Rayglass NZ Offshore Powerboat Final - The Heat is On!!!!

Things just got hotter for the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat final taking place on Auckland Harbour this Saturday with the return of 'Fairview Windows and Doors' in the Superboat Class. Fairview was thought to be unable to race for the rest of the season, so her entry on Saturday will come as a surprise to many. Fairview, driven by Warren Lewis and Ted Taiatini was rumoured to have been seen out on the harbour today, and tonight Warren confirmed that they aim to be back on the racecourse on Saturday for the last race of the season if all goes to plan.

The current leader 'Doosan' driven by Cary Gleeson and Sam Filmore of Auckland will have to work even harder to ensure a kiwi win on Saturday, as Fairview has just complicated the mix and put a heap of extra pressure on the leading two boats.

Fairview missed the last race in Whitianga, so are now too far behind in points to take out the title, but they've certainly put a “cat among the pigeons” with their late resurgence. As a season entry Fairview can earn points from this race, and in the process can earn points that the other boats desperately need, and, still potentially earn a spot on the podium for the end of the season.

The biggest challenge to Doosan is the Australian boat 'Team Three' who have travelled over to New Zealand for the race season. You can guarantee the Ozzies have the New Zealand season title in their sights, and with Pete "Mudguard" McGrath, better known for his speed in the Maritimo Class One Powerboat on throttles, and Steve Nugent at the wheel, they will be racing hard to get hold of the glory.

There are two titles at stake; The Superboat Class title and the 100 Mile Overall title which also involves the Superboat Lite Class. The Superboat's points vary slightly for each of these categories as, on occasion, due to engine issues or other problems, they may have finished in the 100 mile overall race behind one of the Superboat Lites.

'Doosan' currently sits at the top of the table on 2700 points in both categories, with 'Team Three' second in the Class points on 2544, and second also in the 100 mile overall on 2469 points. 'Fairview' presently sits in third place in both categories with 2075 Class points and 1977 Overall points. 'A1 Homes' driven by Scott Lewis and Murray Tuffin of Auckland sit in fourth place for the season on 1857 Class points and 1783 Overall points.

This will be a fantastic race and you can be sure there will be plenty of number crunching as everyone tries to work out just what the return of 'Fairview' will mean to them, and their chance at a podium place for the season.

On analysis Doosan has the best chance of winning both titles;

- If Team Three wins the race on Saturday, Doosan needs to finish second to win the Class title, and third to win the Overall title, or fourth to tie with Team Three for the Overall title.

- If Team Three finish second, Doosan has to finish third or better to win both the Class and Overall titles.

Auckland's reputation as a hard and fast racecourse will also add to the excitement. The last time these boats raced here was in 2008, and on that occasion four boats flipped during the day. 'Profloors' driven by Wayne Valder and Richard Shores, will be back out on the course in the Superboat Class as a day entry, and 'CatAttack' now racing as 'NZBlokes in the Superboat Lite Class also returns, driven by Bob Smith and Andrew “Flea” Koolen.

These are big, fast boats and are spectacular to watch as they leap off the wake of the boats in front. If you're anywhere near Auckland this weekend, make sure you head down to the waterfront to watch the action.

The NZ Offshore Powerboat Association hold a family oriented event and are happy to talk to anyone who has questions about the boats and the way they are raced. The boats will be on display both before and after the race and it's free to wander around the "pit" area, and to watch the race from the foreshore or other vantage points .

The Auckland Offshore Powerboat event will provide plenty of excitement for the public, who are encouraged to come down to Westhaven to see the boats, and to find a place on the waterfront to watch the racing.

The boats on display from 10am Saturday morning at the Westhaven Marina carpark by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Racing starts at: 10.30 am with the Big Boat Race for production motorboats, followed by hot laps of the course by individual race boats.

The Rayglass NZ Offshore Powerboat Final is at 1.00pm

Best viewing from Curran St from the Harbour Bridge to the carpark by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Radio Coverage: Tune in to 88.3 FM for race commentary before and during the race

Special thanks to Tony Hembrow and Rayglass Boats for their support over the 2010 season, and to Ross Johnson of Global security for their sponsorship of the Auckland race.

Event details and results are posted on the NZOPA website, www.nzoffshore.co.nz.