Return of V8 Superboats a roaring success, says organiser

A "big risk" for a rural town has paid off, resulting in a sell-out crowd for the return of V8 Superboat racing in Victoria.  

The Elmore Events Centre, 50km north-east of Bendigo, has welcomed jet boat racing back to Victoria about 15 years after the closure of the sport's track in Melton, west of Melbourne. 

The town of Elmore, population 850, made its debut on the V8 Superboats Championship scene on Saturday, hosting round one of the 2026-27 season.

"Once the rain cleared, it turned into a tremendous day," said Elmore Events Centre executive manager Derek Shotton. 

"We got maximum crowd, good results and good racing."

Jet boats are a new addition for the not-for-profit venue, which is better known for hosting agricultural field days, equestrian events, scouts and tractor pull competitions. 

Mr Shotton said jet boat racing would help ensure the venue's future sustainability.

"It was a big risk for us to go into developing this, and it was quite gratifying to see both the competitors and patrons so embracing and positive about it all," he said.

They broke ground on the 1km-long, 3m-wide and 750mm-deep course less than a year ago. 

On Saturday, the track's design challenged drivers' technical skills, rather than maximum speeds. 

"There were plenty of mishaps and mis-corners and boats landing on islands, that adds to the excitement," Mr Shotton said. 

Victoria's return to national stage

Driver Jade Atchison and her navigator Erin Kearney, from the Disturbed Racing Team based on the NSW Central Coast, won the LS class event. 

They said they relished the technical challenge of Elmore's new track. 

"It was a bit of a go-kart track which I've kind of always preferred," Ms Atchison said. 

"It's fun, it's a bit different. The longer tracks, you're worrying more about speed," Ms Atchison said. 

She said V8 Superboat's return to Victoria was a positive for the sport. 

"There was such a good turnout on the weekend, I think everyone's really impressed with it and happy it's gone ahead," she said.

"The more tracks, the better; everyone who's in the sport is really passionate about it and just wants to see it flourish." 

Mr Shotton also said the sport's return "shouldn't be underrated". 

"Finding the right piece of ground where you're not close to residential areas, and you can do this sort of racing has been a hard try," he said. 

"For us to be able to do this puts Victoria back on the national stage."

Elmore will host two rounds per season for the next five years.

Organisers said they are already looking at improvements before the next race, including installing a third viewing bank for spectators.

The next event in Elmore will be held on March 13, with a tractor pull and lawnmower racing to be held on the same day.