WHEN someone is referred to as a loose cannon, it’s not always a positive appraisal.
For racing jet boats however, it’s almost the perfect description.
In this fast and furious sport that suits the motorsport-minded people of Sunraysia, Curlwaa’s Tyler Finch has two missions in mind.
One is to become a second-generation Australian V8 Superboats champion in his flying machine ‘Loose Cannon’.
The other is to take on the best in the world in January’s World Championship series in New Zealand.
Finch, 29, is emerging as one of the best drivers in Australia and is the current joint leader of the Australian V8 Superboats Unlimited series after winning the most recent round in Temora, with the final rounds to take place in the new year.
His father Dean was a two-time Australian champion in Unlimited class and once in the Group A 400 class.
“We’re looking to go to the world series in New Zealand at the start of next year, we’ve got a bit on unfinished business I suppose as last time we were there,” Finch said.
“Dad was racing and the engine blew up twice when we were there, so didn’t get a great run at it.
“We’re in a pretty good spot to have good finish there, probably in the top five boats in the world at the moment and any one of those five can probably win it, so it will be an interesting run over there.
“This will be my first go at it. In this current boat I’ve had just over a season in it, had two wins and a few seconds as well as a few mechanical issues early on.”
Team Loose Cannon consists of Finch and navigator Jarrod Ballard, Dean Finch as crew chief with Jordon Scheele, Chloe Scott and Marissa Demarco as the extended race crew.
Jet boats were one of the many motorsports that made their home in Mildura, with the course residing in the centre of the Sandilong Park horse racing track, however it has been some years since they were last held.
Purpose built tracks containing six or seven islands, full of bends and usually only 500mm in depth.
Teams using a driver and navigator aim to follow a set course in the fastest time possible, with acceleration of up to 125kmh in just metres, potentially pulling ‘6 Gs’ at times.
“Every track is different and the track directions are different every time you race,” Finch said.
“Different tracks are advantageous to different boats, my boat is more suited to open long tracks where I can wind it out a bit, but in saying that I’ve a fair few changes to the boat and have been going really well on the tight-turn tracks, too.
“Mine is a twin-turbo engine, which is probably the most powerful one out there at the moment, about 1500 horse power.”
The team have made almost every modification to the boat themselves, with Finch being a fitter and turner by trade.
“It’s definitely a big help having Dad help with set up of the boat and the racing in general,” he said.
“I was definitely always interested in it, and the big thing we have the advantage of is we do a fair bit of engineering on the boat ourselves.
“I feel the point where I’m getting to now, if you can’t do it yourself that’s probably what’s holding you back.
“I’ve taught myself how to make carbon fibre components and stuff… I’d hate to be paying for someone to do the amount of work we’ve done on it.”
A venture to the world series however won’t be cheap, and the team is hoping to attract more local support to make the Trans Tasman voyage for the world titles.
“We’re very thankful to the sponsors we have but hoping we can get some extra support as well,” Finch said.
“I think we’re a good representation of the area being a big motorsport hot spot.”
For more details or to follow their progress follow Loose Cannon Racing on Facebook.
