Under lights: Glenn '’Spider’' Roberts in action at Temora in early November. Photo: Rolf Stanisch
Photo by
Rolf Stanisch
It has been a big few weeks for Waaia speedster Glenn ‘‘Spider’’ Roberts, with the talented V8 Superboat driver continuing his mid-season charge.
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Currently sitting in third on the 2022 Australian V8 Superboats Championships ladder in the Unlimited Superboat category, Roberts is in touching distance of a career-best end-of-season finish.
Producing an impressive performance under lights at Temora in round four of competition on Saturday, November 5, Roberts made his way through the tricky conditions alongside navigator James Parsons to produce a fifth-placed finish.
Living with Usher Syndrome, a genetic disease that affects hearing and vision, racing under lights proved to be a challenge, however, it was one Roberts was able to overcome.
“That was probably the fastest I’ve been under lights ever,” Roberts said.
“Driving under lights was interesting, I actually had an umbrella with me on the ramp just to shield the headlights because of the angle they were on the ramp, but once I got out on the track I was quite okay with it.”
Guest speaking: Glenn Roberts spoke at the Dining in the Dark charity dinner in Penrith on November 12. Photo: Terry McCallum
Photo by
Terry McCallum Photography
With three rounds left of the 2022-23 season, another positive result this weekend will put Roberts in the box seat for a podium end to the season.
In more positive news for the racer, fourth-placed Rob Coley will not be racing this weekend, taking his talents to New Zealand, therefore allowing Roberts to extend his lead.
“We’ve got three rounds left, we’re actually racing this weekend in Temora again under lights,” Roberts said.
“It would be good to get more points to create that buffer zone between third and fourth.”
Along with his exploits on the track, Roberts entered the world of public speaking on Saturday November 12, sharing his story in Penrith, NSW at the ‘‘Dining in the Dark’’ charity event.
“That was a successful night,” he said.
“There was 70 guests there and we raised just shy of $10,000 for the night.
“I spoke about my childhood, having hearing aids growing up, when I got diagnosed with the Ushers and playing football.”
Alongside the racing this weekend, Roberts will take a number of people for a hot lap in his boat, with Saturday’s race falling on International Day of People with Disability.
One of the people set to hit the water is Ben Felton, who currently holds the world record for the fastest blind person on a road bike.
Meanwhile, another punter will hit the water for a joyride after donating $1000 to charity for the honour.
A positive result on Saturday will go some way to securing a top three championship finish, with two rounds to go after the second Temora race.
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