Loose Unit, driven by Shane Baker, appearing after some engine changes trying to rectify the ‘bogging down’ problems of the StGeorge race meeting in February.

Research hit the racetrack for the first time under the control of new owner, Rob Chadban. Previous owner, Mitchell North and family were on hand to help out the new owners.

Hoodlum, campaigned by Taree local, Col Elliott, came out of the shed with a collection of new propellors to try behind the 350 Chev V8.

The B class included all Classic Hydros and an OzLite:

Li’l Miss Buzz came down from QLD at relatively late notice. The boat only showing results from hull changes only the weekend before Easter. After a quick phone call check that the team would have a class to competitively run in, the Fryer tow vehicle was packed.

Andrew Petty completing the complete Classic look with his eye catching tow truck.

Another hydro there that weekend, but not part of the circuit racing. A Blown Alcohol Hydro drag boat conducted a demonstration run on the Saturday.

The racing was generally good all weekend, but it did get off to a rocky start for the B class. Thanks to the time limit needed for one of the blown boat trophy races, the first race for the class was held up. The extended time that the boats were held on the water caused problems for a few of the boats thanks to excess water getting into the boats.

The Beer’n’Boats crew experienced some problems during Saturday’s racing. A test session late Saturday afternoon saw the 5litre boat absolutely fly.

The Baron ended Saturday with a fuel pump problem. A quick dash around to a few spare parts places beared no fruit, so out came the tools to pull it apart. Success was found and The Baron was back for duty on Sunday.

Hoodlum had no luck with a number of propellors ending up in pieces. The boat didn’t come back for Sunday’s racing.

Miss September suffered from too much water in the boat thanks to the hold up. The excess water causing a couple of problems to the electrics.

The Bug appeared to gain race pace as the weekend progressed, with the last race of the weekend seeing the smallest hull in the class keeping two of the 6litre hydros honest for most of the race.

Rob Chadban’s maiden race weekend did not turn out to be a dream run. The boat developed compression problems as the racing progressed, needing to be towed back to the ramp on at least one occasion.

Latimer Lodge had two races on Saturday before the old girl sheered off the drive shaft for the fuel pump. Some overnight repairs saw the boat fire up on the trailer on Sunday, but didn’t hit the water.

Any self respecting hydro driver will be keeping the Easter weekend free for 2009. Even though there no doubt be the trademark on and off weather, the water will be sizzling!