Smokin' on the water

ON TOP: Pat Dillon, pictured racing in Wanganui this season, will be hoping to retain his series lead when the PSP New Zealand Jet Sprint Champs head to Hastings this weekend.PHOTO/LEWIS GARDNER 271214WCLGJETS6

THE PSP New Zealand Jet Sprint Champs head to Hawkes Bay this weekend and local drivers are hoping to retain strong ladder positions on a track they usually enjoy.

The Hastings track features tight turns and flat islands making the margin for error small for the fourth meeting of the season.

Suzuki Superboats series leader Pat Dillon in his PPG Hulk is hoping for another top three finish and to retain his lead heading into the final two rounds in April. But he's far from complacent.

"We're only halfway through the series, anything can happen," he said. "If we can get in that top three again we'll be very happy."

Dillon has traditionally had success at Hastings but said one mistake could take anyone out of contention.

"That's how cruel the sport is, you're looking at 300ths of a second."

Former Wanganui man Leighton Minnell, who currently sits third, will also be looking to stay in touch.

Meanwhile in the Biolytix 400 series, local rivalries heat up with Ross Travers and Donna Thomson tied for second and Hayden Wilson hot on their heels in third.

Travers is hoping to regain the series lead he gave up at Meremere last month after heading the wrong way during the top 12 run.

"I've got to redeem myself from the last meeting," Travers said. He needs to win the final three meetings to have a shot at the title.

He'll face tough competition from current series leader, Hamilton's Ollie Silverton.

"I like that track (Hastings). I've been there a couple of times and it's one of my favourite tracks. It's a nice flowing track, there's a couple of tight hairpins in there."

The Wanganui women's team of Thomson and Monica Couper have a dream of retaining their top three spot by season's end.

"We just want to stay competitive. We'd be happy with a top five."