February 2002

Tentative 2002 schedule announced!

Teams are advised to keep August 31, September 1, 2 open at this time.
 

A few words from the ULHRA President...
"We now have two new boats being built.  One by Fabrication Specialties (Ron Jones Sr.) and one by Ron Jones Jr.   In a time of recession,  layoffs, and belt tightening,  it is encouraging to have the boat builders busy.   The support the teams have given us is the reason that we are committed to make this series work.     Thanks.   Joe"
 

Did you know?  A bit of series trivia!
Did you know that, in the history of the series, there has never been a repeat winner at the Detroit Automotive Gold Cup?

1996 - PLEASURE SEEKERS, Jimmy King
1997 - MISS AIRTOUCH CELLULAR, Mark Weber
1998 - THE ALAMO, Bo Schide
1999 - EARL'S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, Charley Wiggins
2000 - Bud/ Pocket Mechainc, Phil Bononcini
2001 - SRP/Village Idiot, Dave Bender
 

UL-525 Team Freedom Joins the Series
In 2002 we are pleased to announce that we will welcome UL-525 Team Freedom to the Unlimited Light fleet.  We were recently contacted by the San Diego based Team Freedom.  They joined the APBA and obtained the UL-525 designation.  The registered owner is Kevin Braun and Kevin Aylesworth will be behind the wheel for the team.  The two have been working with Ron Jones Sr. on getting the boat ready for the season and they're looking forward to testing in the next few months.

"The excitement in San Diego is unbelievable. W e have so much support from the San Diego Bayfair Regatta committee and all the fans that help put on the race." -  Kevin & Kevin Team Freedom

We here at the Unlimited Lights website welcome the new team to the fleet!
  

Chelan race airdate update!
The 2001 Freddie's Club Casino of Renton Cup at the Lake Chelan Hydro Fest has had it's initial airdate changed as Speedvision reorganizes itself into the all new Speed Network.  The Chelan race will air at 9:00 AM EST on Saturday, February 23.  Don't miss the initial broadcast of this great race!  Additional airdates scheduled at this time include 10:00 AM EST on February 28th and 10:00 AM EST on March 2nd.
 

More great ways to enter the series!
Gerald Theoret, owner of GP-7 Casino De Montreal, contacted us to say he's reduced the price of the Auld 95 from 65,000 U.S. to 55,000 U.S.  Additionally, the price of the Auld 91 has dropped from 53,000 U.S. to 35,000 U.S.  For both boats, the price includes the boat, skid fin, rudder, shaft and one prop.  No trailer is included.  Gerald also has also a spare F-16 canopy for sale at 2,500 U.S.

Daniel Mercier, owner of the GP-101 has his hull up for sale.  His GP-100 was sold to the UL-17 team recently.  His hull is offered at "around $50,000 U.S".  Included in this package is the boat , trailer , two cowlings, three skid fins, one rudder , dry sump system, shafts , props and other parts .  Mercier has bought a truck , a 5th wheel 38' trailer and a top alcohol dragster.

Here's a look at Daniel Mercier's hull.

If interested in either hull, please contact Marc Perrier.
He'll put you in touch with the correct individual.
 

Photos from the Seattle meetings!

Phil Bononcini, Kelly Stocklin and John O'Brien visit with Larry Lauterbach at the Inboard Banquet.	Phil taking a victory sip of Sprite from his High Points Trophy	Jody Patten admires Phil's trophy
Tracy Morgan trying to lift the trophy	ULHRA meetings (space needle in background). Gene Bender, Joe Frauenheim, Carl Haas and John O'Brien with John Lynch and Randy Hoyle in background	Regates de Vallefield organizers: Patrick Howard, Bernard Seguin, Michele Poirier

Our thanks are offered to Tracy Morgan and Particia Darling for these great photos!

A quick third set (and more on the way!)

Dave Brumpton (left) John O'Brien (right)	Carl, Randy and Carl	Another look at our Rookie of the Year

All photos take by Alan Lagervall who has our thanks!
 

Our second set of awards ceremony photos!

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The whole gang!	Patricia Darling, the "Light of the Lights", receives flowers from the series	Vince Xaudaro's team takes the stage
Wayne Howard, Jerry Hopp and Greg Hopp	Casey Jones presents an award to Jerry Hopp	Vince Xaudro is named the 2001 Rookie of the Year!

All photos take by Alan Lagervall who has our thanks!

Our first photos from the 2001 awards ceremony!

John Lynch The Voice of the Lights!	The 2001 Champions The Budweiser / Pocket Mechanic Team	Diane Patton, Official of the Year, stands beside Casey Jones
Greg and Jerry Hopp	John O'Brien and JC Courtright	What a great looking couple!
	ULHRA Commissioner Patricia Darling takes center stage

All photos take by Alan Lagervall who has our thanks!
  

 2001 Hydro-Prop Awards Banquest
Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers 

February 1, 2002 

The 2002 Hydro-Prop awards banquet opened with a few words by Laurie Vidal followed by a prayer by Jan Vidal of Motor Racing Outreach.  The banquet was next.  The food was accompanied by background video and music.  Steve Montgomery and Mark Evans took the stage at roughly 8:15 PM PST kicking off the official festivities.  Following a brief introduction by Dave Williams of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, there was a historical video which set the stage for the first awards of the night.

Following an Unlimited Light highlight video introduced by John Lynch, the 2001 awards began with the M&M Deli & Texaco Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Series:

	Unlimited Lights Sponsors of the Year:      Race Site - Graham Trucking      Team - Freddie's Club
	Unlimited Lights Official of the Year - Diane Patton
	Unlimited Lights Race Site Coordinator of the Year - Jim Garza
	Unlimited Lights Media Awards      Newspaper - Patti Payne, Eastside Journal       Radio - Tim McShane - KZOK       Television - Mike St. Amand - AeroFX Productions
	Unlimited Lights Race Site of the Year - Valleyfield
	Inspirational Award - Thunder Valley
	Unlimited Lights Series 5th Place - Doug McIntosh
	Unlimited Lights Series 4th Place - Dave Bender
	Unlimited Lights Series 2nd Place Driver - Haas Racing
	Unlimited Lights Series 2nd Place Team - Hopp Racing
	Unlimited Lights Rookie of the Year - Vince Xaudaro
	Unlimited Lights Series Sponsor - M&M Deli & Texaco - Matt & Marie Randish
	Unlimited Lights Driver Champion - Phil Bononcini
	Unlimited Lights Series Champion - Joe Frauenheim - UL-72 - Budweiser/Pocket Mechanic

Next, awards were presented to the Laughlin Formula One P.R.O.P. Tour presented by Bud Light.  Bart Garbrecht introduced the series with a 2001 highlight video.

	Larry Bowden Crew Performance Award - Fred Bowden Racing
	Jim Everett Award Presented for Outstanding Leadership - Mike Tilton
	Formula One Outstanding Marketing Sponsor of the Year - Telmex
	Formula One Series 3rd Place - Tim Seebold - Bud Light Racing
	Formula One Series 2nd Place - Terry Rinker - Rinker Boat Company
	Bob Gillman Memorial Trophy - F1 High-Point Champion - Greg Foster-Wendt Racing

Steve & Mark returned to the stage for the presentation of awards for the 2001 Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane series presented by Laughlin.  The Unlimiteds were introduced by a 2001 highlight video.  The Madison victory and the Tri-Cities phone book featuring the U-6 were discussed then the awards were handed out:

	Hydro-Prop Sponsor of the Year - Laughlin, Nevada accepted by Julian Dugas - LVCVA
	Commercial Race Sponsor of the Year - Belterra Casino accepted by Tony Steinhardt
	National Corporate Marketing Award - Anheuser-Bush accepted by Joe Samel
	Outstanding Race Site Promotion - General Motors Cup at Seafair accepted by Eric Radovich
	Race Site of the Year - Evansville, Indiana accepted by Tom Sawyer
	Outstanding Contribution to the Sport (presented by Bob Hughes) - Art Oberto
	Outstanding Newspaper Coverage - Danny O'Neill - Seattle Times
	Wayne Clapp, Association for Minorities in Motorsports, presented an award to Bart Garbrecht      and Hydro-Prop.  Harold Mills also spoke and Carlos Kuri was introduced.
	Unlimited Crew of the Year - Jones Racing accepted by Larry Hanson
	Unlimited Owner of the Year - Bill Wurster - U-8 Llumar Window Film
	Gar Wood Award - Gary Garbrecht and presented by Mike Jones
	Unlimited Series 3rd Place - Greg Hopp - Znetix 100
	Unlimited Series 2nd Place - Mark Weber - Miss EMCOR
	Unlimited High Point Driver Champion - Dave Villwock - Miss Budweiser
	Unlimited High Point Series Champion - Bernie Little - Miss Budweiser accepted by Joe Little
	Bernie Little Highpoint World Champion - Charlie Strang explained the Martini and Rossi trophy      is now the Bernie Little Highpoint World Championship Trophy. Joe Little received recognition      for Bernie.

Click here for updates from January, 2002.