State of the Sport

1999 State of the Sport Report
By Commissioner Patricia M. Darling

Each and every member of the Unlimited Light family should look back at the 1999 Season with tremendous pride. Once again you put together a season of exciting, and extremely competitive, racing…and even though the Christmas Lights are fading - prospects for the Unlimited Lights are brighter than ever.

Consider boat count: 2 new boats are being constructed, there are 4 new teams being formed with plans to join our ranks over the next two years, and 5 or 6 hulls are being updated to comply with UL Rules. Our total inventory stands at over twenty ULs. From these we expect 3 to 4 to join the core 5 or 6 boats on the East Coast and 4 or 5 to be associates on the Western Swing. This is a significant and gratifying tangible commitment to the sport.

Consider race sites: All of the U.S. sites are back on the 2000 schedule, and although the Barrie race has been cancelled, people are working hard on Kelowna, plus some other U.S. venues.

Consider Media coverage: During the 1999 season, ESPN2 broadcast every single UL Final Heat. In addition, local television and other news media showcased individual teams and drivers, published interviews and photos and the Joyce Julius numbers on Unlimited Lights were solid. The new ulrs.org website has been especially successful, and tallied a smashing 55,000 visits in the non-racing month of November! Individual teams have created their own websites - another marketing tool for sponsors and a place for fans to visit and identify with. Unlimiteds Detroit, as well as other publications and websites, began giving UL summaries for the first time. Fans began to identify with drivers, as well as boats. The Press liked having Alamo and Bo Schide continually changing the lead with Charley Wiggins and Earl's all season. The Lights were competitive, and noisy, and fun!!! Sponsors liked what they saw and are coming back, and in several instances - coming back with increased commitment.

At the well attended "Winter Meetings" in Las Vegas, I established a Rules Committee, a Technical Assistance Committee, and a Hospitality Committee. In addition, I have appointed Cindy Moore as UL Administrator, and her husband Chuck Moore has accepted the role of Director of Communications. With the focus on growth and participation, and these resources, along with the support of the UHRA Commissioner and Director of Marketing and Sales, we will make 2000 a viable, and successful season for the Unlimited Lights.