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1999 Budweiser Columbia
Cup with Wings
RALPHS UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE THUNDER TOUR '99 PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS UNLIMITED LIGHT FINAL HEAT: Charley Wiggins gave an appreciative crowd an amazing "come from behind" final heat victory. Terry Troxel led the first two laps with Wiggins in the UL10 and Bo Schide in the UL16 close on his heels. Wiggins hooked in turn two of lap number two and Schide took over second place. On lap three in turn one, Troxell, in lane one, went wide forcing Schide farther out. Wiggins took advantage and grabed lane one and the lead. Wiggins led going away at the finish line with Schide second. UNLIMITED LIGHT FINAL HEAT RESULTS: FAST LAP: #2, UL10, Charley Wiggins, 106.988 UNLIMITED LIGHT NOTES: Current UL Final Heat Lineup: SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Saturday's Report: In Unlimited Light action, Phil Bononcini and Randy Haas scored surprising heat victories over series point leaders Bo Schide and Charley Wiggins. Heat 1A saw UL72 Graham Trucking presents Pocket Mechanic driver Phil Bononcini trail UL16 Alamo driver Bo Schide in the U16 for nearly three laps. Schide lost power on the final turn and Bononcini went on to win by a comfortable margin over second place finisher Rick Bridgeman, driving the UL17 Miss Ted's Red Apple Markets. Charley Wiggins, driver of the UL10 Freddie's Club Light, led most of Heat 1B while Randy Haas, in the UL110 Miss Comp-Air, worked his way up through the pack. At the apex of the final turn Haas, on the outside, pulled even with Wiggins. Then it was a drag race to the checkered flag with Haas as the victor with an average speed of 98.613 mph. It was a "must win" situation for Bo Schide in Heat 2A and he met the challenge. Schide's DNF in Heat 1A left him dangerously behind in points. A less than perfect finish could have possibly eliminated him from the Unlimited Light Final. Phil Bononcini scored his second Heat win of the day in impressive fashion. Bononcini led Heat 2B wire to wire. Winning by a comfortable margin. Unlimited Lights Heat 1 Results: Heat 1A Heat 1B Heat 2A Heat 2B FAST LAP: #1, UL72, Phil Bononcini, Pocket Mechanic, 102.068 mph SATURDAY SCHEDULE: FRIDAY: QUALIFYING RESULTS: Unlimited Lights: Possible entry: Budweiser Columbia Cup Schedule: 7 a.m.: Admission
gates open Hydros come in all sizes at Budweiser Columbia Cup The Tri-Cities’ hydroplane races and air show, which annually draws about 60,000people, is scheduled for the weekend of July 29-Aug. 1 in the Tri-Cities. This year, new entertainment performances means there are all sizes of hydros and plenty of fun for everybody. First, there’s the Unlimiteds, the turbine-powered big boats that
seem to almost sing asthey take the course at nearly 200 miles per hour.
A fleet of 13 are expected, with new drivers and teams all hunting for
the trophy. The biggest change is legendary driver Chip Hanauer
returning from retirement to pilot the U-100 Miss PICO. Then there’s the unlimited lights, smaller versions of the Unlimiteds, which are powered by automotive engines. Their roar shakes the ground when they attack the river. All sights are on two-time world champion Bo Schide in the UL-16 Alamo. The lights are sponsored by Graham Trucking. Last but not least are the tiny RC hydros, radio-controlled versions that race on the family fishing pond. Technically speaking, if they were full size, they would reach speeds of 480 miles per hour. They actually travel about 60 miles per hour - pretty good considering they are only one-eighth the size of their turbine-powered counterparts. Testing for this year’s Columbia Cup (the radio-controlled version) will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30. Racing will begin 10 a.m.Saturday. The races are free to watch with park admission. Also new to the hydro races is Hydrojamm ‘99 - Battle of the Bands. The rock ‘n roll contest will be held Friday and Saturday afternoon on a stage near the flag pole in Columbia Park.Winners are decided by crowd response. Overhead is the annual air show, sponsored by Robert Young Apartments and Suites. The headline act could be called “T-Bone and the Warthog.” T-Bone is the call sign for Major Jeff Lowery of the U.S. Air Force. His plane is the Warthog, technically named the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Air Force pilots have affectionately nicknamed the A-10 the Warthog because of its unique look and capabilities. The A-10 is designed for close range combat and support of ground troops.It is known for high maneuverability at low speeds and altitude. The Warthog will join five other acts in performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other events include the community luncheon, a good place for autographs and pictures as the teams roll into town; Hydro Golf, the annual tournament with owners and drivers; Pit Tours; and Fan Fair, a cool acre of entertainment concessions for all ages. Tickets are on sale at: Local Albertson’s stores, Tri-City Sun Marts and Uniquely Nor’west at the Broadmoor Park Outlet Mall. Or call G&B Select-A-Seat at 800-325-SEAT. The Columbia Center ticket booth opens July 16. Prices range from $12 to $40 for various passes, with three-day general admission going for $20. Ticket packages and hotel packages are available. Call the Tri-City Water Follies at 509-547-2203 for more information.
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