News from December 2003 Paul Droullard ends four year odyssey with success! One of the most asked questions over the past two years of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association has been, "where's Droullard? As in Paul Droullard. The good news is, Paul's 4 year odyssey is heading toward a successful conclusion. Yes, the UL9 is about to launch. Or as Bullwinkle Moose used to say when he really meant to pull a rabbit out of his hat, "This time for sure....PRESTO!" The closest Bullwinkle got was Rocket J. Squirrel. For Paul Droullard, it'll be his brand new American Eagle.....not out of a hat, but out of 4 years of sweat, toil, exhilaration, frustration, and of course.......money.
Droullard competed in 1995 when the series was renamed Unlimited Lights. From 1996 to 1999 he raced in APBA Region 10 competition in the 5 liter and National Modified classes. Also in 1999, he took his renumbered National Modified, the UL-9 and competed with the Unlimited Lights in the season ending race at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Now, in 2004, Droullard returns with the completion of his "labor of love". This mostly self-built hull, utilizing components from Ron Jones Jr, was originally planned to debut in 2001. Droullard found what others have found. Building a new UL hull can be quite a lengthy spare time project. Utilizing assistance from
Why build a new boat himself? Droullard says, as you might already have guessed, money was a primary answer. Several years ago he developed a sponsorship with the Hexcel Corp. and ultimately received sufficient materials in order to build an Unlimited Light. Still, materials are one thing; building a boat is another, and on a part time calendar, days & weeks & months fly by. The new hull is 25 feet in length and will be powered by an Ed Trihey supercharged 468 cubic inch engine. Droullard notes that 2003 UL Champion Jerry Hopp also runs a supercharged Trihey engine. All through this project obstructions appeared in Droullard's path, including the loss of shop space for about 4 months, and various construction delays that couldn't be avoided. Still, in the winter of 2003, Droullard was confident he'd be racing last summer as the hull and trailer went to the paint shop. Progress was made, but in the end one more surprise kept the UL9 American Eagle on shore. The windows, first time designed and built for a new style cockpit, didn't fit properly and had to be re-engineered. So, here we are in the winter of 2004. The Trihey motor is done, and will be installed in January. The re-engineered windows are done and will be installed after the engine. And in March, or certainly at Spring Training in May, the long awaited re-debut of Paul Droullard behind the wheel of his own American Eagle Unlimited Light will take place. After all that's gone on, Droullard realizes the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a bullet train...it's what he's labored 4 years to achieve. When you come to the races in 2004, that bright flash of light you'll see is probably the reflection off a big Paul Droullard smile from the pit area of the Amercan Eagle. But if you think after 4 years Droullard will be satisfied with just getting to the races, the competitor inside will say, "you got another think, comin". John Lynch Sponsorship opportunities are available with the American Eagle team. Contact
gnh9@aol.com Happy Holidays from the ULHRA!
"I would like to wish a very Happy Holiday to everyone in the ULHRA, our fans and friends of the series. It has been a rewarding year of unprecedented series growth. I look forward to what 2004 will bring for the series. Together will we continue to add to our fleet and put on the best races in the country. I have always felt that those that play together stay together. As our family grows lets not lose touch with each other." - Pat Malara - ULHRA Vice President
Patricia Darling discusses the UL-19 and talks with John Tietz What a fine lady! The UL 19 hull ending this season belonged to Joe Taggart, famed driver of the famed Slo-Mo IV and the man responsible for bringing the Gold Cup to Seattle. At Seafair, 2001, Joe was in Seattle to attend all the festivities, and to be honored by the Hydroplane Museum. While in the Pits, he looked at the blue boat and remarked, "Hmmm, that one looks familiar." He added, "It's not quite the same but I like the looks of it." Joe passed on this year, but his former boat lives on, even though it has a "For Sale" sign on it. John Tietz is a partner in this boat and I called him this week just to see how things are going. He said he still has a financial interest in the boat, though he is not involved in the new boat program. He also said he was very satisfied at the accomplishments the team had made and pleased he could have been part of the many successes. However, much as he loved the racing, his business in Coeur d'Alene suffered during his absences and he and Connie needed to take a step back. They had some Summer downs and Autumn flats, but he does report that Winter is looking up a bit. I also asked John about the possibility of having a race on Lake Coeur d'Alene. His opinion is that it could happen, and he is ever hopeful, but he thinks the right people would need to get involved and it would take quite a bit of time and effort. John and Connie don't have any predictions on what the future might hold for them and they will just work, and wait, and see. They both feel very much a part of the Unlimited Lights' family and do NOT want that to change in any way. For now, the Tietz family is happy, healthy and wishing everyone Happy Holidays! Your roving reporter,
With Steve Hook at the wheel for the past two seasons, the UL19 team garnered 4th place in the 2002 ULHRA Season Championship, and followed that success against stronger competition in 2003 with a solid 5th place as the leader of the 4 team Microsoft group, racing as the Windows SharePoint Services. Running the season on one engine, till it let go in San Diego, the team continually piled up points and at one point was challenging for the points lead. This despite a boat designed for GNH competition a decade before the Unlimited Lights were born. Now, the dependable 1985 Ron Jones Sr. hull is for sale, and will likely find itself handled by a third ownership in the Unlimited Light series. The hull was the original Pocket Mechanic that Phil Bononcini and Joe Frauenheim acquired to enter the series in the mid 90's, prior to Ron Jones building their phenomenally successful UL72. Last winter, Eckenberg directed some hull changes that improved the boat's performance over 2002, and in fact, till the oil gasket failure occurred in San Diego and "blew" the engine, the UL19 was a solid 3rd in the points. Eckenberg says that Ron Jones told him last summer that they were getting more out of the "19" than Jones thought that hull possessed. Eckenberg says if this new boat opportunity hadn't presented itself, he had a couple more "tricks" he wanted to add to the hull for 2004, and he'll reveal those to the next owner. At this writing new ownership for the existing hull hasn't stepped forward with a "check": But there's plenty of interest, from as far away as California and Ohio. Check the listing found at this website's FOR SALE section. The co-owners, Tom Eckenberg and John Tietz are ending their successful 3 year association, which actually began prior to their joining the ULHRA in 2001 when both men were part of the late Bob Fendler's turbine powered Unlimited Hydroplane team. Due to business opportunities in his hometown of Couer D' Alene, Idaho, Tietz has decided not to continue with the UL19 program. Patti Darling will have more in a report on John Tietz to be posted here, soon. Eckenberg, driver Steve Hook, and the UL19 team are now engrossed in preparation for delivery of a brand new Unlimited Light. We've reported previously that first, 3, then 4 brand new hulls will debut with the Lights in 2l004. Make that 5, with this new Dale Van Wierengen creation. Time is tight as the deal to build the new boat was completed just before Thanksgiving, and Spring Training for the "Lights" is in May. But the excitement this team feels is evident. Now, with a 26 foot state of the art hull, and very reliable normally aspirated power, this team believes they can compete with the best the ULHRA has to offer. And, says owner Eckenberg, if sufficient sponsorships develop, they'd like to enter the 2004 season with supercharged horsepower. So far, in Eckenberg's words, "we are out there knocking on doors, and even a few have let us in. I do feel very confident that we will come up with something for next year. Steve Hook has worked very hard on our package and we are getting some local help here in Everett" (Eckenberg's home town of Everett, Washington) The crew is actively involved in the construction phase. While builder Van Wierengen is now laying up the bottom of the boat, newly promoted Crew Chief and "Fab Guy" John Godfrey is bending steel for the roll cage and welding numerous mounts and brackets, as well as taking charge of constructing the new trailer. Crewmen Rick Carlson and Steve Davidson remain with the team and both are very active in maintaining the boat at race sites. Bruce Townsend will stay aboard as tow rig driver and crewman. Driver Steve Hook, who joined this team a week before the 2002 season opener, is another key member of this team. Like all of the UL teams, this UL19 crew is talented, and they have a good time racing together. But maybe this team enjoys the experience just a bit more than some. The certainly lead the league in nicknames, starting with (obviously) Hooker (driver Steve Hook), Ghee (Crew Chief John Godfrey) Rick (Madge) Carlson, all the way up to owner Tom (Big Bubbah) Eckenberg. While looking ahead eagerly, driver Hook also looks back with appreciation and great memories. He said In 2004, a new chapter begins for the UL19 team. They face the challenge of "dialing in" a new hull, and may also embark with new supercharged power. If they can keep their record of reliability, while increasing their competitive capability, don't be surprised to see Big Bubbah, Ghee, Madge and the Hooker hoisting a victory trophy in 2004. John Lynch Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Tom
Eckenberg. Seafair Boat Club
announces New Years Eve party! Little Bill is a great dance band that has played in the Northwest music scene for almost 50 yrs and does a great mix of rock and roll tunes. The cost is $25.00 per person if you are a Seafair Boat Club member and $40.00 per person if you're not. If you join the Seafair Boat Club (membership is $20.00), you can save! With your membership you receive a monthly newsletter, heads up info on the Hydroplane Museum, Unlimited racing and more! This years theme for the event is "Winter Wonderland" and the dress is black tie optional. Questions or reservations can be made by e-mailing 49jmiller@msn.com. The Executive Inn also has rooms available at $95.00 per night as space allows. Please mention "Seafair Boat Club" when booking a room. You can visit the Seafair Boat Club on the web at www.seafairboatclub.org! The Seafair Boat Club was officially formed
September 16, 1975 and is the family group whose primary responsibility is to
support the water oriented activities of Seafair.
These responsibilities include the Milk Carton Derby, the General Motors Cup at
Seafair Hydroplane Race and the Special Peoples' Holiday Cruise in December. The
club organizes and brings together some 2,000 volunteers to accomplish these
tasks. Reporting back from the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum Bo and Patricia Darling attended the annual Hydroplane Museum dinner on Saturday and filed this report... "There were more than 200 people in attendance!!! The featured speakers were Mitch and Mark Evans, though Mark did not make it as he had just had some additional surgery on his leg. Mitch said he was NOT the speaker in the family, but he did a fine job. He is still basking in the glow of the U-3 victories this season and shared stories of the Gold Cup win as well as some humorous tales of his and Mark's adventures making the "Madison" movie. He noted on several occasions how great it would be to run races that would include the Vintage boats as well as the automotive powered boats. The Museum itself is a dream come true for so many folks. It is a wonderfully large facility, with separate areas and rooms for engine building, hull restoration, offices, TWO restrooms, and a great display area. Congratulations to David Williams who has spearheaded the effort and to all the owners and volunteers who have invested so much to achieve this end. The ULHRA's own George Greer was one of those feted as he is crew chief of the 'Miss Burien'." Visit the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum on the web at www.thunderboats.org! Patricia M. Darling It's true! Bononcini will not go for 5 in a row
The active father is a volunteer sports coach, but found it difficult to coach and race because of the time commitment needed to compete on the ULHRA circuit. He's a partner and co-owner of the Impact Racing team with Joe Frauenheim. Impact campaigns both the UL72 and added the UL51 with George Woods driving, in 2003. Bononcini and Frauenheim are also business partners at Pile Contractors, based in Issaquah WA.
In the meantime, Phil Bononcini steps away from driving with a tremendous record of success. He's tied with Bo Schide for most race victories in Unlimited Lights competition, 12, and is the only 4 time driving champion; a feat he accomplished consecutively from 2000 through 2003. John Lynch Port Angeles:
Victoria Express, Harmon honored by hydroplane association
Victoria Express was the major sponsor of the Strait Thunder Unlimited Light Hydroplane Races in Port Angeles Harbor in early October The award was presented at the ULHRA's annual meeting Nov. 22 at the Grand Central Casino in Tukwila. ``In all honesty, the award goes to the staff that I am so fortunate to work with,'' said Harmon. The award came as a complete surprise to Harmon and his wife, Terri. They were attending the dinner meeting along with Bob Harbick, owner of Five SeaSuns Bed & Breakfast in Port Angeles and president of the nonprofit Peninsula Water Sports Association, which organized the Strait Thunder races. When the award was announced in a room packed with owners, racers and their spouses, ``Terri and I were speechless -- Bob knew the entire time but never let on,'' said Harmon. ``When (ULHRA Executive Vice President and General Manager) Pat Malara started to announce the award, the entire audience stood and applauded. ``It was amazing -- and for one of the few times in my life I was speechless. I accepted the award on behalf of our community. Click
here for the full on-line story! Patricia Darling reflects
on the ULHRA Annual Meeting Recently elected Board members Vince Xaudaro, Kelly Stocklin and Jerry Hopp joined President Joe Frauenheim in welcoming brand new member Kevin Aylesworth. Missing and missed were the Haas and Bender teams. They were original UL members....and earned a round of applause. Olympia PowerBoat Commodore Shawn (and owner/driver Rick) Bridgeman and Region X Secretary Sue (and driver Terry) Troxell were there. The next generation was represented by their son, Jeff Bernard, as well as Brian Perkins--serious competitors and award winners. Chaplain Jim (and Charlotte) Riley joined us from Dallas. Port Angeles sponsors Jack and Terry Harmon and Bob Harvick came for the evening. Our ever working, never sleeping duo of Chuck and Cindy Moore left Kentucky to be with us as well. Tom Eckenberg (who NEVER takes the mike) announced plans to build a new boat!! And his driver, Steve Hook (who LOVES the mike) was very thoughtful in thanking the spouses and officials and Joe and Phil for supporting his team and the entire sport. At that moment I was sitting next to Sally Lynch, the beautiful wife of our "Voice". She shares John so often with us but, after all, he is OUR National Treasure. Jeanne and Susan worked non-stop for about 18 hours and deserve huge credits for all the work they did. What a great show for all of us!!!! My final thought as I left this wonderful day and evening was of Phil Bononcini, who announced he is retiring. Well I know he wants to spend more time with his family, and coaching, but I am just not ready to believe it. Patricia M. Darling Click here for updates from November, 2003
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Droullard joined the Unlimited Lights prior to the formation of the ULHRA, Inc. He was one of the original NASBOAT racers, which was the precursor to the current Unlimited Lights. In 1994 in the first ever event at Firebird Lake, AZ, Droullard, then a qualifying driver, reached the Final with a victory in the "last chance" heat over the likes of Jerry Hopp and the late Jim Kropfeld. A real Cinderella finish came up short as the John Hogan owned UL3 Performance Mortgage lost oil pressure in the Final Heat forcing Droullard to exit early. 
others, including Gordy Gillmer, who has his own "labor of love" UL under construction, and Jim Mowrey, Droullard has
persevered. And he wants others interested in building their own Unlimited Light to keep in mind, "if Droullard can do it, so can you". 
"On behalf of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, I want to thank all our Families, Friends, and Fans for their support during the past year and wish them a happy holiday season and forthcoming year. This holiday season gives us time to reflect on the past year of growth and strengthening of the Association. We welcome our new members and friends and look forward to 2004 to further develop the fun and competitiveness of the ULHRA racing family."
- Joe Frauenheim - ULHRA President
A team whose success has been built upon consistency and reliability, now is preparing to move up to a higher (hydro) plane. 
At the recently conducted ULHRA Winter Meeting and Awards Program, 4 time ULHRA Driver's champion Phil Bononcini announced he was stepping out of the cockpit of the winningest team in Unlimited Lights history. With 12 victories himself and 13 for the team, plus 3 consecutive team championships and 4 driving titles, he leaves with a most impressive record;. Bononcini emphasized this isn't necessarily a "retirement". He noted that with three children ranging from grade school to high school there are a lot family opportunities he doesn't want to miss. 
Jack
Harmon and Victoria Express, his foot-passenger ferry between Port Angeles and
Victoria, were honored by the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association as
2003 Race Site Sponsor of the Year.
What a great ULHRA meeting we
had -- just a couple weeks ago. Seventy-seven people attended the business section during the day and
one hundred and eighty-two enjoyed the Awards Dinner. Of note besides the teams and officials
were Dale VanWeiringen, Ron Jones, Sr. and Glen Davis. They were called on for their expert opinions and advice. UL
6/--BCS Racing came as first time UL owners--Kerry Beynon, Al Carstensen and Jack
Sipila. (They just purchased the UL-38). I had a very nice talk with new UL owner, Bill Nootenboom who joined
us from Canby, Oregon.