|
Another driver from the LTL ranks earns promotion to the Unlimited Lights
Darren and Mary Bartels, from Buckley, Wash., owners of the UL-11 "Power Punch Racing Team, ROXY 94.5 FM, K&N Filters" acquired a second hull out of Florida through a partnership with Pat Rankin of Tallahassee, Fla. They will have McKay campaign it for the 2010 season.
“Bud has a unique talent in marketing and getting sponsorships, plus he's shown in his five years of racing that he can get the most out of a boat with a very minimal budget to work with," Bartels said. "If you are ever at a race, and see a truly big kid – you've just found Bud McKay. He's a true ambassador for the sport and is a welcome addition to the team."
Bartels said that even though he is the operational owner of the team, he'll work in concert with McKay on the day-to-day operations of the new hull.
"It's hard enough preparing one boat for the season, let alone a second," he said. "We'll keep the programs separate for now, but like we always do in this sport, we're here to help each other."
The new hull has never touched water. It was constructed over the last two years, and has a new carbureted Chevy 468 that has only been run on the Dyno. Bartels' other hull. the UL-11, uses an alcohol Injected, blown-Chevy 468. Along with Bartels' assistance, it will be up to McKay to form a team and finish the boat to be ready for the 2010 season.
"You better believe I am excited about this opportunity," McKay said. "This means Seafair and Tri-Cities, which for potential sponsors, that's huge. And I maybe 50 years old, but inside I'm still that 10-year-old kid on the shores of Lake Washington waving to the drivers as they fly by; now I have the chance to finally wave back while driving on Lake Washington."
McKay was quick to point out there's a lot of work to do before that happens.
"It's all about sponsorships at this point," McKay said. "The difference in a budget to get a Lighter-Than-LIGHTS team to a race compared to an Unlimited Light is monstrous. Before we can make the boat float, we've got to secure top-notch sponsors."
An Unlimited Light hydroplane 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 speeds around 150 mph and sounds that roar back to the classic days of hydroplane racing.
McKay still plans to campaign his "West Sound Electric Presents GEICO of Lakewood" 8-cylinder hydroplane in the 2010 season. McKay, who won the high points titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008, finished second in high points in 2009.
"At the races where we have the ULs and the LTLs, I'll turn the driving of the 'little boat' over to someone else," McKay said. "That's how I can reward those who help me, by giving them a chance to drive a hydroplane. Plus, like Darren, as a boat owner, you love giving someone that chance of a lifetime to drive a hydroplane."
The schedule isn't out yet for the 2010 season, but it normally starts in April in Chandler, Ariz., at Firebird Raceway. And McKay said he's setting his sites on being ready to compete there with the UL. In fact, it's McKay's hope to be ready to compete in the entire national circuit.
"The little kid inside me says 'we'll be there,' but the bigger kid says 'we'll try and be there,'" he said. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
For more information, visit www.ul11.com; McKay's website, www.namronracing.com, should be up and running again next week.
Several years ago Rankin determined to have a new boat built with the capability of competing in several classes. He was impressed with the new Unlimited Light class and instructed his builder to include all the specifications needed to participate incorporated into the design. He went to one of the most proficient engine builders east of the Mississippi and had a big block configured to pose a competitive threat on any body of water east or west of “the great muddy”. Finally, he sought out and found one of the most promising racing teams in place on the ULHRA circuit.
Darren Bartels and his associates have demonstrated over the last two seasons they are a force with which to be reckoned. In spite of severe hull setbacks last season, Bartels managed to continue to deliver for his sponsors and ended up so high in the point standings that he may have surprised even himself. Bartels said, “We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with very understanding sponsors and exceptional teammates.” The point and tenacity wasn’t lost on Rankin who said, “We are pleased and optimistic to be able to not only participate on the growing and productive ULHRA circuit but partner with a group of dynamic and determined individuals like the Bartels group.” Rankin went on, “As the operational owner, I have the greatest confidence that Darren and his team will bring this brand new boat to the water in competitive fashion and set her through her paces like the professionals they are.”
Taking delivery this month of the hull and powerplant, Bartels set about putting the finishing touches together. “We have some latches and other parts to install and painting to do but for the most part, the hull is ready to go.” With a deceptive smile Bartels went on to say,” Now if we can just find a driver?” The driver has actually already been determined and will be announced in another release along with sponsor developments and the situation with the Bartels supercharged UL 11 hull.
Source:
www.youtube.com
You can't miss it! All the latest happenings at the PRI Trade Show.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER RETURN TO BOAT
RACING
|
|
He
participated as a driver in his first boat race back in the ‘60s. He
raced on the Potomac River pitted next to hydroplane legends like Mira
Slovak driving the Tahoe Miss in the Presidents Cup. Life has
interesting turns and it led Pat Rankin away from boat racing for
several decades but recently brought him back to observe that there was
still a place for a devoted enthusiast who wanted to make a difference
in a competitive way. 
ayne
State enable her to address the task of Communications Director for the
newest Unlimited Light team to join the ULHRA ranks. Mike’s experience
credentials include having been one of the few drivers to win
back-to-back MACH series championships.