Developed as a part of the Diesel and Dirt Derby, an event that features country motorsports such as tractor pulls, buggy racing and a header demolition derby, the Keith jet boat track has previously hosted rounds of the Australian V8 Superboats series in conjunction with the Derby.

The volunteers from Keith & Tintinara District Show Society added jet boat racing to their annual show in 2014, one year after the birth of the Derby, deciding to dig trenches in an open paddock to create the arena.

Now a world-class facility, the event has previously attracted almost 12,000 people to the show – roughly 10 times the town’s population.

The Championship will start at 9am on Saturday 8 October, with adult tickets to both the show and jet boats costing $30.

The show will also feature attractions such as tractor pulling, agricultural exhibits and competitions, yard dog and dog jumping competitions, and the popular speed shear competition.

After cancellations in 2020 and 2021, locals are eager to bring crowd-favourite events, attractions and competitions back to the show.

Keith and Tintinara District Show president Ian Schulz thanked the more than 20 volunteers for their work preparing the showgrounds and Spitwater Arena jet boat track.

“We are preparing for the show, vendors and stalls, jet boats and a tractor pull as well as everything else,” he said.

“It is good to have the volunteers helping get everything ready, there is a lot to do, but everyone is working hard to get it done.”

Spitwater Arena was originally developed as a fundraiser for the once struggling show but has since become a staple in the V8 calendar, as well as hosting World Series Racing.

Keith hosted the 2018 Penrite UIM World Series, an event that featured 46 boats across International Group A and Unlimited Superboats classes including teams from New Zealand and the United States.

The World Series is held every two years, with the 2018 event the first time Australia had hosted since 2010.

Australian Phonsy Mullin took honours in the event, claiming his first world title after securing the win in a final at Cabarita Beach. Mullin reigns as champion in the Unlimited Superboats, the eight-time Australian champion again top of the table as round three approaches.

The Superboat series has experienced a difficult two years off the back of COVID-19, in Keith and in Australia, but the new season has resumed with the usual excitement.

After an interrupted and shortened 2021 season, the Superboats will return to Keith and Spitwater Arena aiming for a fresh start.

The arena will feature round three of the 2022 season after hosting both the opening and final rounds of the 2021 season.

 The competition features three divisions as well as a junior competition with the Unlimited and 400 Class recognised as international categories.