Boat racing
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IT was billed as the ultimate battle between speed and handling on Australia’s greatest powerboating track.
Instead, yesterday’s King of the Lake race – the showpiece of the APBA National Titles held at Lake Wyangan over the weekend – was the ultimate fizzer.
A comical series of mechanical failures in the final stages of yesterday’s program meant there were just two starters instead of eight for what was meant to be the race to end all races.
The King of the Lake crown now rests on the head of 17-year-old racer Jake Lines from the Upper Hawkesbury Powerboat Club, who did the business in his inboard tunnel boat called Bovva.
Lines shaded South Australian driver Ryan Stunell and his outboard tunnel boat, who came second – or last.
“I was a bit devo there wasn’t anyone else in the race, but there wasn’t much I could do,” the teenager said.
“But it was good to get the win.”
Lines had the inside running thanks to his inboard tunnel boat, which is capable of reaching a top speed far greater than Stunell’s outboard, which has a better cornering speed.
“He had the advantage around the corners – he didn’t have to back off as much as I did,” Lines said.
“But I had the top end speed down the straight and it worked out well for me.”
Lines was also gushing with praise over the Lake Wyangan track, and said he would love to return next year.
“It’s gotta be one of the best locations in Australia to race. It’s perfect,” he said.
“It’d be awesome to come back here.”