Lupton keeps Aussie boats at bay

The Aussies have attempted to win it back a few times but to date have not been successful.Denise Moughan, New Zealand Powerboat Federation president

Waverley's Lupton family have ensured an Australian invasion to reclaim one of their hydroplane trophies was not successful at Tauranga last weekend.

In his American-designed "Cheetah" boat, son Ken Lupton took out the AE Baker trophy an Australasian championship.

Denise Moughan, president of the New Zealand Powerboat Federation, said Lupton's father, Warwick, first won the title in Paynesville, Victoria, in 2001.

"The Aussies have attempted to win it back a few times but to date have not been successful."

Next on the calendar is the New Zealand Grand Prix Championship, being held in Queenstown on March 23-24.

Five hydroplanes will take part the Luptons with their Cheetah and Annihilator boats as well as two entries from the South Island.

After some teething problems with his new craft, Ken Lupton is ready to move out of the lighter-powered engine he has been using while he got accustomed to the craft.

"He's going to put a big engine in it for Queenstown," said Moughan. "He's ready to put some more horse power into it."

The plan is to get the boat ready to compete in the EC Griffith Cup, set to be held in Victoria, Australia, in April.