Jet sprints, ditch racers or V8 Superboats, by any name the small and powerful—up to 1,400 hp in the Unlimited class—single-engine jet-propelled aluminum boats that rocket around narrow canal courses carved into the landscape are wild. Let’s face it, any boat that includes a roll cage, one that often comes in handy when the boats stray from the waterway, as required equipment promises to deliver rowdy action and some stellar photo opportunities.

Jet Sprint V8 Superboats aren’t designed to operate out of the water or in “mixed media”—but they can. Photo courtesy/copyright Sean Henshelwood/321 Ignition Media (click image to enlarge).

Courtesy of Sean Henshelwood, the media man for the 2015 Australian V8 Superboat Championships, the image above shows exactly what we’re talking about. And though the boat has momentarily abandoned the course for greener pastures, clearly the driver and co-pilot are focused on getting their ride back on course.

Speedonthewater.com is providing ongoing coverage of the 2015 Australian V8 Superboat Championships. Though it’s a bit out of the mainstream of what we cover, it’s good fun to follow—and the images are fantastic.

Next up for the series are Rounds No. 2 and No. 3 this weekend in Cabarita, New South Wales. Look for Henshelwood’s story on the site early next week.

Editor’s note: For up-to-the-moment images and video from this weekend’s event, check out the V8 Superboat Facebook page.

Related story: Australian Jet Boats Kick Off Superboat Season