KEY POINTS:
Offshore powerboat racer Tony Coleman is giving new meaning to the word "sponsorship".
Whereas most sponsorship involves a company giving money to the racer in return for the exposure of their name on the boat's side, Coleman has turned this traditional concept on its head.
He has generously donated the signage on his new Superboat to the Child Health Research Foundation. As a result, Coleman's 1050hp, 10.6m Skater now races with large Cure Kids logos on its side.
Cure Kids is the "brand" of the Child Health Research Foundation, an organisation established over 30 years ago to address the lack of research into life-threatening childhood illnesses in New Zealand.
The foundation has invested over $13 million in medical research, helped save hundreds of young lives and improved the quality of life for thousands of other children.
Coleman, in his first season in the premier Superboat Class, debuted in the first round of the Offshore Powerboat Association's national championship in Taupo at the end of last month, finishing fourth in his first outing.
He will no doubt be hoping for better things when he lines up with the rest of the offshore powerboat fleet this afternoon at Gulf Harbour.
However, he will first have to get past last year's champions, Peter Turner and Craig Archer, in their 10.3m, 1100hp Phantom catamaran, Sleepyhead.
Sleepyhead completely dominated the rest of the Superboat field in Taupo. There is, however, the likelihood that conditions will be significantly different from those in the fresh water of Lake Taupo.
The long open-water legs at Gulf Harbour could slow the field down, especially if there is an easterly or a swell.
This could suit Wayne Valder and Ross Christensen in the second 10.3m Phantom, Pro Floors Racing, who won this event last year and who were bitterly disappointed with their Taupo result.
The second round of the Cougar Marine/Inex Metals NZ Offshore Powerboats Championship starts today at 2pm off Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
