UPDATES: Starting Rules, J. Michael Kelly injury, Qatar

The Madison Courier is reporting:

• Qualifying will again lead to lane assignments in Tri-Cities (ie - the pre-Detroit rules)
• J. Michael Kelly was on crutches for two days, but should be OK for Tri-Cities
• Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al Thani of Qatar is expected to be at Seafair to work on final details for the Unlimited race in Qatar later this year

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MADISON COURIER

Bremerton, WA ULHRA hydroplane set for inaugural run in Polson, MT

Bremerton, Wash. -based Unlimited Light hydroplane, the UL-35 McCloud’s Saloon, is set to compete in its inaugural race, Saturday at the Radio Waves Regatta on Flathead Lake near Polson, Mont.

Rookie driver Eric Christensen of Bremerton will steer the 23-foot Chevrolet 468-powered hydroplane onto the 1 ¼ -mile Flathead Lake course for the first time on Saturday among a fleet of 13 Unlimited Light boats. The two-day ULHRA-sanctioned regatta features a total of 40 hydroplanes in five separate boat classes.

“The UL-35 McCloud’s Saloon team is excited to finally hit the water – especially in Polson, Montana,” said Christensen, 27, a veteran small boat racer in the 4-Cylinder Lighter than Light class but first-year driver on the Unlimited Light circuit. “The Radio Waves Regatta has a reputation for being an exceptionally well-run event. The (Polson) community is very supportive of boat racing.”

The UL-35 McCloud’s Saloon boat is also supported by West Bay NAPA Auto Parts, AutoGlass Plus, and Auto Machine and Supply.

Crew Chief: Craig Villwock

PHOTOS: Lepinski Racing Team

From Chester Lepinski aka Chet the Jet