By Patricia M. Darling, ULRS Commissioner

 April 20 '00

Spring is here--and with it the sights and sounds of lawnmowers and big block Chevys.  There are smells of new flowers--and freshly painted decks.  And the excitement is building, as our first race is just around the corner!  Please look for the new teams and help me welcome them to the circuit. 

At Havasu we have 10 teams on board, and another 4 who are trying to make the date.  We have the best ULRS prize package ever--which includes rooms at the River Palms Casino and Resort.  If you have not mailed in your RV application--do so immediately.  Without this form there will be NO parking place for your truck.  River Palms is very excited about sponsoring the Unlimited Lights, and will have a kick-off party at the Casino on Wednesday, May 17.  Seven (7) Light boats will be there on display.  Rob Brondell, Race Promoter and the Casino Administration will announce their support and lead the festivities in Laughlin, Nevada. 

Lake Sammamish: The Tastin' n Racin' Committee is working hard on putting on a first-class race.  Rick Sandstrom is Chief Referee, and Assistant will be David Cossette.  Peter Thomson will be UL Inspector, and Eric Stielau UL Rescue Director.  TNR has the full support of the UHRA and some Unlimiteds are expected to be on static display.  Check it out on on the web at www.tastinracin.com.

Detroit: Jim Garza has asked that you contact him in advance for your fuel needs.  He has also mentioned that the DYC (Detroit Yacht Club) insists that all crew members who come on their property be appropriately attired in uniform.  Last year we did use their docks for the Radio Corral and we certainly want to respect them, as well as protect our interest in the space.  PIT TOURS: On Thursday, we could have several bus loads of school children from the Detroit area Boys and Girls Clubs in our Pits.  I hope that our Hospitality Committee (all ULRS team wives and friends) will assist the Tour Leaders and give them lots of good "Light" information.

Evansville and Norfolk want to be back on the ULRS schedule in 2001. Their problems this year were internal and we applaud their interest in the ULRS for next year.

ROOSTERTAILS 2000 is being printed at this time.  It is a beautiful keepsake book, as well as a directory for the season.  The ULRS is delighted to be included--with photos and text on the Light teams.

Good luck on getting your sponsors for this season ... and be sure to let Chuck Moore know their names so they can be in the Press Releases. Speaking of Chuck--he is also webmaster for the Madison Regatta.  Madison has been sponsored by Belterra Resort and Casino this year and they are off and running.  We hope you didn't miss the "live" interviews of Madison's WORX that took place on the 13th of April.  If you missed them, we've reprinted them in this issue of the Beacon.  

This is shaping up to be a very strong season for the ULRS, and so many have made that possible. All the teams who are making the extra effort, the Board of Directors working hard -- especially on the Rules and Technical Committees and, most notably -- Cindy and Chuck Moore....who only sleep 3 hours a night!!

In this issue:
 
Page 1:
"10 to the 5..."
 
Page 2: 
"A Bright Future"

Page 3:
River Palms,
Racing Elsewhere?
& Chuck's Corner

Page 4:
1999 Season Review

Page 5:
Team Updates

Page 6 -11:
Interviews with
Phil Bononcini
JW Myers
Randy Haas
Bob Larimore
Rick Bridgeman
Charley Wiggins

Page 12:
2000 Schedule & 
Final Thoughts...