The crew will be hoping to start a dynasty to close the gap on six-time winner Hellrazor, which won its first title in 2002 and then four successive titles between 2010 and 2013.
With Mark Cranny at the wheel on all six occasions, the team was again the winner in 2015. Cranny has nine titles to his credit — in total — with a further three races won at the wheel of Hellbent (2005-06 and 2008).
The Mistress, driven by Zac Welch and with long-time competitor Leo Welch in the observer’s seat, will again tackle the Dubbo-based Superman team in the Baker’s Blitz and Superclass events.
Leo Welch won the 2016 instalment of the event from the driver’s seat and is plotting a repeat in the class that allows boats to travel at speeds up to 190 km/h.
The Mistress won the event with Moama’s Brian Griffin in the observer’s seat, Leo Welch at the wheel and with Zac Welch and Dylan Stevenson skiing behind the boat.
Griffin will this year observe for the Sapphire F1 team, which — according to most good judges — is closing the gap on the Superman crew.
Festivities for the 2022 Southern 80 commence on Thursday with the American Hotel launch, and then Breakfast with the Stars is at 7am at the Kerribee Soundshell in Moama on Friday.
Gates open at the Victoria Park finish line precinct at 7.00am on Saturday and racing starts at 8.00am, while Sunday will feature the main event with racing starting from 9:00am.
A 12-page guide to this weekend’s Southern 80 event is in Friday’s Riverine Herald.
