12:05 AM Thu 26 Nov 2009 GMT
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'Spectacular start was a sign of the good racing to come at Taree. - Taree F1'
Theo Spykers ©
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It was to be the 'glorious start' of the newly formed Australian Formula Powerboat Association's first meeting on the Manning River at Taree, on the NSW north coast, but 'glorious' quickly turned to sweat as 40deg C heat came to the party.
In fact, association president (and third place getter) Craig Truslove, suggested that drivers in their enclosed cockpits awaiting a start were subjected to 50 deg C heat.
Water conditions were described as 'almost perfect' and they obviously agreed with Gold Coaster Damien McKenzie who claimed victory in Formula 1.
McKenzie dominated Formula 1 over the weekend, maintaining a 100 percent record after coming in as fastest qualifier.
He was to win all three 15-lap Formula 1 races.
Former champion Shane Vella claimed second I F1 ahead of another Queenslander in Truslove.
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Damien McKenzie leads Shane Vella on the final corner as he goes onto win F1 at Taree. - Theo Spykers ©
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McKenzie put his success down to persistence and practice.
'Mate, it's just been hours and hours of practice,' he explained.
'After that it comes down to boat set up and propeller choice and fortunately I've got a great team behind to back me up.'
Sadly, despite scintillating and spectacular action on the Manning River, attendance was kept to a minimum because of the heatwave conditions.
Many spectators stayed in their vehicles, lining the top of the car park and watched the races from there, no doubt with air conditioners on as often as possible.
All up, 26 boats entered for the Formula 1, 2 and 3 and mono classes, with juniors lining up for the Formula Futures event.
It was good to see the spread of entrants; they came from Victoria, Townsville, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Brisbane and Port Macquarie.
It was Port Macquarie's Michael Page whop took out the Formula 2, with the experienced North Queenslander David Wedlock (Townsville) second and Matt Smith, of Newcastle, home in third.
Sydneysiders Geoff Bollins (1st) and Corey Davoll (2nd) fought out the Formula 2 with Brian Armstrong joining them on the podium.
There were enough starters in the Formula Futures events to prove the sport definitely is in good hands.
The stand out competitors, all from NSW, many from Taree, included Makayla Cornall, Maddison Brereton, Bailey Cave, Daniel Cornall, Fletcher Osbourne, Keiran Cave and Kye Cornall.
The association's Encouragement Award was presented to Joel Smith.
President Truslove hailed the Formula Futures as a 'great success.'
'It was outstanding,' he declared, 'Cundletown racer Makayla Cornall is eight-years-old and won the J1 class, while her brother Kye, 12, took third place in J3.
'A cousin, Daniel Cornall, made it a great weekend for the family taking third place in J2,' he added.
A Cundletown neighbour, Fletcher Osbourne, won the J3.
Truslove said he was extremely happy with the weekend's racing.
'It was right up there with some of the best I've seen,' he said.
'It was fast and very competitive throughout.
'All the races started and finished on time and as scheduled, which allowed crews time to relax between races and enjoy the weekend,' he added.
The new rules and regulations, according to Truslove have put the pressure back on the drivers and the set up of their boats.
Round two of the Australian Formula Powerboat Association is scheduled for the weekend of February 5th and 6th at Grafton, in northern NSW.
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Winners have always been grinners - Damien McKenzie with the chequered flag after his F1 victory at Taree. - Theo Spykers ©
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Craig Truslove's very quick tunnel boat just may put the acid on some of the V8 contenders in Sunday's powerboat classic. - B to B Upper Hawkesbury PBC
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by Bob Wonders
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