Latest News

"The Gauntlet" Preview #1

"The Gauntlet": aptly named because that's what it is. Five races in six weeks for the teams in the Unlimited Lights Racing Series. It begins July 11th and 12th at the spectacular Pepsi Racing Power Cup Challenge on the mighty Missouri River at Chamberlain-Oacoma SD. An excellent field is expected for this second annual regatta. Here's a look at one of those teams.

April-May was a tough time this year for Joe Souza, driver and Team Manager for the UL-9 US ARMY-NAPA Auto Parts entry from Xaudaro-Wilmot Racing and also sponsored by Jiffy Lube and Deschutes Brewery. Souza, from Lakewood WA is an Unlimited Lights’ original. He wasn't racing when ULHRA, Inc. was formed in time for the 2001 season. He was inactive then but chomping at the bit to get back to racing while he built his business in Tacoma , WA . Joe was one of the originators of the class of racing that became known as Unlimited Lights in 1995 and he competed in the Pacific NW the first couple of seasons before going on "hiatus". After returning to the series in 2008, Souza was looking forward to 2009, driving the upgraded UL-9 hull which last year Vince Xaudaro drove as the UL-929. Xaudaro, as many know, is taking the year off from racing to rebuild his "all black, all the time" UL -929 hull.

The "X-Man" recommended Souza to UL-9 owners Jim & Karon Wilmot and after Spring Training ’09, it looked to be a promising season ahead. It still can be promising.

A number of niggling little things kept Souza from starting the first two heats at Phoenix at the end of April, and once he got the “9” up and running for the third heat he could only safely make a legal start and head back to the pits. Still, that action of crossing the starting line did benefit the team because the legal start made the UL-9 team eligible for tow money.

Unfortunately for Souza the challenges didn't end in Phoenix. First, a failure of the trailer near Battleground, WA on the trip home delayed Souza's return and delayed additional work on the boat. More seriously, Joe was hospitalized and underwent surgery for an inflamed appendix. Recovery cost another couple of week’s time but he's rapidly rebounding into shape, back at work at his Highland Hill (automotive) Service Center and just completed a sponsor appearance for Deschutes Brewery. He's eager to get back to racing in South Dakota .

As the month of June comes to a close, here's to hoping for better days ahead for an Unlimited Lights' original, "Smokin Joe" Souza starting in Chamberlain-Oacoma SD July 11th & 12th. By the way, sponsorship of the UL-9 by the US ARMY is something that makes Smokin’ Joe particularly proud as he served 12 years in the Army, and yes you really can call him "Sarge" because he earned the rank of E-7 Sergeant First Class. Souza also continues to serve the US ARMY as a volunteer consultant today.

John Lynch
"Voice" of ULHRA Racing

"Photos - David Coe, Tim Crowley, and Mark Sharley"

Father's Day Weekend at Pier 66

Four teams from the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association participated at Pier 66 Classic Weekend downtown Seattle over Fathers Day weekend. Classic cars, up to 60 classic yachts, and fun music rounded out the event. In spite of cloudy skies around Puget Sound, the weather stayed good on the waterfront. Hundreds of kids - big and little - sat in cockpits, picked up copies of Thunder & 'LIGHTS Magazine, and talked about boat racing and summer in Seattle. This young man probably demonstrated his enthusiasm for hydroplanes best.

Photo Credit: Saturday photos to Krystina Hulse, Sunday photos and above photo to Mark Sharley

Photos from Saturday

Photos from Sunday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2009

Contact: Muncey Marketing 360-805-0805

It Must Be Summer!

Classic Weekend Kicks off Summer in the Northwest

Summer, the favorite season of the boating world, officially arrives this weekend. For all you technicality buffs, even though the calendar says the first day of summer is June 21, it officially arrives at 1:45 A.M. EDT on June 21, 2009, which makes it June 20, 2009, at 10:45 P.M. PDT here on the West Coast!

One of the premier events scheduled to kick off summer is the return of Annual Classic Weekend at Pier 66 downtown Seattle, Washington. Unlimited Light hydroplanes, Classic Yacht Association vessels and classic autos will adorn the pier and plaza.

Megan Deinas, Marketing Manager Harbor Services at the Port of Seattle said, "This is a great Fathers Day weekend event with free fun for the whole family. Come on down and see what the Seattle waterfront has to offer!"

On hand will be four hydroplanes from the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, representing some of the various racing classes. The G-13 Tempo, the UL-00 WarningPower.com, the UL-11 Roxy Radio/Power Punch Lubricants, and the E-36 Boat Electric Lighter-than-LIGHT entry will on be on hand for viewing. The race drivers will be stopping by with Hero Cards and autograph signing. Copies of the racing season’s program Thunder & LIGHTS Magazine will be distributed to attendees for free. The magazine normally sells for $4.95 on the newsstands and contains all the information fans need to know in order to follow the 2009 racing season. Some of the hydroplanes will be set up for folks to sit inside the cockpit and ULHRA photographers on hand to document the day.

Up to 60 classic yachts from the Classic Yacht Association, many built before 1942 will be in the pier, most available for boarding (wear soft-soled shoes). This event represents the largest gathering of classic yachts on the west coast. Also on hand will be classic cars. The ambience will be provided by classic tunes playing in the background. The show is open from

10AM to 4PM on Saturday and Sunday and free to the public. Music, boats, hydros, cars, and the Seattle waterfront….now that’s summer and a great way to spend the Fathers Day weekend!

The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is an automotive-powered　class which continues to gain popularity especially with fans seeking affordable, exciting family entertainment.　Although they utilize　today's technology, the　thundering engines　produce a sound that echoes back to the classic days of hydroplane racing. For more information regarding the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, please visit www.ulhra.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Charlie Comstock
Marketing Director – Victoria Express
(360) 457-9617 ex: 206
charlie@victoriaexpress.com

Hydroplane Races Return To Port Angeles

September 26th & 27th 2009

SUMMER’S FINALE WILL ALSO BE RACING FINALE

The Peninsula Water Sports Association of Port Angeles, Washington announced today that the 7th Annual Strait Thunder Hydroplane Races and Family Festival will be returning to Port Angeles Harbor this year one weekend sooner. Normally held the first weekend in October, the festival has moved up a weekend earlier. Nothing will compare with the sights and sounds of hydroplanes competing at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour in a tight mile and a quarter loop in their final race of the 2009 season on the Port Angeles Harbor this September 26 and 27.

In addition to the Unlimited Lights, and the popular grass-roots Lighter-than-LIGHTS hydroplane classes, an additional twist is added this year with the inclusion of the Westport Series. At four select ULHRA events Thunderboats from all across the United States and Canada are being invited to participate and battle it out on the water for what is reputed to be the largest prize package in ULHRA racing history. The winner take all dash-for-cash final will occur at the fourth event of the Westport Series September 26-27 when Victoria Express presents Strait Thunder in Port Angeles, Washington. In order to qualify for the series and prize money, the hydroplanes must be at least 25 feet in length and exclusively supercharged. That equates to lots of noise on the water, which is why these boats have been dubbed the Thunderboats.

Hydroplanes will begin arriving at City Park on Friday September 25th. Concession stands open Saturday and Sunday. The races will start Saturday morning, September 26th with the championship finals running Sunday afternoon September 27th. All the racing action can be viewed free to the public on site or via live video streaming at www.ulhra.org.

For more information regarding the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, please visit www.ulhra.org. To arrange individual driver interviews, receive team photos or press kits, contact Debi Muncey, ULHRA Director of Promotions at (360)805-0805. For more information about Victoria Express passenger ferries or Strait Thunder Hydroplane Races, call (360) 457-9617.

Photos by Linda Amundsen and Mark Sharley

###

TERRY TROXELL REMEMBERED

By Fred Farley - ABRA Unlimited and ULHRA Historian

Unlimited hydroplane racing lost one of its most respected participants on June 13, 2009. Terry Troxell, the winner of the 2005 APBA Gold Cup with MISS AL DEEBY DODGE, passed away following a massive heart attack at his home in Gig Harbor, Washington. He was 61.

Terry didn’t step up to the Unlimited level until rather late in his career, but it didn’t take long for him to achieve the winner’s circle. A graphic artist by profession, a boat racer by avocation, Troxell handled high-speed hydroplanes for four decades.

He was related by marriage to the racing Weber family. His three brothers-in-law, Mike, Mark, and Steve Weber, and stepson U-5 pilot Jeff Bernard, all drive power boats. He was the father-in-law of U-17 and UL-8 driver Kip Brown.

A two-time inductee into the prestigious APBA Hall of Champions for Limited inboard racing in 1997 and 1998, Troxell accepted his first Unlimited Class assignment in 2000 with the Fred Leland team.

Terry scored his first Unlimited victory in the 2001 Tri-Cities Columbia Cup with ZNETIX II when he outran second-place Dave Villwock and MISS BUDWEISER by six seconds in the Final Heat. Troxell had the satisfaction of winning at the same Eastern Washington race site where he had qualified as an Unlimited driver the year before.

Terry's 2002 season highlights included second-place finishes at Evansville, Madison, and Detroit with Leland's variously named U-99 entry.

In 2003, he took the wheel of Jim Harvey's MISS TRENDWEST, a new boat plagued with handling problems. MISS TRENDWEST flipped upside-down at the Gold Cup in Detroit, but Troxell rebounded a month later to take third-place at San Diego.

     As driver of the Ellstrom family's MISS E-LAM PLUS in 2004, Terry survived a very rough St. Clair River in Michigan to claim the St. Clair International Trophy, despite the battering wakes of ocean-going tankers in the vicinity.

     The most prominent victory of Terry Troxell’s career has to be his 2005 triumph at Detroit with MISS AL DEEBY DODGE in the APBA Gold Cup, boat racing's most coveted award. Ironically, a week before the race, Troxell didn't have a ride because the team for which he drove didn't exist. Owner Dave Bartush purchased the back-up hull of the temporarily inactive Kim Gregory team. The boat was trucked from Las Vegas to Detroit with one turbine engine and a few spare parts. There wasn't even time to repaint the hull. Knowing that his equipment was severely limited, Terry ran conservatively in the preliminary heats, playing a waiting game and earning just enough points to qualify for the Final.

     The 2005 Gold Cup was marred by accidents and equipment damage. For the running of the Final Heat, only three boats were available to answer the starting gun. Troxell and MISS AL DEEBY DODGE, after running under wraps all weekend, "let it all hang out." Terry crossed the starting line first in the outside lane and pulled to a decisive lead over J.W. Myers and MISS E-LAM PLUS. Myers and third-place Mike Weber in FORMULABOATS.COM were never a factor. "Detroit is awesome," exclaimed a jubilant Troxell. "This is the best drivers' course in all of boat racing."

     MISS AL DEEBY DODGE, amazingly, was the oldest boat in the race, having been built in 1987 as MILLER AMERICAN. It had previously won the Gold Cup in 1988 as MISS CIRCUS CIRCUS, in 1991 as WINSTON EAGLE, and in 1994 as SMOKIN' JOE'S.

At the 2005 Seattle race, Terry had the opportunity to race against his stepson Jeff Bernard (who was making his Unlimited debut) in the Provisional Heat on Lake Washington. It was a wild affair indeed and brought the crowd to its feet. Bernard outran Troxell over the finish line by barely a boat length. It doesn't get much closer!

A minor stroke sidelined Terry in late 2005 but he returned to competition at the 2006 Chevrolet Cup in Seattle as driver of Leland's U-99.

In addition to his multiple Unlimited and Limited Inboard rides, Terry was a frequent participant in ULHRA competition. In 1997, at the ‘Columbia Cup’ in Tri Cities , Washington , he drove Howie LaBrie’s UL-45 ‘Hey Baby’. Troxell then took the helm of Bob Larimore’s UL-23 for three races in 1999. Terry’s next venture into UL racing was ‘Tastin n Racin’, 2000 in Issaquah , Washington. Driving Bob Schultz’s NM-1, ‘Stinger’, a small-block powered National Modified hydroplane, Terry beat four larger, more powerful boats in the final heat, finishing an amazing second. In 2003, he again made his presence known in ULHRA competition, this time driving John Weaver’s 5-liter ‘Dream Weaver’ in the ‘Lighter-than-Lights’ 8-cylinder class. At the inaugural ‘Strait Thunder’ in Port Angeles , Washington , Troxell, in a harbinger of the historic ’05 Seafair heat, ran lap after lap side-by-side with stepson Jeff Bernard. Just as they would finish in Seattle , Jeff , in Armand Yapachino’s ‘Joya Mia’, pulled ahead just as they crossed the finish-line, winning by less than a boat-length. 2008 saw Terry return to his UL “roots”as he once again piloted the hull in which he first competed in the series. Now owned by Bob Baker, the Ron Jones, Sr. “two-wing” UL-8, ‘Numerica Credit Union’ was the same hull that he had driven for LaBrie in ’97. Substituting for regular UL-8 driver and son-in-law Kip Brown in the now repowered and reconfigured boat, Terry skillfully negotiated the rough Columbia River race-course, finishing third in the Final Heat. Scheduled to compete in the boat again at this year’s ‘Thunder Cup’ in Tri-Cities, Terry’s untimely passing will make the race a difficult one for the UL-8 team. He also worked on many a hydroplane hull over the years and as a boat builder his work lives on as the UL-3 'T-Machine', designed by Ron Jones Sr. built by Terry Troxell and finished in 2008 by Grant Family Racing.

He was always eager to assist new participants in the sport. In the words of Kip Brown, "Terry was a mentor to myself and to many other racers across the country."

Boat racing will miss Terry Troxell, a great driver and a good friend.

The following is a schedule of events for Terry Troxell's Memorial this weekend. All are welcome.
Friday June 19, 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Viewing at Haven of Rest Cemetery
8503 Highway 16
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Saturday, June 20 1:30 PM

Terry's Memorial at The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
5917 S. 196 St
Kent, WA 98032

Please come to the memorial to visit and celebrate the life of a great man. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation in remembrance of Terry Troxell.

note: John Lynch contributed additional ULHRA information to this
report.

Photo Credit: Mark Sharley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2009

Contact: Muncey Marketing 360-805-0805

Lots of Daves

Famous Dave's BBQ at Thunder Cup and More

Lots of Dave’s…lots of Famous Dave’s, that is. Since the Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que restaurants are the Official Caterers of the ULHRA, another franchise group of Famous Dave’s has stepped up to actively participate in the festivities on the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing circuit.

Star Rib’s WashPac LP, headquartered in Irvine, California, and their Famous Dave’s restaurants include 6 establishments in California, one in Kennewick, Washington and one just opened in May in Tualatin, Oregon. With a similar arrangement to the one currently enjoyed by the Famous Dave’s/William Tell franchise group in Western Washington, Star Rib’s is excited about their participation at the TriCities Water Follies and Thunder Cup.

In addition to addressing the needs of the ULHRA Hospitality Area for the racing teams, Famous Dave’s will also have a vendor booth in the park to provide 60,000 fans and spectators with the opportunity to eat “famously” at the races. Manager of the Kennewick restaurant, Steve Dunn said,” Like Unlimited Light hydroplane racing; Famous Dave’s is enjoying a growing fan base. We are delighted to participate and contribute to a circuit aimed at the same goal of affordable family entertainment. “

One of the strengths of Famous Dave’s is their ability to cater events within a wide territory. Vehicles dedicated specifically to that purpose enable Famous Dave’s to maintain a high level of quality service and product in remote locations such as company picnics, festivals or community functions. As an example, a street fair in downtown Portland could be catered by their Tualatin location. This latest development means that there are now seven points of Famous Dave’s catering support for ULHRA sponsors, teams and race site partners on the 2009 circuit. Dan Myers, Area Director, went on to say, “In today’s economy, the American family is looking harder for more value. Whether it is a weekend activity or going ‘out for dinner’, they still want to have fun at a reasonable cost. Famous Dave’s delivers that –literally.”

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. develops, owns, operates and franchises. Famous Dave’s Barbeque is an award-winning BBQ chain with more than 175 locations across the country. Their success is the result of a commitment to the finest food and the best dining experience known to barbeque. They feel that every customer is treated as though they were a "guest" at one of Dave’s famous backyard barbeques. The menu features hickory-smoked ribs and barbequed meats, smokin' sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, tasty salads and home-style desserts. Having won awards for everything from “Best Sauce” to “Best Ribs” to “Best Cookbook”, Famous Dave’s has received wide acclaim from customers and critics alike.

As it has for the past 44 years, the Tri-Cities of eastern Washington State will host their family festival packed with things to see, do, and taste including fast boats, air shows and great food on the shores on the Columbia River July 24-25-26, 2009.

The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is an automotive-powered class which continues to gain popularity especially with fans seeking affordable, exciting family entertainment. Although they utilize today's technology, the thundering engines produce a sound that echoes back to the classic days of hydroplane racing. For more information about the ULHRA or Thunder & ‘LIGHTS Magazine, please visit www.ulhra.org or contact Linda Amundsen, ULHRA PR Director at lamundsen22@msn.com.

North Mason Relay for Life gets some RPMs this weekend

BELFAIR, Wash. - The three-time defending Lighter-Than-LIGHTS high points champion Bud McKay and his "West Sound Electric Presents GEICO of Lakewood" hydroplane will be on display at the North Mason Relay for Life Friday and Saturday at North Mason High School. Not only will the hydroplane be on display, but McKay will sell raffle tickets for a chance to start the engine of the 8-cylinder stock engine at the finale of the Relay - all proceeds of the raffle stay at the North Mason Relay for Life event.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. This is the 10th year of Relay for Life event at North Mason.

McKay's "Namron Racing Team" was started in 2005 in honor of Bud's father, Norman, a hydroplane fanatic, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2003. Namron, simply Norman spelled backward, is the name Bud's father used for his woodshop at his Belfair home.

The raffle costs $1 per ticket or 5 for $3. The drawing will take place around noon on Saturday. Then the boat will be pushed toward the announcer's stand shortly before the final "Survivors Lap" at 1 p.m. where the lucky winner will start the engine.

"It will be the end of a very long day for a lot of people, and the hope is that the firing of the engine will 'rev up' those about to take their lap of honor," McKay said, who is making his third Relay at his former high school. "We can only run the engine without water for about 10 seconds. But it's enough time to get everyone's attention, that's for sure."

And if any of the survivors want or need a little help to make it around the track for that final lap of the Relay for Life, McKay said as long as he can recruit some horsepower to help push the boat around on the track. That way any survivor who wants or needs a ride, can take their victory lap in style riding on the three-time defending champion hydroplane.

More information about the "West Sound Electric Presents GEICO of Lakewood" can be found on the team's website -
www.namronracing.com - or by emailing McKay at bud.mckay@wavecable.com.

-30-

CUTLINE: Bud McKay, in the "West Sound Electric Presents
GEICO of Lakewood," skims over a lumpy Lake Sammamish June
6 for "Tastin' n' Racin' 2009." (Photo by Julie
Sparrowgrove)

Ever wanted to own an Unlimited Light Hydroplane Team? Now's
your chance!

This is an amazing offer that is only available this month; as in June, 2009. It probably should have Billy Mays or Ron Popeil doing an infomercial but..............this posting will have to do.

Seriously, if someone reading this has dreamed of being an Unlimited Light team owner, or owner-driver and can make a relatively modest financial move right now.........here's a tremendous opportunity.

ULHRA member and 2002 Valleyfield race winner Pingree Conflitti has discounted and is selling his entire UL-58 Union Dooz team. Why? "Ping" lives in Detroit and worked in the automotive industry for decades.........need I say more? The good news is Ping is launching a new career but right now there's no place in his life for hydroplane racing. He hopes to return in the future to competition in ULHRA and wants to see his "Dooz" continue racing in the Unlimited Lights series.

He's offering his "turnkey program".......everything you need to go racing, right now. In fact, you could fly in to Detroit, acquire the UL-58 team and be ready for your first race at Chamberlain-Oacoma, South Dakota next month. Then you'd could be on your way to Polson, MT, Tri-Cities WA and if the team scores enough points to qualify, to Seattle. 4 races in a row. To paraphrase Joe Garagiola from those 70's era Chrysler commercials "buy a hydroplane team - get a check!". Actually get 4 tow money checks; one from each of those four races over 4 consecutive weekends.

This is where the infomercial announcer says, "what would you pay for this Unlimited Light racing engine with quality DART components and raced only once? One payment of $35,000. Wait, there's more.

What would you pay for this racing engine, plus the hardware including propeller, skid fin, mounting brackets, lift slings, air tanks, regulator, spare parts, safety vest & helmet, radio communication for the boat to crew chief.......all inclusive plus a 30 gallon drum of race fuel? One payment of $35,000. But wait, there's more.

What would you pay for this racing engine, hardware AND this quality diesel powered tow vehicle which can house all the parts and equipment you'll need at the races? One payment of $35,000. But wait, there's more.

If you pay $35,000 for all of this, here's a bonus. I'll throw in the hydroplane and tilt trailer and all you do is make one payment of $35,000!"

Conflitti is making his race team available right now, and the entire program is for sale for the discounted firm price of $35,000. However, this offer is good only this month of June and "first come-first served" because he has to move ahead with his next career. If it doesn't sell this month the UL-58 program will go to an undisclosed auction. This is not a negotiation. The first $35,000 takes the entire UL-58 program home, ready to race starting in Chamberlain-Oacoma, South Dakota July 11th & 12th.

If this can be you, contact Ping Conflitti at uniondooz58@aol.com immediately and you too can become a part of Racing, ULHRA Style!

John Lynch
"Voice" of ULHRA Racing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2009

Contact: Muncey Marketing 360-805-0805

Hydros Set to Make Some Noise

Four Select Races Will Have an Added Feature in 2009

Details of the long-anticipated NACCS Westport Series were finalized and announced today. In conjunction with the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association the NACCS Westport Series will include the races in Chamberlain, South Dakota; Polson, Montana; Silverdale, Washington and the year end Championships at Port Angeles, Washington.

In order to qualify for the series and prize money, the hydroplanes must be at least 25 feet in length and exclusively supercharged. That equates to lots of noise on the water, which is why these boats have been dubbed the Thunderboats.

The Series invites Thunderboats from all across the United States and Canada to participate and battle it out on the water for what is reputed to be the largest prize package in ULHRA racing history and is sponsored by the Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce. The popular Westport-Grayland area located on the Washington State coast includes 18 miles of ocean beaches, and offers fishing adventures, surfing, kite flying, whale watching, crabbing, bird watching, beach combing, and shopping. To preview the area, visit www.westport.com

The winner take all dash for cash will occur at the fourth event September 26-27 when Victoria Express presents Strait Thunder in Port Angeles, Washington.

The Westport Series is the brainchild of Rick and Shawn Bridgeman, owners of Shockwave Racing and the G-17 hydroplane which will also compete in the class. The Bridgemans developed the concept together with the racing team’s own marketing manager, Larry Linn. Linn hopes to use the exposure created by the thundering race boats to generate interest and attention to a medical condition that few know about, but is near and dear to his heart. Linn’s own nephew was born with a rare birth defect called Prader-Willi syndrome. Approximately 1 in 25,000 infants may be born with this defect resulting from an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. PWS typically causes low muscle tone, short stature if not treated with growth hormone, coupled with a metabolism that utilizes drastically fewer calories than normal. PWSA (USA) is an organization of families and professionals working together to promote and fund research, provide education, and offer support to enhance the quality of life of those affected by Prader-Willi syndrome.

The first event in Chamberlain-Oacoma, South Dakota is scheduled for July 11-12 at the Pepsi Racing Power Cup Challenge presented by River City Racin. For more information on that event, visit www.rivercityracin.org. Four Thunderboats have already committed to be at the race on the Missouri River with hopes of enticing more entries. The G-10 Titeflex/Wiggins Service & Supply out of Alabama will compete against the Bridgeman entry, as well as the G-13 Tempo and G329 Schade Vineyard, both originating from Washington state. More information on the entries, their teams and drivers as well as updates on new entries and other news will be available at www.ulhra.org.

The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is an automotive-powered class which continues to gain popularity especially with fans seeking affordable, exciting family entertainment. Although they utilize today's technology, the thundering engines produce a sound that echoes back to the classic days of hydroplane racing. For more information regarding the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, please visit www.ulhra.org.

Photo credit: Mark Sharley

"From the Lighter Side"

a report on Lighter-than-LIGHTS racing

Photos by Mark Sharley

The Lighter 10 Questions with Mike Jarvis
By Bud McKay

Mike Jarvis, the owner/driver of the “S-24 Farmer Boy” was selected as the 4-cylinder class representative in the ULHRA’s Lighter-Than-LIGHTS series. Jarvis helps kick off a new feature in the Lighter-Than-LIGHTS coverage – “The Lighter 10 Questions” series. This is where you get the straight answers from the people who help make the LTL series fun and exciting.

1) Before we dive into the meat of the interview about being the new 4-cylinder class representative for the LTLs, how are things coming on the “Farmer Boy?”

Well, I have been waiting all winter for room to open up at the Jarvis Marina/Race Boat shop in Yelm. I have been out working on the boat during my weekends -- which are Monday and Tuesdays -- and not leaving the shop until around 4 a.m. some nights...or I guess that's some mornings. Currently, I have made major progress repairing several broken frames and later today I will have the frame work completed to finally repair the hole the boat suffered last year at the APBA Western Divisional.

2) When do you think you’ll have her ready to go?

I'm looking at having all repair work completed, painting, engine installed and ready to go for the Polson, Mont., race.

3) You’ve been racing for how long now?

I have been driving since my junior year at Auburn High School way back in 1993 driving in the 1-Liter modified class. However, since 1985 I have been active in boat racing with my father (Gerry Jarvis) when he first started as a rescue diver for Seafair before he purchased his first race boat.

4) In the 4-cylinder, or 2.5-Litre class, what experience do you have?

I have been racing 4-cylinders (2.5-Liter stocks) with my father since I was 11 years old and began driving the 2.5-Liter stocks in 1994. In 1999 when I returned home from the military, I started driving in the 2.5-Liter modified class. I currently own and drive a 4-cylinder "S-24 Farmer Boy" and own a 2.5-Liter modified "A-757 Wild Waves." My father and I also assist other race teams to get back on the water and help new members of the 4-cylinder classes get race ready.

5) As the 4-cylinder class rep in the LTL series, how do you see your role?

I see the role of the 4-cylinder representative as being part public relations, part organizer, part problem solver, very much a people-oriented person and an ambassador for the 4-cylinder class in general.

6) I know that you’ve had less than a week to think about the program as a class rep, but what do you see as your biggest challenge in this position?

Well, as I love a good challenge, it makes you think. I believe one of the biggest challenges has been keeping a constant boat count where there are a sufficient number of boats in the class to help put on a good program that the fans will enjoy watching.

7) How are you going to tackle that or improve on boat count? I mean, what is your strategy to face that challenge?

I have a few ideas, but I think if the members that are currently racing within the 4-cylinder group can put on a great performance -- stay deck-to-deck, like a battle royal -- fans LOVE that. There are several ideas I have, but you said to keep my answers short. There's no way I can't bring up one without bringing up another. But we're not going to make any drastic changes or implement anything new right off the bat. We'll talk it over as a group and see what direction we all want to go and work from there. So basically, we'll start out small with what we currently have and build on it. But I'm excited because I see an excellent platform for growth.

8) The 4-cylinder class has started off as a launching pad for UL drivers – Kayleigh Perkins perhaps the class’ best-known graduate. Some, like her big brother Brian Perkins have even hit the unlimited ranks. That’s got to help you in recruiting new owners/drivers for the 4-cylinder ranks – doesn’t it?

Oh totally. Our future drivers, owners, crew chiefs and officials are the people coming to watch us race. They watch us in all that we do, and not just the boats out on the water; they want a personal side to the machines and the hulls. Just like in Hollywood movies, our fans want the story, the drama and the passion. With role models coming out of the 4-cylinder class like Kayleigh and Brian...our fans see normal people doing incredible things. And the beautiful thing is, we have very fan-friendly drivers. This is a fairly inexpensive class that is very fun, very competitive and with members who are very helpful with anyone wanting to get involved and pointing them in the right direction.

9) Speaking of going in the right direction, let’s talk about salt water racing. Last year at Silverdale, there were more LTLs in the pits than ULs for the first time. Let’s put a crystal ball in front of you – or we can just use the top of your head since we have budget cutbacks and can't afford a real crystal ball. But do you think we’ll see an increase, decrease or stay the same in 4-cyl boats at Silverdale?

Of course I can't say for certain, but if I get this guess right...I'm going to go buy some lotto tickets! I think this year financially is a tough year for everyone due to the national economy. However, Silverdale has also been a popular place to race and a fun location. I would say that we should enjoy the same LTL numbers like last year. But it would be great to increase our boat count and see how creative we can get making room in the pits for all the boats! By the way, why is it that I have to keep my answers short when your questions are long?

10) As a fan-base, the ULHRA draws huge crowds at the races. You raced in the LTL series last year in Montana when one of the nicest, great-looking and modest 8-cylinder owners asked you to fill in for him (thanks by the way). Can you talk about racing outside of the state and the “star treatment” you received in the LTL series by the fans?

Last year driving for “Mr. Handsome," Bud McKay, in Polson was actually my first time racing with the ULHRA outside of Washington. The program put on in Polson was amazing. I have never seen that many people attend a hydroplane event outside of Seafair. On Saturday, I decided to do a few "beach bombing runs" and run as close to the beach as safely and legally as I could and then waved to the crowd from inside the cockpit. Believe it or not, later that day when the pits opened up for the fans to come in, I had a fan come up to me saying "That was cool, I saw you waving at me!" In talking with the fans, I heard that many of them came from miles away (some hundreds of miles) just to come watch the hydroplanes on Flat Head Lake. I thoroughly enjoyed racing at Polson! But it's a special experience at all of the LTL events. I can't wait to see our class grow and grow so we can share this experience with more people.

Shockwave goes to school

We received this letter from a little girl who lives in Aberdeen Washington.

Shockwave Goes to School

On Friday May 15th Shockwave Racing went to Stevens Elementary in Aberdeen Washington for Courtney Thurman's Show and Tell.

Ed Preston busy answering questions from "How fast does it go?" to "What is the pounds per square inch on the top of the canard wing at full speed?" (No kidding a 5th grader asked that)

The school was great to work with, the administrators let Courtney and her sister Caitlyn handout autograph cards to the kids and teachers, as classes were let out one at a time to view the boat. This picture shows Dustin signing autographs, by the time we were finished, Courtney and Caitlyn passed out over a 1000 autograph cards.

We were lucky as it was warm with an abundance of sunshine, this can be a rarity for Aberdeen in May.

Our 2 Heroes for the day standing on the trailer, Courtney on right, Caitlyn on left with one of the classes at Stevens Elementary School.. Shockwave Racing wants to thank Courtney for her invitation to be a part of her show and tell, WE HAD A LOT OF FUN!!!!