Potchefstroom adrenaline junkies and water sport enthusiasts can look forward to top-class powerboat racing at the Pellie Smith North West Circuit Shootout, taking place at Potchefstroom Dam on Saturday, November 7.

The event will provide an opportunity for competitors to qualify for North West provincial colours in circuit racing, while introducing new development racers to the sport.

It will also serve as an interclub championship between the High Performance Inflatable Boat Club (HPIBC) of North West and the Zodiac Club from Gauteng, bringing competitors from both provinces together to compete for club honours.

North West has a proud powerboat racing history, spanning World Championship titles, family legacies and personal tragedy. With a new generation of Protea racers emerging, the province’s racing tradition continues.

Seventeen years after a serious racing accident ended Phil Louw’s competitive career, his son, Jean Louw, earned Protea colours and represented South Africa alongside Eduan van Niekerk at the 2026 International Inflatable Super Series in Cape Town from September 25 to October 3.

Competing in Jean’s BOATSSA-sponsored racing boat, No. 71, the pair tackled surf, circuit and longhaul racing against international opposition.

Their achievement adds to the province’s international success. In 2024, Renier le Roux and Jan Human became P750 Modified World Champions.

Brothers Gordon and Donovan Butler previously earned Protea colours and won World Championship titles in both 2009 and 2010. Fellow North West racer Jaqua Turner finished second overall at the 2009 World Championship.

Tragically, Gordon and Donovan later died in separate motorcycle accidents. Their legacy continues through their brother, Edwin Butler, and his son, William, who race as the Butler Boys. Edwin’s daughter, Ashley, has also entered the sport.

After recovering from injuries sustained while racing with Jean in 2025, Ashley teamed up with Senshe Smith, daughter of former Formula 1 powerboat racer Vernon Smith. Vernon became a South African F1 champion between 1999 and 2004, taking the title from renowned racer Pieter Lindenberg, a 15-time South African champion.

Senshe’s mother, Maurien Smith, also made her mark in powerboat racing, winning the 2003 Inland Series in the P750 Thundercat Inflatable Standard Class.

North West’s earlier champions include Phil Louw, a three-time Protea representative who won the Individual Circuit World Championship in 2005 and the Longhaul World Championship in 2006.

His co-pilot, Kata “Bigboy” van Wyk, became the first Black South African to earn Protea colours in P750 Thundercat racing and was named Best Co-Pilot at the 2005 World Championship. In 2006, Randel Koopman also earned national colours, partnering Louw to the Longhaul World Championship title.

Both Van Wyk and Koopman progressed through a development programme. Today, Heinrich Cloete and Phil Louw continue this work through HPIBC, chaired by Etienne Cloete, developing junior racers and creating opportunities in underprivileged communities.

North West also contributes experienced international officials. Phil served as Officer of the Day in two disciplines at the 2024 World Championship, while his wife, Lisbe Louw, a qualified Officer of the Day, held a senior secretariat role and later officiated at the 2026 International Series.

Enquiries: Etienne Cloete, HPIBC president/chairman, on 078 802 6449 or Heinrich Cloete on 067 884 7751.