Ken Lupton Racing

We are back at Lake Karapiro this weekend, all set to defend the Masport Cup on Sunday, but first it's the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series heats on Saturday and the final Sunday morning. We hope to see you all there!

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Weather is a touch average here today, but we sit and wait, will keep you posted

Lucas Oil GP577 – Ken Lupton Announces EC Griffith Cup Challenge

It has been nearly ten years since New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane driver Ken Lupton last competed for the prestigious EC Griffith Cup and in 2026, he’s going back.

Lupton, piloting his Lucas Oil GP577 Grand Prix Hydroplane, has officially confirmed his intention to take on the challenge. Accommodation is already booked at Club Mulwala, and provided the team avoids major setbacks during the New Zealand race season, they will be on the starting line for the April 2026, EC Griffith Cup Regatta.

Fresh off back to back HRL (Hydroplane Racing League) championship victories in Canada and America, Lupton now turns his focus to securing one of the sport’s most historic trophies. Despite 21 years of Grand Prix Hydroplane racing and multiple attempts, the EC Griffith Cup remains a elusive title missing from his resume.

2024–2025 has been another standout year for Lupton, adding two major accolades to his career:

Winner of the 100th running of the Masport Cup
Champion of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series

Preparation for the Griffith Cup campaign is already underway, including a new engine package for GP577. Known for his professionalism and meticulous approach, Lupton is determined to give this challenge everything he has.

Proudly sponsored by Lucas Oil, the Henderson built Hydroplane is scheduled to be shipped from Auckland to Melbourne in early March 2026.

Follow the journey:
Facebook: Ken Lupton Racing (New Page)
Web: www.hydrothunder.co.nz
Lucas Oil NZ
Club Mulwala

Weekend Review – Lake Maraetai, Mangakino (Round Two | Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series)

It was another solid weekend of racing at Lake Maraetai for Round Two of the Lucas Oil NZ Hydro Thunder Series. The weekend kicked off with Hot Laps, where a time of 32.32 secured us Pole 3 for Heat 1.

Heat 1 saw us bring it home in second place, finishing behind a flying Jack Lupton. Unfortunately, Heat 2 didn’t go our way, with a penalty issued after hitting a buoy.

Back on the water for Heat 3 on Day Two, it was another strong run and another second place finish.
Into the Grand Final, we got a great start but just didn’t quite have the outright speed to match Jack, crossing the line again in second place and moving into second place in the championship.

Huge congratulations to Jack Lupton on another win, great racing all weekend.

Next stop: Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel, for the AE Baker Cup and Round Three of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series, 10–11 January 2026. Bring it on!