Whanganui couple Rob and Ange Coley are hungry for success at UIM World Jetsprint Championship in Wānaka and Whanganui. Photo / Jeremy Ward, Shot360 Photography
Whanganui couple Rob and Ange Coley are hungry for success at UIM World Jetsprint Championship in Wānaka and Whanganui. Photo / Jeremy Ward, Shot360 Photography
Whanganui couple Rob and Ange Coley have this year’s Jetsprint UIM World Championship in their sights.
Rob Coley has been in the jetsprints arena for 15 years; his wife Ange joined the two-person crew six years ago and they have been competing together ever since.
They are looking forward tothe world championship set to take place in Wānaka on January 25-26, and Whanganui on February 2-3, the first time in nine years the event has been held in New Zealand.
“There’s certainly some great races out there and probably one of six that can win,” Rob said.
“It’s going to be the toughest world series there’s ever been.
“There are many guys that can deliver on the day and you just have to hope all your ducks line up, your head’s in the right space and your boat performs - there is no reason why we can’t take the world championship.”
The couple's superboat reaches 120km/h in 1.8 seconds. Photo / NZME
Rob got involved in the sport after initially being a spectator.
“I used to go and watch the jetsprints with the boys in Whanganui and I always said if I could afford to do it, I certainly would love to.
He said both courses were familiar to him but the Wānaka course was constructed to suit technique, rather than speed as at the Whanganui track at Upokongaro.
Rob’s dedication and competitiveness have not diminished over the years.
“They used to call me Mad Dog and I had that name for one reason and one reason only - I was pretty crazy and wanted to win at any cost; it cost me some pretty big crashes,” he said.
Ange said she wanted Mad Dog back to help claim the title.
“I said to Rob, ‘Mad Dog’s back'. We are just so hungry for the world series, Rob’s wanted this for a very long time and we’re coming out hard and fast,” she said.
The second round will be held at Whanganui’s Shelter View, a track they love.
“I think we have 23 superboats racing in the world series, which is probably the biggest field we’ve ever had.
“We found in New Zealand we’ve had a lot of Americans come to race with us and compete in our series. It is good for the sport as people move around countries and race against each other.”
