King of the Broad: Oulton Broad
Powerboat spectators at Oulton Broad were treated to some fantastic racing and some close finishes this evening as the hydroplane drivers competed for the famous King of the Broad trophy.
With the racing being a group handicap event, Wayne Turner in the 125cc GRM powered Trombetta hull was first to start followed by Julian in the JC Racing Team 250cc GRM powered Andick hydroplane thirty seconds later.
After Julian followed the 400cc Yamato crafts of Mike Pacey, Rob Hales Tony Knights and James Marr, with David Jones being the last boat into the race with the 1973 500cc Konig powered classic hydroplane.
Julian was setting some quick lap times as he tried to cut into the thirty second handicap lead of Wayne Turner. As the race progressed Wayne appeared to be having engine problems with the 125cc GRM powered Trombetta hull and Julian began to close in on the leader. On the run into the chequered flag it was Julian who was able to beat Wayne on the line to give the JC Racing Team the race win for heat one.
With the close race finish in heat one, the second race saw the handicaps remain the same as Julian had to once again make up the thirty second deficit to catch Wayne in the impressive 125cc outfit. It was not proving to be a good evening for Wayne as a very rare mistake at the Wherry turn resulted in both Julian, and the 500cc Konig powered classic hydroplane of David Jones getting passed him by mid race.
Having moved into the lead it was now Julian’s turn to come under pressure from David Jones. As they exited the final turn and run down to the finish line it was Julian who just held of the challenge from David on the line to give the JC Racing team their second win of the night.
The third and final race lived up to the expectations of the first two races and it was Area 31 Racing team Driver David Jones who was able to pass Julian on the inside at the Wherry turn on the final lap to take the win, with Julian collecting second place for the JC Racing Team and Wayne Turner finishing third.
With two race wins and a second place the JC Racing Team retained the King of the Broad trophy for the fourth consecutive year, with David Jones finishing a fine second place overall with some impressive lap times in the 1973 500cc Konig powered restored hydroplane. Despite a mixed evening Wayne Turner was able to collect third place in the 125cc GRM powered Trombetta outfit.
