April 2002

Getting ready for the 2002 season!
Our inspector, Peter Thomson, has been busy getting the series scales recalibrated and tuning up the P&G tester. In addition, this season we have a "whistler" device to determine engine compression ratio (for supercharged engines).  Peter is willing to test any local engines prior to the races and is anticipating testing all engines and weighing all boats at the races.
 

Hopp Racing Team finds a new home on the web!
The UL-15 Hopp Racing Team's “new” web site is up and running... http://www.seanet.com/~hoppracing/ 

We hope throughout the 2002 unlimited light season, to update the site on a regular basis so our fans, families, sponsors, and friends can stay up to date on the team and Unlimited Light Hydroplane Association events.  This is a new and faster server that allows us more web space and better demographics.  We hope you enjoy the new site and bookmark us.

What are you waiting for? See you there!
Randy Hoyle- Hopp Racing Team
 

Unlimited Light Hydroplanes to be Featured on KIRO Channel 7
Tukwila, WA. -– The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association and KIRO Channel 7 in Seattle have announced a new television package that will feature ULHRA races, Sunday afternoons beginning at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). The races will air as part of KIRO’s four week long build up to the seven hour long live “Seafair” broadcast.

Coverage of the series events on KIRO begins with the season-opening event for the ULHRA, which will take place at Tastin-n-Racin’ at Washington’s Lake Sammamish State Park on June 8-9. This race will be televised on July 7th. Coverage continues with “Thunder at the Duck” from Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Kamsack

Saskatchewan which will be televised on July 14th. Valleyfield Quebec, the next stop on the ULHRA tour will air on July 21st, with the Detroit Gold Cup to follow on the 28th and Tricities Columbia Cup on Saturday the 3rd of August. On Sunday the 4th of August the “Lights” will be featured as part of the live Seafair Sunday broadcast.
The Sunday afternoon broadcasts of these selected ULHRA races will allow race fans ample opportunities to watch the races. Check local listings for more details. 

"The marketing value and competition of Unlimited Light racing, has never been better, and this new television package is a reflection of that fact," stated Pat Malara, ULHRA vice president and General Manager. "Our fans and our sponsors have asked for this type of programming. We are very confident that it will boost awareness of these racers and their sponsors, and benefit all of boat racing, it’s terrific exposure for everyone involved." 

KIRO Channel Seven, Seattle’s CBS affiliate, is currently available in over a million homes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. KIRO’s Seafair Sunday broadcast earned a 13.8 household rating and a 36 share in 2000.
 

2002 KIRO Television broadcast schedule announced!

Need capsule training?
If you are in the Washington state area, Diana & Nick Ehli have set up a capsule training session!  It has been set for April 21st from 12:00 to 4:00 PM PST.  You will need to call and make an appointment.  You can reach them at (253) 846-1739 between 7:00 and 9:00 PM PST.  You can also e-mail them at ndehli@earthlink.net.  The training session will take place at the Northshore Pool, 9815 NE 188th, Bothell, WA

What do you need to bring?  A helmet, air system, APBA Card, wear a swimsuit, an old pair of tennis shoes, and a t-shirt if you are not wearing a capsule suit.  If you wear a capsule suit or have floatation in your drivers suit you need to wear that.  If not Diana and Nick will have you wear a life jacket.  If you have any questions, please give them a call.
  

Thunder on the Duck!
One of our new races for the 2002 season will be at Kamsack, Saskatchewan Canada on June 22, 23.  The race will be held at the Provincial Park called The Duck.  It's the basis for the race's name, Thunder on the Duck!  

In anticipation of that race, promotion is already gearing up.  A radio commercial has been put together that will be running roughly 400 or more times prior to our race.  Interested in listening to the race promo on-line?  Just click here.  Be warned, this is a large file to download. 
 

A new story added to the History section of the site!
Fred Farley takes a look at the saga of Joe and Phil ... and the Budweiser/Pocket Mechanic in a new story we just posted to the history section of our site.
 

Just a quick reminder...
Drivers MUST have proof of their physical and capsule training BEFORE the first race they plan to drive.  UL drivers must have a physical exam every other year.  So drivers need to have capsule training and a physical every two years.  There can be no exceptions here.  Thanks!

 Click here for updates from March, 2002.