Burt and Maunder take the heat and scorch Superboat opposition

The "In Ya Face" Team had an action packed race under lights at Wanganui's Shelterview track on Saturday night. Not only did the racing under lights provide great viewing for the spectators, but there was more action than usual in the boat, other than Richard and Roger being thrown from corner to corner. Roger was literally getting somewhat more of the action in the boat than Richard, due to a methanol fire on board licking at Roger's flameproof clothing, so you could say Roger was in the hot seat, and not Richard (father in law playing "the human shield" on this occasion).

A methanol fire is somewhat exciting, you can feel yourself getting hot, but you just cannot see the flames, one of those invisible fires, just like you see on the televised motorsports overseas ... we'll news flash people, it happens in New Zealand too!

Quick thinking was required and Richard beached the boat on one of the islands, so the RSQKRU Safety team didn't have to get wet! ................. on yer Richard.

The fire started due to a loose part, which allowed the methanol to spew out and hit the hot engine, which in turn caused the fire.
Once the fire was sorted it was straight back into the pit lane for repairs and the replacement of a few rubber parts that had melted, then it was back out on the water for the finals.

Other dramas in the Suzuki Superboat class occured with Leighton Minnell blowing his second engine of the season and Duncan Wilson's boat not firing up for the finals race shootout.

All and all a very successful round for the "In Ya Face" team with Richard having a relaxed final drive, just having to take the boat around the course, and in doing so putting on a great show for the fans, making the last run of the night the fastest of the round by 2 seconds.
Richard Roger and the Team now take a 14 point led into the final race of the Season, at the Trusthouse circuit in Featherston on April 24th.

A big thanks again to our awesome Pit Crew and team work in the Pits, Vitroglaze our main sponsor and Garlington Homes, and to all our other smaller, but also important Sponsors and to those doing heaps of work behind the scenes assisting to get the boat engine and drive units ready and race prepared for each meet.

The Team sure missed Maureen and Rach in the Pits at Wanganui, so we hope the Girls are able to join us for the Final round in 2 weeks time in Featherston.

For further results and photos articles from the round www.jetpro.co.nz