The Bundaberg Powerboat Club will hold its annual two-day race event the Rum City Classic on this weekend at Sandy Hook, Branyan.
This year, in conjunction with the two-day Rum City Classic race event, the Bundaberg Powerboat Club is honoured to host the final meeting of The Trojan Cup, after a 20-year legacy.
In the heart of six-litre Australian powerboat racing, one name stands out among the roaring engines and water spray – Larry Martin.
Larry had been racing for around 20 years and during this time had been awarded the Australian championship holder for Windsor in 1990.
Unfortunately, Larry tragically lost his life during the 2004 Bundy Thunder spectacular.
Following this tragedy, it was not long before a race would be held in Larry’s honour and so the Trojan Cup was born.
The Trojan Cup has captivated crowds with its blend of speed, skill and V8 engine roar.
It stands as a testament to the enduring passion for powerboat racing and the unwavering dedication of all those who have and continue to contribute to its rich history.
Over the years, the Trojan Cup has evolved into a cornerstone event in the Australian powerboat calendar.
The sport has seen its share of legendary drivers, iconic races, rivalries form with records being set and broken.
Six-litre powerboat racing in Australia is a thrilling motorsport that combines speed, skill, noise and adrenaline on the water.
This class has pushed the boundaries of powerboat engine performance and design.
Australian powerboat engine builders are regarded as amongst the best in the world.
This class of powerboat racing is known for their impressive acceleration and cornering.
One of the key attractions of the 6-litre class is the competitiveness of the boats and the skill of the drivers.
The Rum City Classic two-day event routinely attracts 75 boats spread across 10 classes offering a combination of outboards and inboard race teams from juniors up to the unlimited class who reach speeds of 140mph or more.
Due to the historical nature of this year’s event, the Bundaberg Powerboat Club is excited to announce it’s expecting to host 8-10 entries from 6-litre race teams from around the country with some travelling from as far as Adelaide.
Powerboat racing has experienced a resurgence in Queensland over the last few years and the Bundaberg Club is proud to say they attract approximately 40-50 boats to its regular club day race meetings.
This local resurgence is primarily driven by the dedicated volunteers and long-time sponsors of our club including Brisbane Marine, Extreme Marine, Whitewater Marine, and Enzed Bundaberg.
The club is pleased to announce Enzed Bundaberg and the Smillie’s Group businesses as the main sponsors of the Rum City Classic race event in 2024.
Enzed Bundaberg owner Rod Peterson is a long-time member of the Bundaberg Powerboat Club and a passionate 6-litre racer himself.
Rod holds numerous Australian titles and the club is proud to say Rod has also previously participated in the Trojan Cup races throughout its 20-year legacy.
Smillie’s Group’s Troy Smillie and is relatively newcomer to the Bundaberg Powerboat club.
Troy is very much committed to promoting community and to seeing the continued success of both this great sport and the club here in Bundaberg.
Troy is the proud owner of a two race boats; a 6-litre along with an Inboard A, whilst both his children share his passion and race in the junior classes.
Brisbane Marine, Extreme Marine and Whitewater Marine are the clubs long term sponsors who thanks to their continued, unwavering support over the years, have undoubtedly carried the club to its current position making events like the Rum City Classic a reality and a successful event for the Bundaberg Region.
Rum City Classic Trojan Cup details
When: 27 to 28 July
Where: Burnett River, Sandy Hook, Branyan
Cost: Free
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