Team Konica Minolta Offshore Racing started the 2012 season, as they did at the last season, on the top of the podium with an overall 60 mile Championship race win at the first race in Taupo at the weekend. With south-westerly winds gusting up to 30 knots the Lake looked like a typical west coast beach, forcing officials to amend both the start time and the course.

The new driving combination of Mike Smith and Adam Smale battled it out with class competitor Total Oils.

Mikey took what turned out to be an excellent risk – hugging the shoreline on the downward leg where there was slightly cleaner water to gain the lead in the penultimate lap, and continuing with a narrow 5 second win, after an hour of grueling racing, best described as ‘brutal’.

Team Principal, Greg Brinck was proud of the guys achievements in their first ever race together and first time in the boat. “This was a fantastic result, beating larger and more powerful boats to take the overall win. The conditions out there were some of worst I have seen on Lake Taupo.” Greg continued “Mikey drove an incredible race and had to really battle to earn his first win of the season. I was happy to see both boat and crew (apart from some sore muscles) come away relatively unscathed.”

Mikey was quick to compliment the boat and engine performance saying “It took us a few laps to get the feel of it but the Force F19x combined with the new Evinrude E-TEC 200 HO really gave us the winning edge”.

There isn’t much time for the team to recover as Round 2 in Gisborne is on this weekend, Saturday 4th February. “We’re looking forward to our first salt water race as that fresh lake water is so damn hard on the boat (and the body)!” Adam was quick point out.

The team will be hosting customer rides on Saturday morning, something that the Gisborne Konica Minolta team really enjoys.

Race starts at 1pm, Saturday 4th February. You are welcome to join us at the Konica Minolta marquee on the Waikanae beachfront for an excellent view point of race.

Photos courtesy of Cathy Vercoe – www.LuvMyBoat.com

2012 race schedule keep these dates free:

18-Feb Beachlands, Auckland

17-Mar Napier

31-Mar Whitianga

14-Apr Wellington

28-Apr Auckland Harbour

For further information, contact Leanne Erceg 021 825 821