A Weekend of Grit, Resilience, and History at the EC Griffith Cup

The EC Griffith Cup weekend delivered exactly what hydroplane racing is known for - raw power, technical precision, and the unpredictable challenges that come with pushing machines to their limits. As proud sponsors of the National Drivers Championship, supporting both Hydroplanes and B.A.D Boats, as well as long-time partner Ken Lupton, Lucas Oil was right at the heart of one of the most significant weekends on the Australian hydroplane racing calendar.

Racing That Tests More Than Speed

The EC Griffith Cup is never an easy title to chase. Tight racing, demanding conditions, and mechanical stress mean success requires more than just outright pace - it demands preparation, adaptability, and resilience.

For Ken Lupton, the weekend presented its fair share of challenges. Despite strong competitiveness, a sudden engine issue ultimately prevented a full charge for the EC Griffith Cup title. In hydroplane racing, as in motorsport everywhere, performance is often decided by the smallest of mechanical margins - and this weekend was a clear reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be. However, we are still proud to say that a Lucas Oil boat came away with the trophy. A massive congratulations to Grant Harrison (GP1) for his 10th EC Griffith Cup win!

A Historic ANZAC Trophy Victory

While the EC Griffith Cup wasn’t to be, the weekend still delivered a landmark moment. Ken Lupton claimed victory in the ANZAC Trophy, marking the first time a Kiwi driver has ever won the title — a result that will stand proudly in New Zealand racing history.

The ANZAC Trophy is a race that carries deep meaning on both sides of the Tasman, and securing that win underlined not only Ken’s determination but the level of performance the team was able to extract under pressure. It was a result earned through perseverance, experience, and the refusal to let setbacks define the weekend.

Backing Performance Across the Fleet

As a key sponsor of the National Drivers Championship, Lucas Oil is proud to support the drivers, teams, and boats that make hydroplane racing what it is, from top-tier hydroplanes to the B.A.D Boats that bring depth, variety, and intensity to the championship.

These events highlight exactly why preparation and reliability matter. The demands placed on engines in hydroplane racing are extreme, and every pass puts systems under stress. At Lucas Oil, that relentless pursuit of performance and protection is what drives everything we do — on the water, in the workshop, and across every product we stand behind.

Looking Ahead

The EC Griffith Cup weekend showcased the highs and lows of elite-level racing. While trophy celebrations didn’t come in the form expected, walking away with a historic ANZAC Trophy win ensured the weekend will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Ken Lupton’s result adds an important chapter to Kiwi motorsport history, and the National Drivers Championship continues to deliver the kind of racing that proves why this series commands so much respect.

Lucas Oil remains proud to support the drivers, teams, and machines that keep pushing the limits - and we look forward to what the rest of the season has in store.