Superboat drivers to unleash at speed of fighter jets

V8 SUPERBOATS will unleash high-octane action, and lightning fast turns when the third round of the national competition is contested at Tweed.

The event will be held at Mountain Raceway, Cabarita, on Saturday, November 8 with 20 boats expected to bring a crowd of about 2000 people.

It is the third round of the national points championship and is contested under the Australian Formula Jet Sprint Association banner.

V8 Superboats are purpose-built, twin-seater jetboats designed to navigate tight, twisting courses carved into natural waterways and purpose-built arenas.

Each boat is powered by a high-performance V8 engine, delivering up to 2,000 horsepower.

“The boats travel about 50m to the first corner and go from zero to 120km/h in about two seconds,” event organiser Jemma Graffin said.

“The force they turn at it is similar speeds to a fighter jet, it’s pretty incredible.

“There really isn’t anything else like it around here, it’s a bit like speedway on water.”

The course at Cabarita runs along a series of small islands which creates a natural amphitheatre-style spectator hill.

Races take between 30 seconds to a minute with jumps, as the drivers navigate water hazards along the way.

It is a rare event where spectators can bring their own vehicles or set up a picnic spot next to their car.

It also has a community feel to it; the land is owned by Pottsville transport service Hardy’s Haulage.

They let the superboat event use the venue in turn for donations to local community groups in need.

Racing starts at 8am with tickets available at rapidqr.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/fe64accc-12a2-4870-97ad-cb2fc5b4acb5