| But the Rangiora man's bid for five consecutive New Zealand championships is in doubt after long-time sponsor ENZED pulled out of all motor sport activities. "ENZED's decision has come as a bit of surprise for us, and this isn't a good time of year to forge a new relationship, with most budgets allocated," Caughey says. "Still, we had seven great years with ENZED - we had a lot of success, a lot of laughs and made some good friends. There are no hard feelings, we just have to move on." That's easier said than done at the top levels of motor sport. Caughey's Sprintec craft with its 540 Monster motor putting out upwards of 1000 horsepower is fast enough to take on the world, and featured large in last season's TV and print coverage. But this methanol-fuelled monster isn't cheap to build or run. "We race for the challenge and enjoyment of it," Caughey says. "You have to have that, or you'd be mad to put your neck on the line! But to compete at championship-winning |
level, that takes partnerships to achieve. "It'll be ultra-competitive this year, with at least 10 teams already lined up for the December 27 opener at Wanganui. Our four consecutive championships is already a record - it would have been nice to make it five, but you have to be philosophical," he says. Not that he's giving up - far from it. To strap yourself into a 500kg waterborne rocket-ship that'll do 0-130kph in 2.3 seconds, yet has no brakes, takes guts. To race a high-speed boat to four world championships (two in Superboat, two in Open B) and seven NZ championships (five in Superboats and two in Open B) takes a streak of determination that just won't quit. Caughey's determined to make the Wanganui start-line with a boat that can win. He's already fettled the craft, the motor's being rebuilt, and he's knocking on doors to make another winning team. Caughey's got his sights set on that chequered flag, no matter whose name is blazoned on his boat. |
