Sport: Junior Powerboat Racing – Formula Future J3, 15hp | Activity: Driver
Kelise saw an advert for Victorian Council of the Australian Power Boat Association saying they had boats you could loan to try out the sport, so she did this for two race meetings and then decided she needed her own boat. (ed: what a brilliant promotional idea). So now Kelsie races in Junior Powerboat Racing (Formula Future J3, 15hp class), in a drop wing mono 15hp boat, averaging a speed 47mph.
The type of racing Kelsie competes in monthly from October to May, is a circuit race, handicapped with a clock start, along with 3 other Victorian girls against the boys. It can be difficult and take a fair bit of practice to get the starts just right, scoring a penalty if you start too early. Then over the course of each race, you are given a time, and then the boat with the most consistent time wins. So you don’t have to be first over the line to win the event. It is extremely popular in NSW and Qld with exposure growing rapidly.
Traveling and competing throughout Vic, NSW, and SA has paid off by way of giving Kelsie the extra practice and experience, rewarding her with 2017/18 Australian, Victorian and VSBC (club trophy) in only her second season of racing. But Kelsie is down to earth saying that she just loves to be out on the water improving her skills and making new friendships. She plans on continuing to just have fun out there by upgrading her motor to a 25hp when she’s finished in the juniors.
Great sport for the whole family
Kelsie has great support from not just her school friends and teachers (who are all pretty impressed at her achievements), but also Uncle Glenn (her mentor) and mum & Dad. Mum is the one you see holding her current race boat in place in the water (pictured).
Just give it a go! Learn to drive, get to know your boat and most of all have FUN!!
If you’d like to support Kelsie, then drop by the “Monopoly Race Team” Facebook page. Please don’t forget to also support the sponsors who support the team, Six star communications, Mathieson Motors, NAFAC, Leanne Tait Myotherapy, Pat & Tina’s BP, Aussie Rice Straw Mulch, Alien Graphics, Ezilend, Beasley Racing, Slammin’ Sam Commentary.
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