SIXTEEN V8 jet sprint superboats will turn up the octane when they race in the Australian round of the 2016 championships on the Tweed in August.

Racing on a predefined course, boats can go from zero to 100kmh in under two seconds, while pulling up to six G Forces as they make up to 30 direction changes in 45-60 seconds of high adrenaline racing.

Three classes consisting of Entry Level (400-440 horse power), 400 class (600-700 horse power) and unlimited (700-2000 horse power) will thunder around the Round Mountain course near Cabarita, in a race to qualify for the finals.

Driver and team owner of H20 Thunder, Jeremy Kincaid, who races unlimited class V8 Superboat “Rogue”, said the sport had the excitement and speed of drag racing, coupled with the skill needed for rally racing.

“V8 jet sprinting is simply a fantastic sport as it boats adrenaline junky drivers who use their prowess to out manoeuvre their competition on a challenging water circuit,” he said.

“It comes down to the skill and finesse of the driver and navigator to find their way around a tight man-made channel.”

While Kincaid has only been racing for five years, he said he was basically born in a boat and had already taken out a class championship.

While racing success is important for Kincaid, he created H20 Thunder with the main aim of generating exposure for the sport.

“We want to improve the sport’s awareness so people can get involved and we want to assist teams in getting sponsorship,” Kincaid said.

“We want to grow the sport as at the moment, the sport doesn’t get a lot of sponsorship and we’re trying to change that.”

• The championship runs at the Round Mountain Rd, Round Mountain course from August 6-7. Gates open at 8.30am and tickets start at $25 on the gate. Visit http://www.afjsa.com/ for more.