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At one hundred and forty miles per hour, two hulls are heading into the first corner side by side. A broken rudder causes one to swap ends and burrow it’s transom into the water so deep that the tips of the vertical stabilizers momentarily dip below the surface of the race course. The stop is virtually immediate and the driver’s helmet is slammed into the inside of his safety canopy being deeply gouged in the process. Without the benefit of a head and neck restraint device his head has experienced a concussion. Search and Rescue (SAR) craft bolt into action straining to get to the scene. As water begins filling up the engine compartment, the driver releases the goose neck latch to his safety straps, trips the bayonet tabs of his oxygen mask and pulls back on the release handle of his canopy door. Nausea begins to settle in from the concussion as he rises out of the cockpit onto the deck. Frantically securing a line to the hapless boat proffered from the SAR team, they radio to the Hot Pits that the boat is taking on water and will sink if not extracted by crane immediately as it slides next to the dock. The driver of the race boat has communicated by his radio the situation to the crew and they are accelerating their efforts to be prepared for extraction. Lifting slings critical to that function are immediately ferried out by patrol craft to the driver while they are in motion and secured in place. As the sinking vessel waffles next to the dock, it’s latter half slides down into the corrosive salt waters. Traction on the slippery deck and balance are the order of the day. The crew leaps onboard grabbing the hook from the crane while tugging the lifting slings into position. Although this type of situation doesn’t happen every day at a boat race, it isn’t that uncommon either. The craft and science of safety in marine motorsports has evolved dramatically over the last hundred years. From footwear to face masks, the developmental process has been slow and often expensive in lives and treasure. Sometimes borrowing technology from automotive motorsports has its benefits. The latest in head and neck safety is the most controversial subject lately. Safety Solutions from Mooresville, North Carolina has most recently stepped up to focus on bringing the latest in safety technology to marine motorsports. Aaron Zentgraf from Safety Solutions attended his first ULHRA regatta in Chamberlain, South Dakota. With a strong background in radio technology, he observed first hand the unique aspects of high performance maritime competition. Failing floor latches that almost caused an accident on the race course drew attention to the fact that safety maintenance is a constant concern.” It’s easy to get complacent about safety equipment”, said Aaron “When it’s not foremost it drops to the bottom of the check list.” Safety Expert Trevor Ashline, owner of Safety Solutions, delves into the latest equipment refinements.” There is no doubt”, Trevor went on, “that motorsports gets safer at a rate directly proportionate to our discipline.”
Entering marine motorsports as a contingency sponsor in the ULHRA’s CAP format enables many teams access to equipment that they wouldn’t as easily afford otherwise. For more information on Safety Solutions, please visit www.safetysolutionsracing.com For more information on the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, visit www.ulhra.org.
River City Racin’ to Premier on
National TV
Bill O'Mara 1916-2009
ULHRA is "On The Edge" on SPEED TV March 28th
The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association,
and NEWAVE Productions out of Chicago (Tinley Park) IL have produced an episode
of the ongoing series Lucas Oil "On The Edge". This thirty minute telecast will
debut on Saturday, March 28th at 7:00pm Eastern - 4:00pm Pacific time.
John Lynch
Shockwave Racing Open House
Mark your calendars for this R/C model boat show on March 21st from 12 noon until 4PM. For driving instructions, please go to the Hydro Museum website at:
Not a member? The Museum Store will be open during this event selling memberships and all the new books, shirts, and other Hydro Museum gear. Members from up to 4 area R/C Boat Clubs will be participating in this event. Show tables ( bring your own table) are available on a first come first served basis, and set up will commence at 11 AM, the morning of the show. Cost per table is just $5.00.
This is a great opportunity to bring the entire family, to a fun event, held right on the floor of the Hydro Museum, in Kent WA. Come one come all, you won’t want to miss this fun event!
Rising out the wreckage that was the Miss Budweiser on the Columbia River in 1982, came a determined and monumental effort to make marine motorsports safer by an exponential leap. Only obliquely referred to previously by a handful of enthusiasts, the Safety Canopy or Capsule came forefront as the only alternative to the open cockpit-no seat belt option that had taken the lives of so many competitors. The Budweiser Racing team, or Hydroplanes, Incorporated, organized a pool of the best and brightest that included such luminaries as Bernie Little, Ron Jones, Sr., Jeff Neff and Jim Kropfeld. Together they ultimately created the safest cockpit configuration that is still essentially in use today. Largely because of their efforts, the thunder rolled on. Recently, the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association (ULHRA) replicated that canopy into a version that can be used as an instructional tool and training device for current and aspiring drivers. Aptly entitled “Safety Capsule Training “, the opportunities to experience this training first hand will occur at several of the races conducted on the 2009 ULHRA circuit. Shepherded by Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel such as Joe Mayerle and Pat McQuade, the sessions will be open to the public and in some cases available for fans to experience. Hands on instruction by the SAR representatives can enable even the most inexperienced enthusiast the opportunity to become “Capsule Certified”. Incidentally, this certification is mandatory for anyone intending to compete in an enclosed canopy and must be recertified at least every two years. Historically, these sessions with the older style canopies not only were needed but developed into social occasions that created the opportunity for fans and media to get better acquainted with drivers and team members in a low pressure environment. The ULHRA will carry on that tradition with their newest safety acquisition.
PITBOXES ARE ROLLING BACK INTO RACING, ULHRA STYLE Anyone who has seen a hydroplane race site being set up realizes that the process has a lot in common with bringing water to elephants. There is a lot of hollering and trumpeting in high places. On the water, they skim the surface with aerodynamic fluidity, but on land hydroplanes have got to be one of the most awkward inventions ever designed. Clustering them within boom reach of the crane needed to lift them into the water requires forklifts or jeeps, cooperative terrain, and a lot of patience. In the end there is no guarantee that the race boat will be “pitted” anywhere near the hauler that brought it, much less the tools and equipment needed for a weekend of competitive racing. This particular problem is not unique to marine motorsports. The real estate of Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis 500 is accessed at a premium. Tools and support equipment is laboriously transported to the work areas provided. The more organized teams use large carts to accomplish this. They are commonly called Pit boxes. Pitboxes of Stockbridge, Georgia has supported the ULHRA as sponsors and individual teams before. Their rolling tool rooms have graced many race sites from Phoenix to Seattle. A leader in the industry, the value literally built in has enabled Pitboxes to have a good year in a down economy. “This is a very competitive business, “said Vickie Smith, a spokesperson for Pitboxes,” But customers will always return if the quality is there. It may sound corny but it’s true.”
Whether it’s the gravel lot in Phoenix, the asphalt pits in Seattle or the beach in Polson, Montana, Pitboxes will be rolling back into action as a sponsor of the ULHRA in 2009.
2009 Inductees
Unlimited Hydroplane Hall of Champions Bill Muncey & Chip Hanauer
The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum has established a new way of honoring the Champions of the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing. Starting this year (2009) the "Unlimited Hydroplane Hall of Champions" will be established with the induction of the sports two top winners, Bill Muncey (62) and Chip Hanauer (61). The induction will take place at the Museum located at 5917 So 196th Street in Kent, Washington on April 11th. Tickets will be available for $100.00 each with a VIP option available for $250.00 each. The VIP ticket will include a private reception with Chip, a signed photo with Chip in front of the 1982 Atlas Van Lines, and a copy of a DVD that will be produced by Don Mock during the induction ceremony. There will be a buffet dinner included. Tickets can be purchased by calling David Williams at (206) 764-9453 or on-line through our Store
2009 Hydroplane
Season Electrifies 'Cell Phones for Soldiers'
Spring Training Isn't Just for Baseball On April 14th, the hydroplanes will be heading down to Stan Sayres Park on Lake Washington in Seattle. Almost four months before the largest hydroplane racing event in the country, the same park that hosts Seafair with nearly 400,000 spectators will also be the location for a much smaller, more casual and little known day called “Spring Training”.
The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is an automotive-powered hydroplane racing class which has recently gained tremendous popularity, especially amongst economy-sensitive households seeking affordable yet exciting family entertainment. Because of their loud engines with a sound that echoes back to the classic days of hydroplane racing, the hydroplanes have been dubbed the “Thunderboats”. For more information on the ULHRA, please visit www.ulhra.org.
Hydroplane Teams wishing to participate in Spring Training should notify
ULHRA Chief Referee Rick Sandstrom at email address
info@propshopltd.com
CONTACT: Linda Amundsen, ULHRA PR Director, Email: Lamundsen22@msn.com Photos Courtesy: Mark Sharley. E-10 photo courtesy of Chris Denslow.
Now imagine a quick footed gremlin running up behind you and lifting your whole transom into the air. The engine free winds to 8500 rpm’s, it rocks back to center with the loss of load, the oil is sloshed against the opposite surfaces leaving critical areas uncooled and the exhaust system wails in protest. Laughing mischievously, our gremlin releases the transom and lets vehicle slam back down with an immediate and deep application of traction. The shock or pulse sends a jolt up through the powerplant closing all machined tolerances and clearances. The mounts are ruthlessly twisted, the oil is overloaded onto its proper surfaces and the engine audibly resonates with a “whah” that has come to be a signature of the abuse. Now imagine the little bugger doing this about thirty five times a corner. This would come pretty close to describing a typical corner for an Unlimited Light hydroplane negotiating a relatively tame corner. There is more abuse, strain and wear in one heat of ULHRA competition than other motorsports dish out in a whole season. The components that the engine builders and crew chiefs use have to be strong and resilient and they must spin straight and true. Enter KP Crankshafts. One of the most recent sponsors to step forward and support marine motorsports ULHRA style has maintained the close tolerances and quality of materials needed to make the investment in a hydroplane engine last. A common expression in hydroplane racing is “If it can break, we’ll break it.” This level of stress and strain is one of the main reasons the educational curve for racing this type of vehicle is so steep. A well earned reputation for durability also makes KP’s entrance a welcome addition. “We are not known for being a low-priced crankshaft”, said Don Vannest who is Sales and Marketing Manager for the Michigan-based company. “The demands that hydroplane teams put on their equipment is intense and unique. This particular sport is promotionally well placed to demonstrate our products to a broad range of potential customers.” While many teams are getting ready for the Trafficade/WarningPower.com sponsored season opener in Phoenix, refreshing the powerplant can be a traditional winter exercise. Popping the bearing caps and learning the brutal truth about the wear from last season is always a sobering thought. Now when it comes to options about the core of their boats, teams have an ally to reflect with. For more information about KP Crankshafts go to www.kpcrankshafts.com or call 800-443-0415.
Tinley Park, IL – The ULHRA, Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, returns to national television as part of the “Lucas Oil…On the Edge” series on SPEED. The inaugural Pepsi Racing Power Cup Challenge Presented by River City Racin’ from Chamberlain-Oacoma, South Dakota, will be featured within season five of the series. The episode is scheduled to air on the following dates:
· Saturday, March 28, 2009, 7:00 pm ET (Original) · Monday, March 30, 2009, 4:30 pm ET (Repeat)
Note: Dates and times listed above are subject to change at any time by SPEED
In conjunction with the ULHRA and River City Racin’, Pepsi Racing, the South Dakota Office of Tourism and Graham Trucking helped bring the first time event to television. “Lucas Oil…On the Edge”, a twenty-six week television series that travels deep inside the true grassroots struggle for racing superiority, is hosted by Ken Stout. The voice of the ULHRA, John Lynch, will provide analysis.
In its fifth season on SPEED, “Lucas Oil…On the Edge” showcases grassroots motorsports events across the United States including Motorcycle hill climbing, Street Car drag racing, Mud racing and off-road desert racing.
NeWave Video Productions, Inc. has produced over five hundred race results and lifestyle reality shows over the last fourteen years. Shows include IHBA, IHRA, World Series Off-Road Racing, Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil…On the Edge, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil…On the Edge and ASA Speed Truck Challenge. NeWave Video Productions, Inc. is a full service high definition broadcast quality production facility with programs and series that have aired on Comcast SportsNet, Fox Sports Net, ESPN, HBO Pay-Per-View, SPEED, SPIKE and VERSUS.
CONTACT: Linda Amundsen, ULHRA PR Director, Email: Lamundsen22@msn.com
Boat Racers Emphasize Safety First Northwest Safety Seminar
On March 28, 2009 the first Northwest Safety Seminar dedicated to addressing safety in power boat racing will be held at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington. All involved in boat racing, inboard or outboard, be they drivers, crew chiefs, spouses, or others are invited and encouraged to attend. Boat racing was at one time considered to be one of the most hazardous occupations on the planet taking the lives of 14 Unlimited drivers between the years of 1951 and 1982. Since the mandatory implementation of the enclosed canopy for the unlimited hydroplanes in 1989, the sport has become increasingly safer. However there is still much room for improvement and many dedicated to the sport are constantly on the look out for advancements and safety innovations. Much of the newest technology originates in the auto racing world, but boat racing has its own peculiar hazards unique to the sport. On March 28th, several of the best in the field of safety advancements will gather at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington. The museum is a fitting backdrop for discussions of safety as it is dedicated in large part to preserving the memories of drivers who gave their lives to the sport such as Bill Muncey, Ron Musson, Dean Chenowith and so many others. Today’s racing world includes safety innovations that have become an integral part of boat racing such as radio communication between the driver and shore, better helmets, neck and head harnesses, belts, seats and innovative canopy/capsule construction. The Safety Seminar will begin at 10:00am with opening introduction by keynote speaker and renowned powerboat safety expert Bob Wartinger. Wartinger has been president of the Union of International Motorboating’s Safety and Medical Commission since 1990 and is constantly studying safety in power boat racing. Wartinger is freshly back from conducting boat racing safety seminars in New Zealand where he was able to make recommendations on safety features and interact with many of the drivers in that country. Other speakers will include Dave Cossette who will talk about insurance coverage, Nick Sutton regarding radio communication and Doug Whitley will address the Vintage hydroplane safety program. Representatives from Security Race Products of Issaquah Washington will be on hand to discuss drivers’ personal equipment, such as jackets, helmets, and driving suits. Another important segment of the seminar will be presented by Trevor Ashline of Safety Solutions, Inc out of North Carolina. In 2001, Safety Solutions made its first head and neck restraint, the Hutchens Device. This device was introduced into the NASCAR series just before Dale Earnhardt’s incident. For the next three years, the success of the Hutchens Device spread to many series across the country. During those years, Trevor Ashline, the inventor and engineer behind Safety Innovation products, continued his research and product testing to make better head and neck restraints. Ashline will address the subject of belts, seats, head/neck harnesses as they pertain to the world of power boat racing at the seminar. The Northwest Safety Seminar will run from 10am to 4pm on March 28th. The museum is located at 5917 South 196th street, Kent, WA 98032
Too much heat...
Three laps into the heat and the driver has one chance to get past the team in front of him. Entering into the corner his opponent has elected to leave a lane between himself and the buoy line. Not much of a lane but a lane nonetheless. Peppered with white caps, troughs and valleys the path to victory is a cavernous roller coaster that will slam and hurl our drivers’ hull and engine without the benefit of shock absorbers. Mike Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, once said that a hydroplane race course is like an Indianapolis race track with 500 speed bumps that move every lap. Our driver has questions to ask and a decision to make. Can my equipment stand the onslaught and abuse needed to win? Will my powerplant continue to function at maximum output through the upcoming gauntlet?
Without enough heat, the powerplant doesn't make all the horsepower it can. Too much heat and moving surfaces expand, interfere and seize. It doesn’t take long to starve an engine; sometimes a few seconds. How does just the right amount of heat get achieved and maintained? That is very often a case of expensive trial and error. The primary mover of heat away from the moving surfaces is oil and it has taken decades to develop the best way to do that. The unusually violent nature of hydroplane racing can make trying to funnel and direct oil an exercise not unlike herding cats. At the proper temperature oil has the consistency of water and will exhibit the almost belligerent attitude to go wherever it pleases. Winning or losing can often be determined by which team does the best job of controlling its oil.
Canton Racing Products has increased its participation in marine motorsports to include the Contingency Awards Program (CAP) of the ULHRA for 2009. Having supported the sport through traditional advertising last year in the ULHRA’s Thunder & ‘LIGHTS seasonal magazine, Mike Zeranski of North Branford, Connecticut feels comfortable that hydroplane racing is not only a good market to sell to but an excellent chance to demonstrate his products. “There are a lot of products that boat racers can use in our catalogue”, said Mike,” Marine motorsports isn’t something new to us. “A regular exhibitor at the Performance Racing Industry convention held in Orlando, Florida every December, the good people at Canton were first exposed to hydroplane racing ULHRA style three years ago when copies of Thunder & ‘LIGHTS were distributed to convention attendees. ULHRA representatives initiated relationships with many companies like Canton there and have seen the interest grow.
The decision that the driver makes to commit his equipment into a high stress situation will be directly proportionate to the confidence he or she feels in their equipment. Canton equipment will be flying into the corner many, many times in the upcoming season.
##### For more information, contact: Muncey Marketing @ 360-805-0805 Or: Visit www.cantonracingproducts.com Click here for updates from February 2009
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From
seatbelts to their Hybrid Pro Head and Neck Restraint Devices, the two
travel North America consulting with and educating motorsport groups on
their features and benefits one-on-one or in safety seminars such as the
being hosted by the ULHRA. On March 28th, Safety Solutions will be joined by
several of the best in the field of safety advancements who will gather at
the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington.
Much
of the drama of a boat race occurs just prior to the five minute gun
at the dock in front of spectators, cameras, and TV crew. Preparing
the boat for the race involves a coordinated effort of unhooking the
slings that were attached to the crane, turning the hydroplane in
the right direction to head onto the race course, strapping the
driver in the cockpit and checking oxygen and radio systems. The
activity of everyone on the dock or on the boat is a kaleidoscope of
color and images showcased by their uniforms.
Champion
Systems has earned a reputation for getting that task done.
Providing uniforms for many kinds of motorsport teams around the
world they have recently recognized the market represented by marine
motorsports. As one of the newest Contingency Award Program (CAP)
sponsors, Scott Kaylin was first acquainted with the ULHRA through
the Performance Racing Industry convention in Orlando, Florida. The
maritime environment has a unique set of demands on uniforms. Where
else is it common for a crew member to lie on the belly to work on
a
battery? Where else will color running and staining salt water get
splashed onto apparel? The colors can’t run and the logos must read
in the most trying circumstances. Only an experienced manufacturer
like Champion Systems can even begin to address these problems.
Custom crew shirt in any color of the rainbow, low minimum orders
and quick turn around time are just some of the benefits Champion
Systems provides. Accomplished racing teams such as Brut and Jelly
Belly look to Champion for consistent quality and excellent customer
service. Champion Systems constantly strives to keep their prices as
competitive as their customers. Racing Season is here! Do you have
uniforms? Rush two week delivery is available through Champion
Systems.
A
division of Ricky Sanders Racing, Inc. and easily accessed at 
Shocks
to the System 
Enter
Canton Racing Products. The oil pan attached to the bottom of the powerplant has
the primary job of capturing virtually all of the oil working to cool the
engine. Canton specializes in offering high performance components that continue
to function in the most exacting situations. Proper ducting and appropriate line
sizes have been developed and determined through extensive ‘testing’ on the race
course. Sometimes a spring loaded baffle is the only difference between adequate
cooling and lubrication and the decision to pull into the infield.