Episode 33 - Chris Palmer promoter of the Australian BAD Boat Championship

In this edition of Powerboat Talk, I extend a warm welcome to Chris Palmer, the distinguished Australian Champion Circle Boat Racer and the driving force behind the Australian BAD Boat Championship.
The Australian Blown Alcohol Displacement (BAD) boats stand out as some of the most exciting boats in sprint boat racing. Propelled by engines boasting over 2000 horsepower and up to 600 cubic inches, these v-bottomed v-drives navigate tight courses on the challenging, narrow rivers scattered across Australia.
As a side note, I learned that in Australia, flat bottoms and V-bottoms are classified as displacement hulls because of their capacity to displace water-pushing it aside-as opposed to tunnel boats and hydros, which glide over the water's surface.
This year's championship marks a continuation of Palmer’s USA vs. Australia B.A.D. Boat Challenge, initiated in 2007. Regrettably, none of the U.S. based K-boat teams could make the journey Down Under for the 2024 event. The first round of the competition is slated for January 20-21 in Windsor, New South Wales, while the final round will culminate the next weekend, January 27-28, in Berri, South Australia. You can watch a livestream of the event on the event’s Facebook page Australian BAD Boat Championship
Throughout the episode, we delve into the number of distinctions between Australian and American circle boats and racing. Palmer sheds light on Australia's recent tragic losses of racing legends and the nation's newfound commitment to safety, exemplified by the legislating of mandatory safety cells in the upper echelons of displacement hulls.
Additionally, Palmer reflects on his family's rich history in racing and narrates his personal journey from driving hydros to conquering BAD boats, securing Australia’s coveted Marj Watson Trophy on five occasions.
A fascinating revelation surfaces in the episode as Palmer recounts his past involvement in Judo, sharing stories of training across the globe. He boasts a collection of multiple International, Continental, and National championships and currently serves as a coach at the Ulverstone Judo Club.
You can follow Chris Palmer on Facebook @Chris Palmers Outlaw Racing
You can follow the event on Facebook @Australian BAD Boat Championship and on Instagram @AUSPowerboat Promotions
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[@justinwaldie448]

Fantastic interview great work Chris 👌

[@ianmcleod3631]

I live bout 10 mile from Berri and I can "feel" the noise from my joint, this years event was massive 10,000 hp screming past yuh from 60 yards away on each event.

[@Staggy33]

Have to agree with his Berri comments on the boats coming past the bank. Every single time im like 'holy shit how good is this'. Hopefully some USA boats make it over next time.

[@generalsandnapoleon]

Nice work, Joe and Chris!

[@powerboat_talk]

Thanks Johnny!!

[@tgward313]

hope 'madness' is at Berri this weekend

[@ianmcleod3631]

You were obviously there ole mate broke down on pit corner and Reckless took the flag

[@tgward313]

reckon outlaw also had some bad luck - sounded like the(2nd ?) engine was working against itself - sounded crackle y (pro terminology there😆) - nice noisy weekend with lots of big boats @@ianmcleod3631

[@tgward313]

@@ianmcleod3631 yep outlaw was running rough but still going for it - lots of noise and power - great weekend

[@Staggy33]

@@tgward313 Outlaw ran last weekend and was running spot on. But snapped prop shaft on the sunday arvo :(

[@user-mp4ei1yi4c]

Great and interesting PC you answered the question as to why US is not out here for these champs.

[@powerboat_talk]

Thanks for the input and thanks for listening.