie Silverton and Amanda Kittow winning Group A, and USA’s River Rogers and Katie Munroe winning again in the LS Class.
Championship Standings After Round 2
Superboats: 1. Phonsy Mullan/Niketa Wells (60 points), 2. Eric Werner/Tina Huff (53 points), 3. Chris Edmonds/Toby Edmonds (53 points). Group A: 1. Ollie Silverton/Amanda Kittow (60 points), 2. Kris Rasmussen/Holly Sutherland (57 points), 3. Richard Currie/Gemma Johnson (53 points). LS Class: 1. River Rogers/Katie Munro (60 points), 2. Paddy & Jay Haden (57 points), 3. Tim & Debbie Edhouse (54 points).
Round 3: Tough Battles in Wanganui
The third round, held on 27 December 2024 at the Shelter View Jet Sprint Track in Wanganui, was fraught with challenges for many teams.
However, familiar names rose to the occasion. Phonsy Mullan and Niketa Wells once again triumphed in the Superboats class, Ollie Silverton and Amanda Kittow continued their dominance in Group A, and River Rogers faced stiff competition but ultimately secured victory in the LS Class.
The Grand Finale Awaits
The fourth and final round of the 2024/2025 New Zealand Jetsprint Championships is set for 23 February 2025 at the Shelter View Jet Sprint Track in Wanganui. With championship titles on the line, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion.
