Jetboaters line up for penultimate round

Wanganui's jetboaters have it all to race for on Easter Sunday in the penultimate round of the New Zealand Jet Sprint Championships in Wanaka.

As racing goes back to the South Island for the first time since the 2008 season, tomorrow will also be the test for the brand new Oxbow Aquatrack in Wanaka.

In the Superboats, Balclutha's Dave Hopkins could have an advantage, given he built the track.

The track is based on designs by fellow driver Chris Munro, who was approached by track owner Lloyd Ferguson.

However, the men to watch are Canterbury's Peter Caughey, as he looks to expand on his 10-point advantage from Wanganui's Leighton Minnell; closely followed by Pat Dillon.

In the Group A Championship, Richard Murray hopes to lower the nine-point buffer to Hamilton's Sam Newdick, who is still the favourite as he hunts his fifth straight win.

Wanganui's best hope for a title is in the 400 class, where stock driver turned jetboater Gerry Linklater holds the lead in a division where five drivers are separated by only 12 points.

Tomorrow's round is the last before the championships return for their finale on April 13 at the Shelterview Jet Sprint Track in Wanganui.

Points after four rounds:

Suzuki Superboat Championship: Peter Caughey (Canterbury) 119, 1; Leighton Minnell (Wanganui) 109, 2; Pat Dillon (Wanganui) 105, 3. PSP Group A Championship: Sam Newdick (Hamilton) 120, 1; Richard Murray (Wanganui) 111, 2; Paul Gaston (Queensland) 107, Bevan Muir (Thames) 107, 3=. JetPro 400s: Gerry Linklater (Wanganui) 112, 1; Tim Edhouse (Owhanga) 102 points, 2; Brett Thompson (Piopio) 100, Warren Farr (Taupo) 100, Ray Thompson (Whangamata) 100, 3=.