With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world of its feet, most Motorsports events have been put on hold for the immediate future.

We caught up with John in a quick chat below. Before reading on, have a watch here at what exactly goes into navigating this incredibly fast supercharged V8 boat.

1) Can you introduce your team for us? 
Yeah we have two Jetsprint boats our team competes with.
Team 1. John Verry, The Link ECU Boat, Group B in NZ V8 Jet Sprinting Championship
Team 2. David Simmons, Blue Flame II, Superboat in NZ V8 Jet Sprinting Championship

2) Where are you based? What’s the COVID-19 situation like where you are? How has it affected you personally?
Both teams are based in Napier, NZ. Like everyone there is a fair amount of readjustment to do with the Covid lockdown. So far Dave and I have been involved in manufacturing medical equipment to help with the National recovery from the virus which has been a cool experience, contributing something useful.

3) How is your current season going? How has Covid-19 affected your race season?
Our season was cut short when the final round was cancelled due to lockdown. Dave has had this year off as we’re still rebuilding the superboat, but the Link ECU boat that I drive was ready to go. It’s my rookie year driving and we nailed our first podium at the last event; we were hoping to go one or two steps higher for the final round but it was not to be. Back to the drawing board and start making the boat faster and lighter for next season.

4) What engine and chassis combination are you running?
Blue Flame Superboat package: Modified LSA Chevy motor, vortech supercharger, dry sump, 2300cc injectors, running methanol. Est 1000Hp at the “wheels”! Boat hull is a Stinger
Link Boat Group B package is: L98 (say VE commodore V8) with mild cam and dry sump. Stock engine other than that, 520Hp and still loads of fun. Hull is a Stinger also.

5) Which ECU do the boats use? How much power and who is it tuned by?
Both boats use a Link G4+ Extreme – AWESOME bit of kit! Both tuned by Dave to 1000Hp (Superboat) or 520Hp (Group B boat)

6) What do you want to say to the fans over this enforced break?
Stay safe everyone, sorry we didn’t get to see you at the finals but we’ll be back stronger then ever next year. See you trackside!