Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen is ready to defend their title in a race that can be hard with waves up to 3 meter as forecasted. Newcastle is in the final stages of preparing for "Fuelarama” which will see 15 Offshore Superboats competing in round 1 of the APBA Offshore Superboat Championships this weekend.
Teams from as far North as Townsville in North Queensland down to Melbourne, Victoria are making finishing touches to their boats before loading their million dollar cargo on to semi-trailers to make their way to Newcastle Harbour. The Offshore Pit area will be set up along Wharf Road between the Pilot Station and the Brewery which will be open to the general public from 10am on Saturday 30th April.
Competition will again see 4 categories contended: Class 1 – Twin 850Hp Maritimo Performance V8’s, Supercat Lite - Twin Mercury 525HP V8’s, Supercat Outboard – Twin 300Hp Mercury Outbaords and Supercat Outboard Lite –Twin 200Hp Outboards.
Race Speeds will vary from 95MPH for the Twin 200Hp entrants of Supercat Outboard Lite’s and up to 155MPH out of the Class 1 Competitors.
Pole shoot out timing will take place on Saturday 30th April which will determine the starting line up for Sunday’s big race. With Newcastle being the first round of the 2011 Series, teams will be testing out new engines and even new boats with the weekend being set to feature some spectacular racing.
This year’ Newcastle event will be unlike any other seen before and will have something for all the family. In between the Offshore Racing action, stroll over the road to the Foreshore Park and look at the wonderful muscle car display, grab a bite to eat, take the kids for a ride at the carnival or simply sit down and enjoy the free country music concert.
A gold coin donation will go to a great local charity – the Variety Club of Newcastle, so come down and show your support.