KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Meet Jimmy Shane - replacement driver of the U-1 FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane

Meet Jimmy Shane - replacement driver of the U-1 FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane

Ted Porter, owner of the FormulaBoats.com team, has announced that Jimmy Shane (Havre de Grace, Md.) will replace Mike Allen (New Orleans, La.) for the Lamb Weston Atomic Cup next weekend on the Columbia River.

"We were very impressed when Jimmy drove the U-1 for us at an exhibition last year in Celina, Ohio," said Porter.  "He can obviously handle the boat and has accomplished a great deal in his career already. 

"We are confident that his skills, professionalism and personality will make him a great fit for our team and a fan favorite on the ABRA circuit."

Shane who has seven UIM World records in APBA Inboard racing is very excited about this opportunity.

"I have been hoping for this day for a long time, especially since driving the boat in Celina last year," said the 21-year old Shane. "I know this is a short term deal while Mike is out, but getting qualified as an Unlimited driver is the first big step for what I hope is a long career at this level. "

Allen suffered an injury to his left thumb in a blow-over accident in Evansville during the first ABRA race of the season on July 1.  He returned to race in the Madison Regatta Indiana Governor's Cup. He was in third place when he suffered his second blow-over the season at the Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup last Sunday in the championship heat.

He was rushed back to the medical room in the Horace E. Dodge Memorial Pits after the accident and was conscious and talking. Later, he was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital to clean his wound from the previous accident.  Everything was fine and Allen went back to his hotel in Dearborn before going home on Monday.

"This will be a race-by-race situation for us," said Porter.  "If Mike cannot return by Seattle then Jimmy will stay as the driver, but as soon as Mike can get back, he's our driver and Jimmy will remain as the back up driver for our team."

Shane will be racing this weekend at the Quake on the Lake on Pontiac Lake in Waterford, Michigan.

Jimmy Shane Accomplishments:

• Hall of Champion Inductee- 2002, 2004, 2005
• National High Point Champion 1.5 Litre Stock - 2002, 2004, 2005
• Summer National Champion - 2002, 2004, 2005
• World Champion - 2002, 2005, 2006
• Eastern Divisional Champion - 2002
• North American Champion - 2002, 2005
• Hampton Cup Recipient - 2002, 2005
• Ohio Governor's Cup Recipient- 2005
• Canadian National High Point Champion- 2004, 2005
• Numerous Region 4 High Point Championships - 1.5 Litre, 2.5 Mod, JSS
• 7 Close Course UIM World Records
• 1 Kilo Straight Away UIM World Record
• Tested U-7 FormulaBoats.com - Celina, OH - August 2006

Source:  ABRA