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[BOATS] Progress for 321Ignition at Melton
by Sean Henshelwood
(Archived)
Progress for the 321Ignition team
Rnd#1 2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships
McPherson Park, Melton, Victoria
7-8 March, 2009
After a frustrating run at the world championships in New Zealand, 321Ignition’s Greg Harriman was more than eager to get the 2009 season underway, and despite countless hours of preparation on the administration and sponsorship side of the sport, he pronounced himself ‘more than ready’ by the time he hit the first practice session.
“We were due some new parts for New Zealand that didn’t arrive,” Greg confirmed, “and then we arrived home with condensation damage to the engine from the trip back in the shipping container, so the engine’s had a freshen and we’ve added a couple of new bits to try and find some power.
“I also ordered some new parts for the jet unit from New Zealand, but sadly they haven’t arrived, so we’ll just go out and do our best and gain some valuable data.
“I got so frustrated last year with our results that I did some serious research over January and have decided that for Melton I’m not going to make any changes, I’m just going to go out and drive and see whether I can be consistent enough, and then look at what areas of the boat we need to improve..”
By the fourth round of qualifying Greg had proven two things; one, he was consistent, turning five sessions within six tenths of one another, and two, the boat held plenty of room for improvement.
“People keep telling me that it’s the boat, but with the speed of some of the other Mackraft’s out there, I still believe we can find what we’re looking for and get ourselves well inside the top ten.
“On Saturday the boat was the best its ever been, which was really reassuring, but by Sunday there was a lot of foam on top of the water so it was incredibly slippery, but we were really consistent which was what I was looking for.
“Group A is always competitive, and this year it’s super-competitive, so making the top ten alone is a major feat.
“I’m looking forward to Temora because I’m pretty sure we can make a big step forward and start to really show what we’re capable of.. I can’t wait!”
Round one of the 2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships will be televised on SBS Speedweek on March 22 (2:00pm EST - check guides) and repeated on FOX Sports 'Inside Speed' on March 25 (8:30pm EST - check local guides for confirmation).
The 321Ignition Racing team now prepares for the second round of the 2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships scheduled for Temora in central-western NSW in three weeks time (March 27-28).
321Ignition Racing is proudly supported by; 321Ignition Magazine, Brumby’s, Parish Automotive, ACE Truck Bodies, SKIN Industries Pickering Smash Repairs, Meridian Motorsport and Phicom Extreme Communication.
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2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships
International Group A (points after Rnd#1 of 5)
1. Nathan Pretty (47), 2. Slade Stanley (46), 3. Ted Sygidus (43), 4. Rohan Smith (37), 5. Tremayne Jukes (36), 6. Brooke Dixon (26), 7. Robert Colman (25), 8. Darek Sygidus (19), 9. Simon Zarb (18), 10. Greg Mercier (15), 11. Brendan Donnelly (10), 12. Greg Harriman/Adam Doyle (7), 13. Mick Manini (6), 14. Shane Loughnan (5), 14. Kevin Laugesen (5), 14. Darren Watkins (5), 14. Tony Whalan (5)
www.321ignitionmag.com
www.v8superboats.com.au
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