For the first time in 15 years, the adrenaline-pumping sport of jet boat racing is set to make a splash in Victoria, Australia. The Elmore Events Centre, located in northern Victoria, will become the new home for this extreme sport, often described as rally driving on water. This development marks a significant milestone for the sport, which has been absent from the state since a track in Melbourne’s outer west closed over a decade ago.
Jet boat racing, featuring roaring V8 Superboats navigating hair-raising turns at high speeds, first arrived in Australia in 1985. However, the sport’s presence in Victoria dwindled due to the closure of local tracks. Now, with a new venue under construction, the sport is poised for a thrilling return.
New Track Construction Underway
The Elmore Field Days site, situated north of Bendigo, is currently undergoing a transformation to accommodate the custom-built jet boat track. Expected to be the size of two football fields, the track is slated to host an Australian series event in November next year. Australian champion jet boat driver Justin Roylance expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the enthusiasm of the Elmore Events Centre team.
“We had a few false starts over the last decade trying to get racing back in Victoria,” Roylance said. “(The Elmore Events Centre team) was just blown away with what we could actually do and they were just so pumped about the sport.”
The track will feature narrow channels filled with shallow water, surrounded by grass, and will include six to nine different islands. Races typically last around 45 seconds, with one boat navigating approximately 35 intersections at speeds reaching 140 kilometers per hour.
Revitalizing the Elmore Field Days
The Elmore Field Days, originally a three-day agricultural event, has evolved into a year-round events facility. Executive manager Derek Shotton is optimistic about the inclusion of jet boat racing in their lineup of activities, which already includes tractor pulls and racing lawn mowers.
“It’s tremendous. It helps us reinforce our drive into motor sports,” Shotton said. “We’ve got the tractor pull, we’ve got the racing lawn mowers and now we’ve got the jet boats.”
Shotton explained that the decision to expand the field days site into a broader events center was made in the early 2000s, anticipating a decline in agricultural event attendance due to industry scaling.
Looking Ahead: A World Stage for Elmore
The return of jet boat racing to Victoria is not just a local affair. There are plans for a world series V8 superboat event to be held at Elmore, potentially drawing international attention. Roylance is eager to showcase his skills on home turf, particularly with his Victorian-built boat, the Outlaw, which is the current Australian champion in its class.
“We’ve got a Victorian built boat with the Victorian built engine in it,” he said. “Our boat is called the Outlaw and we’re current Australian champion in our class … and we can’t wait to come down to Elmore and give it a go.”
This development represents a significant boost for both the sport and the local community, promising to inject new energy and economic activity into the region. As the construction progresses, anticipation builds for the return of jet boat racing to Victoria, offering fans and participants alike a thrilling new venue to enjoy.
