Glenn ‘Spider’ Roberts will end 2022 in third on the V8 Superboat Championship table after another strong performance at Temora in New South Wales.
Hitting the course under lights for round five of the competition on December 3, Roberts — who has Usher syndrome — produced one of his best night-time performances to date, finishing in fifth place in the Unlimited category on the day.
“I’m stoked,” Roberts said.
“I’m really happy with the result and I just hope that I’m able to maintain my third spot.
“I’m going to do a bit more work between now and the next round.”
The final round of 2022, Roberts pushed his boat to the limit, with the Waaia speedster admitting it might be time for an upgrade.
“I need to look at getting a faster boat,” he said.
"I compete against some guys that have big money, the top runners for example, you’re looking at over $300,000 worth of boats with the latest technology whereas I’m running on a boat that’s 14 years old now.“
With the race in Temora falling on International Day of People with Disability, Roberts welcomed a number of guests from Blind Sports and Recreation NSW-ACT into the pits, including world record-holder Ben Felten.
Felten — who holds the record for fastest motorcycle ever ridden blindfolded, and is 100 per cent blind — jumped in the navigator’s seat for a hot lap, with the experience providing Roberts with a whole new challenge.
“It was insane,” Roberts said.
“You’ve got to study the track rotation, as a driver you’ve got a navigator to support you if you get stuck.
“But for me to go as fast as I do I need to know that track rotation.
“When I was out there I didn’t even know I had Ben sitting beside me, I was just 100 per cent focussed.”
Adding to the successful weekend, Roberts also attended a civic reception attended by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, with the Waaia talent reflecting on a big year.
“Just to be able to get recognised and the change, I’m not just a jet boat driver but to actually go out and create that story that shows positivity it’s great,” he said.
Roberts will enjoy a well-earned break before the next round of competition, with round six set to be held on February 11 at Lake Wyangan in Griffith, NSW.