Last year, the U-787 Dreamliner hydro ran with Chip Hanauer driving the backup Elam hull. Boeing leased the hydro for the tests and promo value at Seafair last year and has continued to use the U-787 for various promotions on bio-fuels.
Now, Boeing is testing the bio-fuels in airlines. The Seattle Times ran a story about the successful results.
Biofuels pass aviation test with flying colors >>
SEATTLE TIMES
HYDROINSIDER.COM ARCHIVES...
Hydros go green >>
SEATTLE TIMES
VIDEO: U-787 tests on Lake Washington
The Syracuse Hydroplane Races are back! June 20 & 21, 2009 - This event, presented by the Updowntowners of Syracuse, in conjunction with the Central New York Hydroplane Association, has been sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association and the Canadian Boating Federation.
Big Events Coming to the 'Cuse >>
UPDOWNTOWNERS.COM
A popular site for powerboat and hydroplane races, Easter sunrise services, and concerts in its heyday, Miami Marine Stadium is fighting for its future. For nearly 17 years it has sat dormant, shut down in 1992 by City of Miami officials, who called it a money-losing venue with a companion water basin made obsolete by bigger and more powerful speedboats.
Since its closing, thestadium has become an abandoned monolith, a giant concrete canvas covered in graffiti. A dedicated band of preservationists and community activists who hopeto save it fear that if ambitious developers have their way, the structure will be razed to make room for new marina facilities.
Now, the restoration and development proposals put forth by a group of University of Miami School of Architecture students could help show the city why the structure is worth saving.
A lifeline for Miami Marine Stadium >>
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Video from Jack Lowe at the Long Sault Regatta. Click on the link below:
http://jacklowephotography.com/BoatRacing2009/LongSault/
This just in... the U-37 will also be on display June 5-7 in the Seattle area. It will most likely be left on tilt but it's a chance at a sneak peak of the new paint scheme.
64 Hydroplanes scheduled to run June 5th-7th in Seattle area >>
HYDROINSIDER.COM
For your enjoyment: Sea lions in Monterey, CA are in abundance right now. One guy went ashore, found a restroom and was found sitting on the toilet. Made for a funny story on our newscast tonight at KION-TV.A former hydroplane racing champion tried to burn down the Lemon Grove home of his ex-wife while she was sleeping inside and did the same thing at his stepdaughter's residence in Spring Valley, a prosecutor alleged Thursday.
Hydroplane Racer on Trial for Trying to Kill His Ex-Wife >>
SANDIEGO6.COM
We have some great news coming soon for this year that will really elevate us in the USA and abroad. It will come soon. We will have a great series, capped by the Oryx Cup/UIM World Championship in Doha, Qatar in November. There could be other venues after that- time and patience will tell.
Sam Cole in an open letter to fans on the ABRA website >>
ABRAHYDROPLANES.COM
Courtesy David Campbell, The Madison Courier
The Madison Regatta had what President Crystal McHargue termed a "very productive meeting" with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about debris problems that have plagued the race recently.McHargue, other Regatta officials and local legislators met with Corps officials last week to hammer out a solution to the recent problems. Also at the meeting were State Sen. Jim Lewis, D-Charlestown, State Rep. Dave Cheatham, D-North Vernon, Madison Mayor Tim Armstrong and representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., and U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.
Photo Courtesy of Craig Barney, Unlimiteds.net
Hydroplane Racing may well be one of the most photogenic sports in the world. Shiny race boats of all colors careening off shimmering sunlit waters beckons to photographers of all skill levels. Now the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association (ULHRA) has opened up their website with a call to those photographers.
Fan photos are being solicited at http://www.ulhra.org/ - ULHRA Inc. whose membership includes some of the best photographers in the business is inviting photographers, experienced or amateur, to submit their favorite photos for consideration as an addition to the Fan Photos webpage.
The hope is this will give hydroplane fans around the world a chance to see "other views" of the Unlimited Lights racing season. There is no charge to post and no compensation to the photographer. This is strictly a volunteer program and for entertainment purposes. On the website click on Photos in the left column and follow the links and instructions from there.
The 2009 season has been a busy year already for ULHRA in the area of camera work. Earlier this year, the ULHRA announced that Minox Camera is sponsoring the Photo Finish Award. At every regatta on the ULHRA 2009 national circuit, Minox will award a model 8022WP camera to the driver who wins the closest finish in first place. MINOX has also stepped up to become the first camera manufacturer to participate in the ULHRA’s Contingency Awards Program (CAP). This program equally rewards the top six participating teams in the final heat of all regattas on the ULHRA circuit.
The photographs chosen in the fan photo submission program will be shown on the website throughout the season and may also be used in the annual edition of Thunder & LIGHTS Magazine, the ULHRA newsstand publication.
SOURCE: ULHRA
Officers called to the scene as the plane landed found that it had come to a stop near a play structure at the park's south end, said Detective Mark Jamieson, a Seattle police spokesman. No injuries were reported at the park, a long, grassy rectangle popular during the Seafair hydroplane races.
Disabled plane lands at Seattle park >>
SeattlePI.com
The shell for the Thunder on the Ohio website is on-line now. View the work-in-progress here >>
The U-22 race team of Mike Webster and Webster Racing LLC is proud to announce today that it has secured SERVPRO INDUSTRIES, INC. as its primary sponsor for the Indiana Governor's Cup, July 4 – 6, in Madison, Indiana.
Founded in 1967, Servpro is a leading franchise for the clean up and restoration of fire, water, mold, and more. Servpro's professional network includes more than 1,300 franchises covering 49 states and has relationships with major insurance companies. It responds to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million dollar disasters affecting entire communities to those suffered by individual businesses and homeowners.
Duane and Nina Schmidt, owners of the Madison, Lawrenceberg, and Versailles franchise, are avid hydroplane fans and have attended the race for several years. "We're truly thrilled to be a part of this exciting event. Hydroplane racing is a Madison tradition."
Bluebird K7 was tragically ripped apart as pilot Donald Campbell, aged 45, made his final and fatal attempt at the water speed record while travelling at more than 300mph on January 4, 1967. The vessel, discovered in 2000 by diver Bill Smith after a painstaking four-year search, will be the focus of the world’s eyes once again as it aims to be ship-shape in 18 months’ time.
Campbell’s Bluebird to soar again on Coniston water >>
NORTHWEST EVENING MAIL
More info on the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum event >>
Ever wanted to take a ride in a vintage unlimited hydroplane? Always thought it would be waaay to expensive? Couldn't put in the hours down at the Museum to earn a ride? Well, now's your chance! For a mere Alexander Hamilton ($10 bill), you could win the ride of a lifetime!
Details at Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum website >>
Drawing is August 22nd; ride is October 3rd on Lake Chelan, WA
Jack Lowe has his trusty video camera out touring the country in search of hydroplane stories. Recently he caught up with Jimmy and Kelly Shane and has interviews with each on his website. Take a look at what both had to say: Jack Lowe Photography
VIDEO: Heat 1B >>
VIDEO: Heat 1C >>
ULHRA is looking for someone with experience photographing boat racing to help with the event coming up in July in Ocoama, South Dakota.
It's a volunteer position (ie- no pay), but ULHRA and HydroInsider.com will be glad to feature your work. If you can help out, please contact Linda Amundsen, ULHRA PR Director.
Email Linda >>
This year's celebrity lineup includes... Chip Hanauer, hydroplane racing Hall of Famer... hydroplane racers Brian Perkins and Kayleigh Perkins.
World Series pitcher Jeff Nelson joins lineup at San Juan Island Celebrity Golf Classic >>
SANJUANJOURNAL.COM
OK not hydros, but thought people might find it interesting none-the-less...
PHOTOS: Chris Denslow
View more photos and slideshows:
Chris Denslow photos of U-48 testing >>
Todd Tamayao photos of U-48 testing >>
Last year, he drove the U-50. But this season, Brian Perkins will drive the U-48, Greg O'Farrell's other boat. It appears the team will only run one boat this season.
"I'm still part of the team, and I will continue to drive," said David Williams on the Unlimitedsondown message board. Williams drove the U-48 last season. "Most of my time this summer I will be in the U-77 Miss Wahoo)."
"Brian is younger, faster, better looking (and heals faster too)," said Williams.
The 1952 film 'Where Rooster-tails Fly' shows the hydro racing tradition of Seafair. "The best drivers in the world are here (for the Gold Cup)... more than 300,000 people are in attendance, the largest crowd to ever watch a sporting event."
KIRO-TV
May 14, 2009
The U-5 and U-7 Formulaboats Unlimited hydroplanes will conduct pre season test sessions the weekend of June 20-21 at the Buckeye Cup Regatta just north of Coulmbus, Ohio.
The event consists of both current and vintage inboard hydroplanes, OPC race boats and other water related events. All the action will take place for the first time this summer at the Alum Creek State Park Reservoir.
For more information about this Father's Day weekend event, visit www.u5racing.com and www.buckeyecupregatta.com.
Please send us any photos or videos and we'll share them with everyone on HydroInsider. Thanks!
Thunder & LIGHTS Magazine brings you the 2009 Racing Season! Inside you will find history, stats and news. 112 pages of stunning photos, a Spectators Guide to following the races, Racing Venues with information on every race site along the ‘09 season, profiles of the Light’s Top Ten Drivers, and more!
On Newsstands $4.95 each. To order individual copies by mail within the U.S., please send $8.00 to cover cost of magazine and first class postage to:
Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association
375 East Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
International orders, please fax your request to (425) 557-8634. Please include name, address and an email contact.
International orders, please fax your request to (425) 557-8634. Please include name, address and an email contact.
Wed, May 13: Tickets for the Seafair hydroplane races and Blue Angels air show can be bought for just $6 on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on seafair.com or ticketmaster.com.
>> FROM SEATTLE TIMES
Thurs, May 14: U-48 will test on Lake Washington on Thursday, May 14th. Albert Lee Appliances will be major sponsor for the 48 and 50.
>> ABRA ON TWITTER
May 10, 2009Sponsor Announcement
Webster Racing LLC is proud to announce Matrix System Automotive Finishes will be the title sponsor for the U-22 for the 2009 race season.
Matrix has raised many eyebrows in the paint industry the last 10 years. Matrix System has successfully converted thousands of body shops nationwide to its premium paint line. Matrix's growth has been explosive and the reason is simple: Jobber and body shop owners get what they want- the rght products at the right price. Matrix System fits the bill, especially in today's cost conscious market!
Webster Racing will be joining the ABRA racing fleet for 2009 after spending the previous year rebuilding the hull, which was purchased from Ed Cooper of Evansville, Indiana. The hull has gone through major changes in converting it from the piston powered Allison to the T-55 Lycoming turbine.
The team is excited about its partnership with Matrix, who is a young and aggressive company committed to putting their products to the test. To learn more about Matrix go to their website and see the Matrix difference-- http://www.matrixsystem.com/.
McKay doesn’t define hydroplane racing as a dangerous sport, but doesn’t deny that it’s a tough one. “It’s physically demanding; especially a rough course, can do a number on you; it’s a bear,” he says. “Several forces are working against you, plus every half a second it’s like someone is hitting you on the head with a two-by-four.” For spectators, he says, it’s like watching a ballet, but inside the boat is more like football.
Belfair Hydroplane Racer Fulfills Childhood Dream >>
KITSAP SUN
KIRO 7 unveiled the 2009 Seafair Grand Marshals Friday morning. This year, for the festival's 60th anniversary, there are two: Former Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren and long-time Seafair hydroplane race announcer Pat O'Day.
2009 Seafair Grand Marshals Announced >>
KIRO-TV
Madison Regatta will feature racing on two separate days this year, but will have a more compact race schedule, the race chairman announced Wednesday.With a field of 12 Unlimited hydroplanes expected for the July 3-5 race, race chairman Pat Brooks opted to runs Heats 1A, 1B and 1C on Saturday, July 4 with the rest of competition set for Sunday, July 5. Madison has traditionally run all heats of racing on the same day.
Regatta promises tighter race schedule >>
MADISON COURIER
Madison Courier article by David Campbell
Madison Regatta will feature racing on two separate days this year, but will have a more compact race schedule, the race chairman announced Wednesday.
Read the entire Madison Courier story from Thursday May 7th here.
A reminder... this Saturday...
Dave Villwock - Brian Perkins - Kayleigh Perkins - Jeff Bernard - Chip Hanauer - David Williams - Nate Brown - Greg Hopp - Terry Troxell - Dr. Ken Muscatel - Scotty Pierce - J. Michael Kelly & JW Myers are all scheduled to be at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent, WA to try their hand at HydroMod Hydro Racing, as is being done on line by the Unlimited Hydroplane League.
More info >>
Many Metro Detroiters know it simply as the little blue building with the vintage Miss Pepsi hydroplane in the window on the far side of Belle Isle. The island's Dossin Great Lakes Museum houses our region's storied maritime history. Last Friday, the Detroit Historical Society hosted its fifth annual gala to raise funds for the museum, which exhibits one of the largest known collections of scale model ships in the world.
Event raises funds for Great Lakes museum >>
THE DETROIT NEWS
Put it on the hydro calendar. The U-48 is scheduled to be out on Lake Washington doing some test runs on May 14.
Organizers of Seattle’s annual Seafair event have cut prices on several of the summer institution’s most popular events.Tickets to the popular hydroplane races, the three-day air show that annually features the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, and the Seafair Torchlight 8K run have been cut to $6.
Seafair slashes ticket, entry fee prices >>
MSN Money/BizJournals
ABRA's Sam Cole:
"I just come back from Qatar. They'll be applying at the meeting this week to sanction the IUM World Championship for this November. Everything is in place for the APBA to sanction the event in Qatar."
APBA's Mark Weber:
"It's a good day in Powerboat Racing."
ABRA's Sam Cole:
"For the good of the sport, this is what we need to do."
APBA's Mark Weber:
"I want everyone under one roof. It's healthy for the sport. We got the Unlimited Lights back about six months ago, now the Unlimiteds are back."
ABRA's Sam Cole:
"I think it's long overdue. I'm really thrilled to be able to bring back the Martini Rossi trophy to our national champion... and work with APBA to promote boat racing around the world."
"Brings the tradition back. All of our drivers have come up through APBA inboard race, our officials comes from APBA. It's a natural progression."
"It looks to the future, but preserves the past."
APBA's Mark Weber:
"We think this is good for the boat racing industry. We move through challenging times in an industry that needs support right now. United we stand."
"Having Unlimiteds back within our organization, that's good. It will take some confusion out of the industry. "It shows a good strong relationship and confidence" for the industry and potential sponsors.
Should also help race sites by pooling insurance, thereby reducing costs.
In a joint announcement by the ABRA and APBA. After a five year separation, the two entitites have reached an agreement to make Unlimited Hydroplane racing part of the APBA.
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