|
Press Release: Shockwave
Racing in 2008Shockwave
Racing (17) is pleased to
announce that we are joining the
NACCS (G boat) class for 2008.
Our team decided to make the
change when an additional engine
package (468 c.i. supercharged
engines at 120%) was adopted by
the ULHRA Board of Directors.
We would like to recognize and
THANK our dedicated crew who
have been with us since 2003,
without them our team could not
have built a new boat and
rebuilt another one 3 times in 3
years, sometimes owners and
drivers receive all the
recognition and the crews are
left in the shadows so fans do
not realize how much work and
dedication they put into a team.
Ed Preston
 Ed
has worked very hard building
our new hull with Ron Jones Jr
at CLS and also rebuilding our
former hull 3 times. He is a
hull specialist with years of
experience in composites and
fiberglass and does all the
gearbox changes at the race
sites.
Jason Crawley
 Jason
is the team truck driver driving
the transporter and boat to all
the race sites across the
country. Jason also works for
Ron Jones Jr and was one of the
key builders of the new 17 hull,
at the race site he is in
charge of all propeller duties.
Earl Smith  Earl
is our Fuel System Specialist,
he has been involved in drag
boat racing for years and is
very knowledgeable with all the
latest fuel and injection
technology.
Bill Thompson
 Bill
is our communications expert,
he is charge of all aspects of
radio communications.
Larry Linn  Larry
is the team marketing
representative. Larry has an
extensive history in the world
of finance and marketing, he
also helps in all aspects as
needed at the race site.
See you in Phoenix (April
25th-27th),
Rick & Shawn Bridgeman
|
For Immediate Release
Muncey Marketing
360-805-0805
DMuncey922@AOL.com
www.ulhra.org
FERRY TRAVEL JUST GOT A LOT MORE EXCITING
Victoria Express Expands its Marketing with a National
Racing Circuit
Port Angeles, WA - January, 28
2008 - Jack and Terri Harmon of Port Angeles, Washington made quite an
impression at the Annual Awards Banquet of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing
Association. The Harmons who own the Port Angeles-based Victoria Express ferry
service to Canada and the San Juan Islands were called up on stage to draw the
name of the lucky recipient of one of their prize travel packages. Terri Harmon
reached into the fishbowl and drew the name of ULHRA member Wendi Wheeler who
will receive a free travel package to Victoria, British Columbia courtesy of
Victoria Express. However after the presentation rather than returning to their
seats, the Harmons asked ULHRA General Manager Pat Malara to come up on stage.
Once on stage, the Harmons unfurled a giant paper check made payable to the
Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association in the amount of $25,000. The
ULHRA membership erupted in applause and a standing ovation.
Photo Courtesy: Lisa Courney
Left to
Right: ULHRA General Manager Pat Malara, Terri Harmon, Jack Harmon, and ULHRA PR
Director John Lynch
Victoria Express has been the presenting sponsor of a Port Angeles hydroplane
race known as Strait Thunder for several years. Strait Thunder features the 20
to 25 foot Unlimited Light hydroplanes as well as smaller "Lighter-than-LIGHTS"
hydroplanes and local vendors in a weekend long festival marking the Series
finale. This year's Strait Thunder festival is scheduled for October 4th and
5th. Now however, Victoria Express is expanding its market reach by coming on
board the racing association as a Series Partner. For Jack Harmon, this option
gives his ferry service the best of both worlds. Said Harmon, "Victoria Express
is proud to partner with the ULHRA. Having grown up myself on a boat, literally
with the ocean as my playground, I have placed a tremendous value on maritime
activities. We are a marine family and families that play together stay
together. From the moment I had my first meeting with Pat Malara (ULHRA General
Manager) to the end of the first weekend of Strait Thunder in Port Angeles, it
became apparent that ULHRA is a marine family too. We look forward to playing
together!"
Victoria Express now joins Trafficade of Phoenix, Arizona as a
Series Partner of the ULHRA Series. The Series runs from April to November with
seven to ten racing events across the country. For more information on the
current racing schedule, visit www.ulhra.org
and click on schedules.
The Unlimited Lights class, formed in 1995, consists of thunderous automotive
engine-powered hydroplanes. Close competition and a sound that echoes back to
the classic days of hydroplane racing has propelled the ULHRA into arguably one
of the most progressive motorsports organizations in the country today. At the
end of 2000, the Unlimited Lights began operating under the aegis of their own
corporate identity -- the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, Inc.
(ULHRA). What started as a handful of hydroplane owners banded together by not
much more than a vision has expanded into a competitive field drawing from
nearly 30 teams who race on bodies of water across the country including the
Missouri River, Seattle's Lake Washington, Mission Bay in California and Strait
of Juan de Fuca in Port Angeles, Washington.
The Victoria Express operates 2 vessels providing daily, seasonal foot passenger
service between Port Angeles, WA, Victoria, B.C., and Friday Harbor on San Juan
Island; up to 3 trips daily between Port Angeles and Victoria, and 1 trip daily
between Victoria and Friday Harbor. More information on the ferry service, its
season, schedule and vacation packages can be found at www.victoriaexpress.com.
# # #
Seattle Boat Show
seattleboatshow.com
January 24th-February 2nd
Don't forget to see Kayleigh Perkins and
Chip Hanauer talk about the "Future of Boat Racing" Friday, February 1st at
6:15pm
Thunderboats (G) hot topic at ULHRA meeting *Updated*
The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Board of Directors adopted a rules recommendation submitted by owners of Thunderboat (G) teams. The goal of the rules adjustment is to make the Thunderboats series more attractive to team owners and potential team owners and build more of a fan following for ULHRA Racing.
The adjustment focuses on allowing boats slightly smaller than the minimum 25 foot requirement become eligible for the Thunderboat class. The original rules called for a 3500 lb weight minumum and a supercharged engine up to 575 cu..in with an 871 supercharger at "25 over". Call that category G-575
The changes include raising the original weight minimum to 3600 lbs and adding a second engine category for boats that are at least 2800 lbs. That category, called G-468 calls for teams to run a 468 cu. in. supercharged engine with a 671 supercharger running "20 over" in a minimum 24 foot length hydroplane. (UPDATED 01/24/08) To clarify the Thunderboat hull length rule has not been changed; only the rear measurement point. Minimum length remains 25 feet but the rule revision measures hull length from the tip of the sponson to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer (rear wing) if the horizontal stabilizer’s trailing edge extends beyond the transom. David Warren, Thunderboats Series representative to the ULHRA Board of Directors says “by measuring from the sponson tip to the trailing edge of the rear wing, hydroplanes that are a bit shorter than 25 feet at the transom can qualify to race in the “G”-class”. The engine size and supercharger are the same in G-468 and Unlimited Lights. However there are differences. Minimum weight in G-468 is one hundred pounds more a supercharged Unlimited Light and the use of port nozzles on the engines is permitted in G-468 while they are prohibited in Unlimited Lights. The recommendation was made unanimously by current Thunderboat (G) Team owners.
The changes have attracted the interest of Shockwave Racing. Rick & Shawn Bridgeman and their UL-17 driven by Dustin Echols will now be the G-17. This returns the Bridgeman owned team to the G class in which they were the first team to join back in 2004. In all a total of 6 teams have confirmed entry in the Thunderboat series with the potential for additional entries. In addition the Thunderboat teams have committed to the full ULHRA schedule which begins in Chandler AZ at Firebird International Raceway, April 25-27.
In other business a modification of the starting lane rule for supercharged Unlimited Light hydroplanes was approved. Last season "blower" teams had to start outside of non supercharged teams and hold their lanes for a full lap. Now, they'll be able to move to the inside of other supercharged teams after turn #1 of the first lap if they have the required roostertail length "overlap". Otherwise they will maintain their lane for a full lap before attempting to move inside.
22 Unlimited Light hydroplanes competed in 2007 and indications from today's (January 19) meeting are that number may increase in 2008.
Teams that were unable to compete in 2007, such as the UL-35 owned by former Lighter than LIGHTS series champion Eric Christensen and the brand new UL-60 of Gordy Gillmer will be competing in 2008. Christensen hopes to be ready for the second race of the season in May at Richland while Gillmer's boat is expected to be ready later in the year. The Gillmer Unlimited Light has been a work in progress for the better part of a decade, is just over 25 feet in length, and is similar to the former UL-9 American Eagle (now the UL-12) completed by Paul Droullard and Jim Mowrey. Speaking of the UL-12, owner Bob Schellhase says work is progressing on the rebuild following the flip in qualifying at Port Angeles WA last September.
Tonight (Saturday 1-19) the ULHRA Awards Program will be held featuring the presentation of the 2007 Team Championship to the UL-72 Miss Boat Electric and the Driver Title to Kayleigh Perkins.
John Lynch
P.R. Director and "Voice" of ULHRA Racing.
|
ULHRA together at Little Creek
This Saturday, January 19th is the annual meeting and awards banquet for the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association. What’s expected to be a full house gathering will hear reports from the ULHRA Board of Directors on rules adjustments, the 2008 schedule, and meet new teams and personnel that are joining the three series within ULHRA. Little Creek Casino and Hotel near Shelton WA is the location.
Saturday night’s Awards Program will feature the presentation of Rookie of the Year and 2007 Driving Champion for the first time in ULHRA History to the same driver. 19 year old Kayleigh Perkins earned both awards, plus the Team Championship with co-driver Patrick Haworth in the UL-72 Miss Boat Electric. Along the way Ms. Perkins became the first woman to earn a victory in Unlimited Lights racing when she captured the Graham Trucking Cup at Silverdale Thunder last August. In addition she won her very first heat in UL competition as a rookie driver, overcoming the referee mandated 5 second starting line handicap for first year drivers to snare victory in a stunning final straightaway sprint. Over the course of the season the UL-72 Impact Racing Team regained something that had been their hallmark during their first 3 championship years, 2000 through 2002. That is the old racing adage “if you want to finish first, you first have to finish”. And finish the Miss Boat Electric team did; with just one DNF (Did Not Finish) for the entire 2007 season.
Scheduling is always a major consideration this time of year as teams plan for their upcoming racing season. The new race at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler AZ near Phoenix marks the earliest start ever for Unlimited Lights racing. April 25-27 is the date when ULHRA joins with the Lucas Oil IHBA Drag Boat Racing Series and the Tire Pros Monster Trucks for a unique motor sports weekend. Other dates confirmed for 2008 include the second installment of Desert Thunder in Richland WA May 17 & 18 at Howard Amon Park. July has Chamberlain-Oacoma SD and the first edition of River City Racin’ on July 12, 13 & 14 followed by the Graham Trucking Cup at Seafair in Seattle WA August 1-3 and a week later its Silverdale WA August 9-10. The season is scheduled to wind up in Port Angeles WA October 4-5. Other potential race dates are under discussion and could be added to the 2008 season if contracts are executed soon.
Thunderboats (G) has been one of many prime topics in the off season both with the ULHRA Board of Directors and the Thunderboat teams. Expect some key announcements pertaining to further development of that series coming from this weekend’s National Meeting.
The Lighter than LIGHTS Program received a recent boost by the ULHRA Board of Directors. The series has always been a “no entry fee” series for the 4 cylinder and 8 cylinder stock hydroplanes. It also has been since 2003 what it was intended; a “launch pad” for drivers and teams that are looking to move up in their racing careers. A total of 13 drivers including 2007 UL Champion Kayleigh Perkins have “graduated” out of the LTL program. Others stay in the LTL program for the pure enjoyment of that level of racing.
Now, in addition to sharing in the Contingency Awards Program (CAP) which rewards each LTL, UL and G team that qualify for a Final Heat with sponsored cash & product awards, the LTL teams will also have a tow money pool to disburse between each LTL team that makes a legal start. This may also be the first year that the LTL program ventures beyond the borders of Washington State. It’s possible an LTL program may be added to the Firebird International Raceway event at the end of April. Several LTL teams are intrigued by the idea. Who wouldn’t be interested in 3 days in the “Valley of the Sun” at the end of a typically rainy & gray winter around Seattle where many of the teams are home ported?
Watch for updates from the ULHRA National Meeting on this website.
John Lynch
P.R. Director and “Voice” of ULHRA Racing.
|
More Salt Water.
Scott D’Eath responds with additional pertinent information related to racing on salt water. If the name sounds familiar, yes Scott is the son of racing great Tom D’Eath. Scott works for Chrysler Corporation and has 12 years of engine design experience. He holds Bachelors & Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Aero and while his hydroplane racing experience is limited his hydroplane testing experience spans more seat time hours than many racers. In addition Scott has tested a variety of race craft in various water conditions. We welcome Scott D’Eath’s contribution to this ULHRA topic.
Something to ponder....
I question whether or not the idea of salt water providing "more bite" for the propeller and skid fin/rudder, is one of the reasons for higher speeds attributed to salt water. (Maybe bite on prop could be a factor, but NOT skid fin or rudder.....but thinking its all about the density of the water and its effect on LIFT)
More bite on the prop, skid fin or rudder, in salt water provides MORE drag on these components, thus LESS speed. Also, salt is more abrasive on the propeller, and contributes to more cavitation, than does fresh water. Cavitation = slippage, again contributes to less speed.
The reason for higher speeds on salt water, is related to the water density. Salt water, is harder than fresh water, of the same water temperature. The higher the water density, the MORE buoyant of boundary layer exists for a boat to ride on. The extra density, results in MORE aerodynamic lift on the hull of the boat, which in turn, means less wetted surfaces. Less wetted surfaces, results in less drag. Thus, running the same boat, witht the same HP, same set up....is faster on Salt water than fresh water of the same water temperature.
If you were to run a hydoplane in very shallow FRESH water, and/or in very COLD fresh water...the speeds increase similiar to those of Salt Water race courses. Water is NOT a compressable liquid. When running in shallow water, the pressure between the bottom running surface of the boat, and the body of water itself, INCREASES. This pressure increase, raises the boat up out of the water, and simulates more density, like salt water. The boat speed will increase because of this. The lake/river bottom can NOT move down, so the boat raises up.
Lake Maggorie in St Pete, Florida is a prime example of this. It was a very fast shallow, fresh water course. Cold temp fresh water also has higher density, like salt water. When you run a hydro in 35 degree fresh water....it is noticeably faster than the same boat run in 75 degree fresh water...but the down side is crashing.....Hypothermia happens quicker.
Bonus for Misson Bay - It is both Shallow and Salt.... So Very fast.
Best Regards
Scott D'Eath
Subsequently Scott added: I just wanted to share what we have learned over the years. You can verify the information I talked about even in a basic pleasure boat. Using a GPS, run a pleasure boat, say 35mph and 4000rpm (obviously depends on the boat), in deep water, anything over 25ft deep. Then run that same boat, in say...3ft of water, and the same engine rpm. I promise it will run at least 37/38 mph. Also, for instance, my current pleasure boat will run 48mph at WOT during the warm summer months. However, during the cold winter months it runs 52mph. This is on the same body of water. (also have to consider, cooler air produces more HP...in addition to the harder water)
Back in our limited hydro racing days (145ci, 280's, 2.5mods, etc) ....and many of the teams we helped were chasing kilo records. We would test during the winter months in Michigan. Obviously, you wanted to learn what your boat could do, before you hauled it to Florida or Arizona for kilos. During these tests, we learned if the boats were capable of running above the current records. If they were capable (running at least 2+ mph over the record), then we would take them to the warm weather kilos. Well, many times, to our surprise....when the kilo was run and nothing changed but the water.... the boat ran at the record, or a little below, and NOT over it. Bummer. So, we learned the hard way; cold water is faster. But...over time, knowing this we just had to run 3-4 mph over the record and the kilos would fall. (barring no incidents)
Anyways...enjoy following all the racing stuff on the ULHRA site. Good luck racing.
Scott
|
Prepare for Salt
Water
Jerry Hopp is ULHRA’s longest
tenured team owner, dating back
to the first race of the
Unlimited Lights class in 1995.
It wasn’t until the year 2002
that Hopp Racing won its first
event and it was “Grandpa Jerry”
behind the wheel of the UL-15 at
his home course in Seattle who
brought home the win; his first
in UL or Unlimiteds in a career
that has now spanned more than
30 years. To say that Jerry’s
seen it all from all sides,
including a term on the ULHRA
Board of Directors would be
putting it mildly, and also
accurately.
When Jerry sees a challenge to
the race teams in ULHRA he
shares information he’s
learned. Here is a perfect
example provided by Jerry with
accompanying photos.
Two things have been known for
many years. Salt water provides
a better “bite” for the
propeller and skid fin due to
the extra density of salt
water. That’s good, and that’s
one reason why qualifying and
competition speed records are
usually set at San Diego’s
Mission Bay including Greg
Hopp’s Unlimited Light
qualifying record of nearly 127
mph. On the other end of the
spectrum salt water does present
maintenance challenges due to
the corrosive effects of the
salt if left untreated.
Following Greg Hopp’s qualifying
lap flip on the salt water at
Port Angeles WA last September,
quite a few things were
discovered in the aftermath by
Hopp Racing. Here, Jerry Hopp
shares his thoughts so other
teams will be better prepared to
handle the salt elements and
take greater advantage of the
salt water performance increase
in their future races. Salt
water is and will continue to be
part of the ULHRA racing
schedule and with proper
preparation and post race
maintenance, UL, G, and LTL
teams can get the most enjoyment
and minimize the expense of
their salt water racing
experience.
 As
you can see from the pictures
this switch panel is one unhappy
camper. The panel is out of Bob
Schellhase's UL-1 boat that
flipped during qualifying at
Port Angeles. After the boat
flipped it was towed back to the
pits. We waited for a crane
problem to be resolved and let
the boats getting ready for heat
1A to get in the water. The boat
was washed down on the trailer
as best we could. One week later
we pulled out everything and
washed & lubricated. One of the
things pulled out was the main
switch panel. You can see all of
the corrosion and rust on the
back side of the switches. Some
of those switches were new at
the beginning of the 2007 season
while the others looked like new
and were just one season old.
All of the rust and corrosion
including the instrument panel
and gauges looked like this the
morning after the flip. The boat
went upside
 down
with the main power on and the
12 volts from the battery caused
all the corrosion to take place
so rapidly. The MSD ignition
module was new the race before,
San Diego. Sent the box in to
MSD. They couldn't save it,
totally destroyed. Besides the
physical damage to the boat we
are looking at a month of
rewiring and repairing the
electrical systems damage could
run into several thousand
dollars. Racing in salt water is
really tough on your equipment
even if you don't tip the boat
over. Make sure you inspect your
whole boat and clean, clean,
clean.
Jerry Hopp
Hopp Racing
Veteran racer Wil Muncey adds to this story with two points. “High Pressure Water and West Marine”. Muncey, co-owner and driver of the UL-83 says “many of the AN fittings on hydroplanes are made out of aluminum. The sleeves that wrap around the stainless steel braided lines are excellent hiding places for salt water. This allows the salt enough time to eat through the sleeve and cause the failure of the fitting. Most of the damage is done out of sight to the naked eye. By the time you see any indication of corrosion or swelling, it is way too late. High pressure water right into the sleeve is the closest remedy for this. Ignoring this can cost at least a hundred dollars a fitting at today's labor and hard costs”.
Muncey added that West Marine, a ULHRA sponsor, “has a neat screw-on attachment for the garden hose that can introduce a salt neutralizing agent into the conventional cooling system for the engine. Muncey says he highly recommends this attachment be used at race sites such as Port Angeles, Silverdale, San Diego and Phoenix. While Phoenix technically is a fresh water race site, over the years the man make lake has evolved to where the water can act on hardware similarly to salt water. Bottom line. Racing on salt water can be very thrilling and provides race fans with tremendous excitement. Follow these steps for salt water corrosion protection and maintenance and race teams will increase their enjoyment at these venues……….and possibly increase their point totals as well.
John Lynch
P.R. Director and “Voice” of
ULHRA Racing.
|
|
New home for third
winningest Unlimited Light hydroplane.
 J. Craig
Fletcher of Mercer Island WA and Celtic Racing LLC has acquired the UL-33 hull
from Estes Racing. The boat that won the 2007 season finale at Port Angeles WA
with Mark Echols at the wheel will now become the “flagship” of Celtic Racing.
For Fletcher and his team entering their third season of Unlimited Light racing
this acquisition puts them into the category of “contender”.
Fletcher
says “the UL-33 is now in the American Eagle Racing shop and we will shortly
tear it down for inspection of all the mechanical assemblies and become fully
acquainted with the systems. We are seriously looking forward to being an
immediate threat to all teams that are seeking the UL high point title in 2008”.
 The 33
hull, designed and built by Ron Jones Sr as his first UL specific design,
debuted in 1997 and has 12 race victories including 5 each by the late George
Stratton and the now retired Charley Wiggins from 1997-2000, and then single
victories by Cal Phipps at Seattle in 2003 and Mark Echols last September in
Port Angeles. The hull was inactive for the entire 2001 season following a
racing accident in 2000. The only race craft with more Unlimited Light victories
are the UL-15 Jamie Auld hydroplane owned by Hopp Racing with 32 trophies; 14 by
Greg Hopp and 6 by Jerry Hopp beginning in 2002, and a dozen wins by the retired
Bo Schide from 1997-99. Next on the winnings ladder is the “sister hull” to the
new Celtic Racing entry, the UL-72 Miss Boat Electric which has
(updated) 22 Unlimited Light victories including 12 by
co-owner Phil Bononcini, 3 by George Woods Jr., 4 by Michael Flaherty, 2 by
Canadian Patrick Haworth and one by 2007 series and driving champion Kayleigh
Perkins.
 What about
the UL-13 which Fletcher acquired from Detroit’s Pingree Conflitti at the Port
Angeles race in 2005? J. Craig says “the UL-13 is a fast boat and provided
a tremendous platform for us to build a team and learn the ropes of ULHRA
racing. We had great success out of the gate (winning the B-Main in their very
first race) and continued to improve the handling and speed each year. We really
thought we could take the boat to the next level with some additional off-season
modifications, but the opportunity to acquire a hull with the competitive
capabilities of the UL-33 was just too good to pass up. The UL-13 is now
available for sale to all interested parties. The UL-13 is ready to race,
complete with engine, trailer, shafts and props.”
Contact J.
Craig Fletcher at 206.999.7129 with serious inquiries.
The 2008
season begins April 25th through 27th at Firebird
International Raceway near Phoenix Az.
J. Craig
Fletcher and John Lynch contributed to this report.
2007 ULHRA Annual
Banquet
You are
Cordially
Invited to
Join the
ULHRA for
the
2007
Season
Awards
Banquet
Located at
the
Little Creek
Casino
Resort
Saturday
January
19th, 2008
91 West
State Route
108
Shelton, WA
98584
(800)
667.7711
little-creek-casino.com
Please Join
Us for an
Exciting
Night of
Awards
Announcements,
Dining and
Entertainment.
Itinerary:
Sign In and
2008
Membership
Registration:
5:00pm
Cocktails
and
Mingle:
5:15pm
John Lynch
Introduction:
5:30pm
ULHRA 2007
Highlights
Video:
6:00pm
Buffet Style
Dinner:
6:30pm
Awards
Announcements:
7:30pm
Entertainment
&
Casino:
10:00pm
Buffet
Dinner Menu
Chicken
Marsala,
Lemon Dill
Wild Salmon,
Slow Roasted
Prime Rib
Rice Pilaf,
Sautéed Red
Potatoes,
Pasta
Primavera
with
Marinara
Sauce
Green Salad,
Pasta Salad,
Fruit Salad
An
Assortment
of Desserts
and Sweets
No-Host Bar
Suggested
Dress
Attire:
Cocktail
$35.00 per
Person
Reservations
and Payment
must be
submitted by
January
10th, 2008
Send
check/credit
card
information
and form to:
ULHRA
Banquet
375 East
Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA
98027
Fax:
425.557.8634
For
Additional
Information
Please
Contact
Paul
Becker
Melissa
Davidson
425.643.3015
Or
425.923.5832
paulbecker@critical-logic.com
mel.davidson@comcast.net
Click here for updates from November 2007
|
