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View from inside the cockpit of U-6 as the U-13 flips over the top

Maybe the scariest hydroplane video we've seen. U-6 Driver Steve David: "I was literally 10 feet from being dead"

Tense moments on the Columbia River as J. Michael Kelly flips upside down in the U-13. It was several minutes before rescue crews could get to the boat and pull Kelly out. He's OK.

INSIDE: Video of the flip from inside the U-6 cockpit More>>

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PHOTO GALLERY: Hydro drivers ride Qatar camels (Chris Denslow photos)
PHOTO GALLERY: Hydro drivers ride Qatar camels (Chris Denslow photos)
QATAR 2009: David, Villwock, Kelly win unlimited hydroplane heats; David lengthens points lead
QATAR 2009: David, Villwock, Kelly win unlimited hydroplane heats; David lengthens points lead
Updated: Friday, November 20 2009 11:20 AM EST2009-11-20 16:20:47 GMT
U-37 Jean Theoret gets some air in Heat 1A - Photo by Bill Osborne/H1 Unlimited
Heat Winners:

1A U-7 J. Michael Kelly
1B U-16 Dave Villwock
2A U-1 Steve David
2B U-16 Dave Villwock

More >>
U-16 Elam and Dave Villwock take top qualification spot at 2009 Oryx Cup UIM World Championship unlimited hydroplane races
U-16 Elam and Dave Villwock take top qualification spot at 2009 Oryx Cup UIM World Championship unlimited hydroplane races
Updated: Thursday, November 19 2009 5:46 PM EST2009-11-19 22:46:28 GMT
Dave Villwock in the U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus raced around the two-mile course at Doha Bay at an average speed of 146.427 mph (235.651 km/h) to claim the top qualifying position for the 2009 Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, the final stop on the newly renamed H1 Unlimited series.More >>
Unlimited Hydroplanes shine in the Middle East
Unlimited Hydroplanes shine in the Middle East
Updated: Tuesday, November 17 2009 2:09 AM EST2009-11-17 07:09:31 GMT
The Oryx Cup race site at Sheraton Park in Doha is beginning to take shape. In a city skyline where you can count upwards of 30 sky cranes working on high-rise buildings you can triple that count with workers constructing tents and making the area race ready. All in the shadow of this Middle Eastern shining city.More >>
UIM World Championship unlimited hydroplane race in Doha, Qatar will determine team, drive championship as well
UIM World Championship unlimited hydroplane race in Doha, Qatar will determine team, drive championship as well
Updated: Monday, November 9 2009 8:11 PM EST2009-11-10 01:11:53 GMT
Boats have cleared customs in Doha, Qatar - PHOTO: Joe Roop
The final race of the 2009 unlimited hydroplane season will determine Team Championship, Driver Championship and World Championship. “This is definitely a tight race. It’s going to be a real challenge for all three boats,” said Steve David on the ABRA's conference call along with drivers Jeff Bernard and U-16 Ellstrom's Dave Villwock.More >>
Unlimited hydroplane races in Doha, Qatar will expose sport to worldwide audience
Unlimited hydroplane races in Doha, Qatar will expose sport to worldwide audience
"If we do a good job in this foreign land, put on a good show – and we think we can – and get people in another country excited about our sport," said U-16 Ellstrom's Dave Villwock; "I think we’ll be able to springboard this sport to a whole new gear.”More >>
Unlimited hydroplane teams will battle high salt water content in Doha, Qatar race
Unlimited hydroplane teams will battle high salt water content in Doha, Qatar race
The salt content in Qatar is 50% more dense than San Diego. "More salt in the air and will cause more trouble for the turbines,” said U-16's Dave Villwock. "It’s something we have to deal with. We know there are some challenges there that may cause us trouble.”More >>
DOHA, QATAR 2009: Unlimited Hydroplane race course laid out for Oryx Cup UIM World Championship
DOHA, QATAR 2009: Unlimited Hydroplane race course laid out for Oryx Cup UIM World Championship
Updated: Sunday, November 1 2009 3:04 PM EST2009-11-01 20:04:28 GMT
The course has been laid out in Doha Bay for the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship race. All four flights of qualifications heats will be four laps and the winner-take-all World Championship race will be five laps.

INSIDE: Map of the course >>More >>
Madison Regatta unveils 60th Anniversary logo
Madison Regatta unveils 60th Anniversary logo
Updated: Saturday, October 17 2009 2:16 PM EDT2009-10-17 19:16:40 GMT
Joe Hertz, Madison Regatta Marketing Chairman stated, "We wanted to highlight this special occasion in our 2010 marketing campaign and thought a unique logo would be a nice touch."More >>
EVANSVILLE 2009: Greg Hopp breaks APBA GP/single automotive powered hydroplane record, set previously by Jerry Hopp
EVANSVILLE 2009: Results from Grand Prix racing
Updated: Saturday, September 19 2009 7:29 PM EDT2009-09-20 00:29:38 GMT
These boats make some noise!
Also this year in Evansville was the LOUD Grand Prix's, which brought the thunder back to Thunder on the Ohio. Greg Hopp ran 132.846 MPH on the record course, breaking last year's 123.660 MPH record for single automotive powered hydroplane set by Jerry Hopp. More >>
Terry Troxell Memorial Regatta
Terry Troxell Memorial Regatta
Updated: Tuesday, September 15 2009 11:23 PM EDT2009-09-16 04:23:40 GMT
Good turnout for the first annual Terry Troxell memorial regatta.More >>
GPS telemetry in Unlimiteds could help officials, end disputes
GPS telemetry in Unlimiteds could help officials, end disputes
Updated: Tuesday, July 28 2009 11:20 PM EDT2009-07-29 04:20:23 GMT
Mock-up of what future TV broadcasts could look like with GPS on board boats
GPS technology will be tested in the Unlimiteds in Seattle. It will transmit the data, such as speed and exact position on the course back to the shore - all in real-time.More >>
Extreme Boats Magazine: Kirsten's Gold - Inside the 2007 Unlimited Hydroplane Gold Cup
Extreme Boats Magazine: Kirsten's Gold - Inside the 2007 Unlimited Hydroplane Gold Cup
Updated: Wednesday, February 27 2008 10:33 PM EST2008-02-28 03:33:04 GMT
Extreme Boats Magazine has been kind enough to let HydroInsider.com visitors take a look at a story and photos by Bill Osborne entitled "Kirsten's Gold."More >>
Extreme Boats Magazine has been kind enough to let HydroInsider.com visitors take a look at a story and photos by Bill Osborne entitled "Kirsten's Gold," which appears in the current magazine. It's the inside story on the 2007 Gold Cup and the Elam's team's Gold Cup win in honor of Erick Ellstrom's Mom, who passed away just before the race.

INSIDE: Read the full article >>More >>
U-2 unlimited hydroplane hull may be back in action
U-2 unlimited hydroplane hull may be back in action
The U-2 hull, running as the U-2.25 in 2006, battles the U-21 on KNDU-TV in the Meyers' Auto Tech Challenge
It appears the U-2 hull is joining the Dave Bartush fleet. It's one of the newer unlimited hydroplane hulls that's not currently on the water and needs some work. The big question becomes what's in the future for the U-2?More >>
Vintage Hydroplanes hit the water one more time
Vintage Hydroplanes hit the water one more time
The 1960 Miss Burien, 1975 Oh Boy! Oberto, 1955 Miss Thriftway, 1962 Miss Bardahl, and 1960 Miss Century 21 were all out together as the Hydroplane and Raceboat Musuem held their annual "Fun Day" at Lake Chelan, WA.More >>
The 1960 Miss Burien, 1975 Oh Boy! Oberto, 1955 Miss Thriftway, 1962 Miss Bardahl, and 1960 Miss Century 21 were all out together as the Hydroplane and Raceboat Musuem held their annual "Fun Day" at Lake Chelan, WA.More >>
Greg Hopp does double duty in Unlimited Lights and Unlimited Hydroplanes
Greg Hopp does double duty in Unlimited Lights and Unlimited Hydroplanes
What's it like to drive an Unlimited Light and an Unlimited Hydroplane in the same race weekend? "It's really not that different," said Greg Hopp.More >>
What's it like to drive an Unlimited Light and an Unlimited Hydroplane in the same race weekend? "It's really not that different," said Greg Hopp, driver of the UL-1 FestoolSupply.com presents Graham Trucking GT/Happy Go Lucky as well as the U-100 Mirage Boats for Fred Leland.More >>
Nashville testing sessions for 2007 have been canceled
Nashville testing sessions for unlimited hydroplanes has been canceled for 2007
There won't be an unlimited hydroplane exhibition in 2007 in Nashville, but there could very well be one in April, 2008 followed by a full-blown race in Nashville in May. More >>
There won't be an unlimited hydroplane exhibition in 2007 in Nashville, but there could very well be one in April, 2008 followed by a full-blown race in Nashville in May. "I'm pretty positive that's going to happen," U-3 team manager & Boat Racing Venture, LLC's Rick Bowles said. "We have a contract in place. We have dates. A deposit has been paid."More >>
Racing duels could be in unlimited hydroplane racing's future at Firebird Lake in Arizona
Racing duels could be in unlimited hydroplane racing's future at Firebird Lake in Arizona
Just south of Phoenix, there's a narrow, symmetrical lake with a barrier in the middle and built for boat racing. In November, it will host the 2007 IHBA World Championships for sprint and drag boats. And it could host a "Valleyfield-style" head-to-head racing against the clock for unlimiteds.More >>
Mike Weber is leaving the FormulaBoats.com unlimited hydroplane racing team
Mike Weber is leaving the FormulaBoats.com unlimited hydroplane racing team
Crew chief Mike Weber confirmed he's leaving the team to spend more time enjoying life... and helping out with his kids racing careers - 1.5 liters for his daughter and maybe 5 litres for his son.

INSIDE: Some of Mike's plans for the future >>More >>
Unlimited Hydroplane race sites have to make major changes to stay financially viable
Unlimited Hydroplane race sites have to make major changes to stay financially viable
Nearly every race site has had financial issues in recent years. That's led to some tough business decisions. In San Diego, it's keeping some race teams away. In other sites, it's led to whole classes of boats not coming.More >>
Nearly every race site has had financial issues in recent years. That's led to some tough business decisions. In San Diego, it's keeping some race teams away. In other sites, it's led to whole classes of boats not coming.

INSIDE: The inside story on how Tri-Cities turned its financial situation around >>More >>
Some suggestions for speeding up those slow-speed starts at Unlimited Hydroplane races
Some suggestions for speeding up those slow-speed starts at Unlimited Hydroplane races
Ideas on how to increase boat speeds coming up to the start line from Dave Villwock, Mike Weber, and Jean Theoret.More >>
Ideas on how to increase boat speeds coming up to the start line from Dave Villwock, Mike Weber, and Jean Theoret.

INSIDE: Theoret talks about how the slow-speed start and being early to the start line led to his taking both the U-37 Beacon Plumbing and the U-16 Elam Plus out of the finals in Seattle >>More >>
Bill Moore finds more unlimited hydroplane parts in the Columbia River
Bill Moore finds more unlimited hydroplane parts in the Columbia River
Bill Moore's been at it again. Before the start of the season, he recovered a propeller from the bottom of the Columbia River after a series of dives. The prop belonged to the U-37 Beacon Plumbing racingMore >>
Steve David on the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto's secret: the boat is much "slippier"
Steve David on the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto's secret: the boat is much "slippier"
Photo - Jack Lowe
"I really feel 'at one' with the Oberto now," said U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto driver Steve David after his first win in the brand new boat at Seattle. "We're racing hard. We want to win San Diego."More >>
"I really feel 'at one' with the Oberto now," said U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto driver Steve David after his first win in the brand new boat at Seattle. "We're racing hard. We want to win San Diego."More >>
Flying starts are exciting, but not likely to make a comeback anytime soon
Flying starts are exciting, but not likely to make a comeback anytime soon
"Six or seven boats, hauling up to the start, huge roostertails, everybody 180-190 up to the start. Everybody wide open to start is pretty exciting," said U-6 driver Steve David. Despite the pretty picture, flying starts aren't likely to return in the near future.More >>
The Milling Period: Claude Comeau is Mr. Clean
The Milling Period: Claude Comeau is Mr. Clean
A new feature on HydroInsider.com from Mike Fetscher and Kirk Duncan, focusing on the people who make boat racing special. Meet Claude Comeau, affectionately known as "Mr. Clean." Claude has been with Jean Theoret for the past 24 years. His job? Keep things clean. "I'd rather wash the boat than drive it," he said.More >>
Silver Dollar Casino Flips and Snaps in Two
Silver Dollar Casino Flips and Snaps in Two
Dr. Ken Muscatel amazingly walked away unharmed when his hydroplane, the Silver Dollar Casino, flipped in the air and the hull split in two. View a frame-by-frame look at what happened. More >>
Dr. Ken Muscatel amazingly walked away unharmed when his hydroplane, the Silver Dollar Casino, flipped in the air and the hull split in two. View a frame-by-frame look at what happened. More >>
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto & Steve David: "We're legitimate contenders"
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto & Steve David: "We're legitimate contenders"
Photo - Mick Washburn
If there is a boat and driver poised to thwart the U-16 Ellstrom's Elam and driver Dave Villwock, it is Steve David and U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto. They've finished second three straight times and the boat still has more speed.More >>
If there is a boat and driver poised to thwart the U-16 Ellstrom's Elam and driver Dave Villwock, it is Steve David and U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto. They've finished second three straight times and the boat still has more speed.More >>
Unlimited rookie gets in his qualifying laps; Kevin Aylesworth & U-21 celebrates his Detroit weekend
Unlimited rookie gets in his qualifying laps; Kevin Aylesworth & U-21 celebrates his Detroit weekend
Rookie driver Kevin Aylesworth got in his qualifying laps, so he's officially a fully qualified Unlimited Hydroplane driver.More >>
Rookie driver Kevin Aylesworth got in his qualifying laps, so he's officially a fully qualified Unlimited Hydroplane driver.More >>
"It was totally in God's hands," said Steve David after doing a 360 and nearly hitting a patrol boat
"It was totally in God's hands," said Steve David after doing a 360 and nearly hitting a patrol boat
"I'm here tomorrow," said Steve David, U-6 driver, referring to a frightening incident at the Madison Regatta. It could have been a disaster when the hydro hit something in the water and nearly smacked into a patrol boat.More >>
"I'm here tomorrow," said Steve David, U-6 driver, referring to a spectacular and frightening incident at the Madison Regatta. It could have been a disaster when the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto hit something in the water, did a 360, and nearly smacked into a patrol boat.More >>
It's Official: Oh Boy! Oberto building a new boat
It's Official: Oh Boy! Oberto building a new boat
"Yes eager fans, it is now official! The U-6 Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto unlimited racing team is building a new boat!" - U-6 websiteMore >>
The U-6 website made the announcement: Yes eager fans, it is now official! The U-6 Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto unlimited racing team is building a new boat!

Larry Oberto, sponsor of the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto team, said "I'm really, really confident they (the crew) know where to spend the money on the important items," he said. "We want to do the same thing with the new boat. We want to do a complete job."More >>
Kim Gregory Purchases Miss Budweiser T-3 Hull
Kim Gregory Purchases Miss Budweiser T-3 Hull
One of Unlimited hydroplane racing's most recognizable boats will be back on the water in 2006.More >>
One of Unlimited hydroplane racing's most recognizable boats will be back on the water in 2006.More >>
Jean Theoret Rolls U-37 Miss Seattle in Evansville
Jean Theoret Rolls U-37 Miss Seattle in Evansville
After Dave Villwock cleared turn 1 on the final lap, Jean Theoret in the U-37 Miss Seattle apparently barrel-rolled his boat. Theoret is OK.

VIDEO INCLUDEDMore >>
After Dave Villwock cleared turn 1 on the final lap, Jean Theoret in the U-37 Miss Seattle apparently barrel-rolled his boat. Theoret is OK.

VIDEO INCLUDEDMore >>
Harbor Boat Creates Wake; Sends Elam airborne in Test Run
Harbor Boat Creates Wake; Sends Elam airborne in Test Run
KOMO-TV is reporting that driver Dave Villwock had a very, very close call June 1st during testing of the Miss Elam on Lake Washington.More >>
Reportedly, during a test run a Seattle Harbor patrol boat veered off course... and onto the course. The boat quickly tried to exit but kicked up a wake. Miss Elam hit the wake at an estimated 170 miles an hour and went airborne.More >>
Confirmed! U-21 Freedom Racing building a new boat!
Confirmed! U-21 Freedom Racing building a new boat!
Emily Estes confirmed today that Freedom Racing will be building a new Unlimited Hydroplane. At Seafair, Driver Kevin Aylesworth managed to escape, but the boat was all but destroyed. More >>
Emily Estes confirmed today that Freedom Racing will be building a new Unlimited Hydroplane. The U-21 was ravaged during the fire at Seafair last year. Driver Kevin Aylesworth managed to escape, but the boat was all but destroyed. After serious investigation and negotiations, the team decided to build a new boat for the future.

DETAILS INCLUDED...More >>
Jennifer Willette honored at ABRA Awards Ceremony
Jennifer Willette honored at ABRA Awards Ceremony
The woman who lost an arm and a leg and nearly died at the Madison race when a teenager drove his car into the crowd was honored at the ABRA annual Awards ceremony. More >>
U-37 new cowling design appears to collapse slightly during test run
U-37 new cowling design appears to collapse slightly during test run
MADISON, Ind. - A really interesting observation from Steve Montgomery. If you look at the photos taken before the test run in Madison and then right towards the end of the test run, it appears the intakeMore >>
U-37's Jean Theoret: "It's an unfair way to race"
U-37's Jean Theoret: "It's an unfair way to race"
Jean Theoret signs autographs for fans - Photo: Jim Simpson
U-37 driver Jean Theoret was unhappy after Heat 3B in Detroit, where he claims U-16 driver Dave Villwock pinned him in the short turn, causing him to get in his wash, where Theoret clipped a buoy and stalled out. More >>
U-37 driver Jean Theoret was unhappy after Heat 3B in Detroit, where he claims U-16 driver Dave Villwock pinned him in the short turn, causing him to get in his wash, where Theoret clipped a buoy and stalled out.

Watch the video and decide for yourself.
More >>
G-Boat flips in Tri-Cities
G-Boat flips in Tri-Cities
Dustin Echols was in the driver's seat when the G-17 blew over. It appears the throttle got stuck in a wide open position. More >>
Dustin Echols was in the driver's seat when the G-17 blew over. It appears the throttle got stuck in a wide open position. More >>
Younger drivers entering Unlimiteds
Younger drivers entering Unlimiteds
For years, there's been some concern among race fans that drivers were getting older and there weren't younger drivers joining the ranks of the Unlimiteds. But recently, we've seen some of GenerationMore >>
What's on your Thanksgiving schedule? For U-10 driver David Bryant, it's racing... in the Dunes
What's on your Thanksgiving schedule? For U-10 driver David Bryant, it's racing... in the Dunes
Updated: Tuesday, November 13 2007 9:54 PM EST2007-11-14 02:54:42 GMT

David Bryant, driver of the U-10 USA Racing Partners unlimited hydroplane won't be having the traditional "Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving" this year.

INSIDE: Photos of the Dunes & on-board camera video >>More >>
Scandal in Clarksville: Vandalized boat costs Kelly Shane a National Championship
Scandal in Clarksville: Vandalized boat costs Kelly Shane a National Championship
Kelly Shane (Photo - James Crisp)
All Kelly Shane had to do to win her second straight 1.5 Litre Stock national championship was finish 7th in the final race. But someone reportedly sabatoged her boat, which caused the engine to blow in the finals. More >>
All Kelly Shane had to do to win her second straight 1.5 Litre Stock national championship was finish 7th in the final race of the season. But someone reportedly sabatoged her boat, which caused the engine to blow in the finals. Police are investigating and the family's offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to finding those reponsible.More >>
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto win at San Diego featured an experimental prop and a new racing strategy
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto win at San Diego featured an experimental prop and a new racing strategy
Photo - Walt Ottenad @ NWSpeedShots.com
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison driver Steve David and team sponsor Larry Oberto talked with Tim Torrance on WORX radio after the win at San Diego and the wrap-up of a very successful first season for the team's new boat. More >>
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison driver Steve David and team sponsor Larry Oberto talked with Tim Torrance on WORX radio after the win at San Diego and the wrap-up of a very successful first season for the team's new boat.

INSIDE: David's details his strategy for the score-up period that led to grabbing the inside lane.More >>
U-6 driver Steve David: "I really feel 'at one' with the Oberto now"
U-6 driver Steve David: "I really feel 'at one' with the Oberto now"
Steve David talks with U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto crew chief Mike Hanson
"I think we've got a pretty good setup for San Diego," said U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison driver Steve David. "We're racing hard. We want to win San Diego." More >>
"I think we've got a pretty good setup for San Diego," said U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison driver Steve David. "We're racing hard. We want to win San Diego." More >>
Unlimited Hydroplane Photographer's Hidden Talent
Unlimited Hydroplane Photographer's Hidden Talent
U-10 Ahern Equipment Rentals driver David Bryant sports one of Williams' latest paint jobs
Doing a custom paint job on a racing helmet is an art form. There aren't a lot of people out there that do it well. One of them is F. Peirce Williams, who may be more famous for his sports photography than his painting.More >>
Doing a custom paint job on a racing helmet is an art form. There aren't a lot of people out there that do it well. One of them is F. Peirce Williams, who may be more famous for his sports photography than his painting.More >>
The fastest boats on water: a look back
The fastest boats on water: a look back
Dave Villwock and Miss Budweiser own the Unlimited Hydroplane speed record at 220.493 mph. But Ken Warby holds the world record for any class of boats, averaging an astonishing 317.6 mph - and the record's stood for nearly 30 years!More >>
FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane runs at Celina; Shane family makes history
FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane runs at Celina; Shane family makes history
Jimmy Shane takes the U-5 FormulaBoats.com out for a spin. Jimmy's sister Kelly wins the Governor's Cup.More >>
Jimmy Shane takes the U-5 FormulaBoats.com out for a spin. Jimmy's sister Kelly wins the Governor's Cup.

Photos & Story by James Crisp.More >>
U-10 Hoss Mortgage Investors driver David Bryant crashes his flat bottom boat, comes back to win
U-10 Hoss Mortgage Investors driver David Bryant crashes his flat bottom boat, comes back to win
Bryant said he got out before his hair got wet
The U-10 team reports that David flipped his flat bottom boat last weekend while testing in Long Beach. He was traveling approximately 140 mph when something let go on the boat. The boat corkscrewed.More >>
The U-10 team reports that David flipped his flat bottom boat last weekend while testing in Long Beach. He was traveling approximately 140 mph when something let go on the boat. The boat corkscrewed.More >>
U-13 Spirit of Detroit's J. Michael Kelly is moving up the point standings
U-13 Spirit of Detroit's J. Michael Kelly is moving up the point standings
Steve David and J. Michael Kelly walk up the ramp after heat racing in Tri-Cities
Dave Villwock, Steve David, Jean Theoret, and J. Michael Kelly. With four of six races complete, those are your top four drivers for 2007 in points. More >>
Dave Villwock, Steve David, Jean Theoret, and J. Michael Kelly. With four of six races complete, those are your top four drivers for 2007 in points. At Tri-Cities, Kelly started in the trailer position in the finals and finished fourth. He's also got two third place finishes this year.More >>
U-21's Brian Perkins: "We accomplished every one of our goals"
U-21's Brian Perkins: "We accomplished every one of our goals"
That pesky gear box problem should be fixed before Seattle, said U-21 driver Brian Perkins. The gear box was running hot - really hot - at times in the Tri-Cities and filling the cockpit up with smoke.More >>
U-3 Hoss Mortgage Investors II Presented by Ronald McDonald House catching some tough breaks
U-3 Hoss Mortgage Investors II Presented by Ronald McDonald House catching some tough breaks
A series of engine problems sidelined the U-3 for much of the weekend, sometimes on the shoreline and sometimes on the water during heats.More >>
A series of engine problems sidelined the U-3 for much of the weekend, sometimes on the shoreline and sometimes on the water during heats, including Heat 2C when they had a rod failure in the engine. "It didn't want to play anymore," said King. "That's racing."More >>
Once the U-17 Red Dot is finished, it will be Nate Brown and then Kip Brown driving
Once the U-17 Red Dot is finished, it will be Nate Brown and then Kip Brown driving
We watched the U-17 Red Dot being built all weekend in the pits in the Tri-Cities. Owner Nate Brown says he wants to drive one more race before turning over the reins to nephew, Kip. That may happen as soon as San Diego if the boat is ready and runs for Nate in Seattle. More >>
Fans get a chance to watch the U-17 Miss Red Dot unlimited hydroplane being built
Fans get a chance to watch the U-17 Miss Red Dot unlimited hydroplane being built
U-17 Miss Red Dot under construction in the pits
Here's something fans don't get to see often: an unlimited hydroplane being built right before their eyes.More >>
Here's something fans don't get to see often: an unlimited hydroplane being built right before their eyes. Nate Brown and the Our Gang Racing team made it into the pits Saturday morning, but they were nowhere near ready to race. But Nate had his reasons for bringing it and the fans liked it.More >>
Brian Perkins qualifies as an Unlimited Hydroplane driver
Brian Perkins qualifies as an Unlimited Hydroplane driver
Drivers must complete 15 laps in an unlimited hydroplane to qualify with 10 of those laps topping 130 mph. Brian Perkins did that in the U-21 Meyers' Auto Tech. "Great start," saiod co-owner Kevin Ayelsworth. "That was fun," said Perkins. Then, he went out and took second in his first ever heat race.More >>
ABRA: The state of the sport is strong
ABRA: The state of the sport is strong
"The best year of competition this sport has ever seen, " said Muscatel, "from top to bottom." And that was last year. This year, he said "new teams and new hulls." Currently under construction are a new U-6, U-21, and the newest entry from Nate Brown, the U-17.More >>
Nate Brown & Our Gang Racing. This team's a little different.
Nate Brown & Our Gang Racing. This team's a little different.
"We're here to have fun... number one thing," said Nate Brown, a 28-year hydroplane veteran, and owner of the new Our Gang Racing boat. "One of the owners," he's quick to point out. "Everybody on the team has a piece of it."More >>
"We're here to have fun... number one thing," said Nate Brown, a 28-year hydroplane veteran, and owner of the new Our Gang Racing boat. "One of the owners," he's quick to point out. "Everybody on the team has a piece of it."More >>
Billy Schumacher: Paint job "reminds me a lot of the '68 Bardahl I drove"
Billy Schumacher: Paint job "reminds me a lot of the '68 Bardahl I drove"
KENNEWICK, Wash. - If you were driving down the street and saw the bright yellow truck pass you by... towing a huge hydroplane... that was just the U-37 team on their way to spring training in the Tri-Cities. More >>
David Williams named driver for the U-48 Unlimited Hydroplane
David Williams named driver for the U-48 Unlimited Hydroplane
Hydroplane Museum Director David Williams has been named the new driver of the U-48 unlimited hydroplane. The O'Farrell & Cheetum owned boat will be unveiled Friday in Tri-Cities, WA with a brand new paint job.More >>
U-48 unveiled - Driver David Williams: "It's been a life-long dream"
U-48 unveiled - Driver David Williams: "It's been a life-long dream"
Owner Greg O'Farrell was in Tri-Cities with the U-48 hydro. "I'm so excited to be driving this boat," David Williams said. "I went to my first race in 1963. For 45 years, I've been wanting to do this."More >>
Owner Greg O'Farrell was in town to show off the hull he bought from Fred Leland, adorned with the name "David Williams" on the canopy. "I'm so excited to be driving this boat," Williams said. "I went to my first race in 1963. For 45 years, I've been wanting to do this."More >>
Zebra Mussel's A Serious Threat to Tri-Cities
Zebra Mussel's A Serious Threat to Tri-Cities
While many people are worried about getting their Water Follies tickets, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is thinking about an animal that can cause billions of dollars of damage.More >>
While many people are worried about getting their Water Follies tickets, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is thinking about an animal that can cause billions of dollars of damage. Wednesday, the hydroplane rescue boat was disinfected to prevent zebra mussles from getting into the Columbia.More >>
Tough season for FormulaBoats.com team. "It's been brutal," said crew chief Mike Weber
Tough season for FormulaBoats.com team. "It's been brutal," said crew chief Mike Weber
"Not just tearing up a couple of boats," he said, "but almost tore up a couple off drivers."More >>
"Not just tearing up a couple of boats," he said, "but almost tore up a couple off drivers." The U-5 and Jeff Bernard flipped this year and damaged the boat. Mike Allen has flipped the U-1 twice and has six screws and a cast on his right hand. "We broke a lot of parts," said Weber.More >>
UPDATE: U-1's Mike Allen recovering from injuries suffered in Detroit
UPDATE: U-1's Mike Allen recovering from injuries suffered in Detroit
After the flip in Detroit, he had his hand x-rayed again and found out the screws already inside his hand had moved. But doctors determined it wasn't enough of a move to do any further surgery. More >>
Mike Allen has had better days. After the flip in Detroit, he had his hand x-rayed again and found out the screws already inside his hand had moved. But doctors determined it wasn't enough of a move to do any further surgery. The big worry at this point is infection.More >>
Jimmy Shane got his first ride in the FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane in Celina, OH
Jimmy Shane got his first ride in the FormulaBoats.com Unlimited Hydroplane in Celina, OH
Photo - James Crisp
It was in Celina, Ohio and 21-year old Jimmy Shane was the aboard the U-7, which was designated the U-1 for 2007 after Mike Allen won the national high points team championship.
INSIDE: Photos by James Crisp >>More >>
Mike Allen & Dave Villwock talk about what they have been up to in the off-season and the season ahead
Mike Allen & Dave Villwock talk about what they have been up to in the off-season and the season ahead
FormulaBoats.com & Ellstrom Elam are ready for the 2007 season. Both Mike Allen & Dave Villwock have been racing in the off-season.More >>
FormulaBoats.com & Ellstrom Elam are ready for the 2007 season. Both Mike Allen & Dave Villwock have been racing in the off-season.More >>
FormulaBoats.com will wear the U-1 designation for 2007
FormulaBoats.com will wear the U-1 designation for 2007
That's a big change. Dave Villwock's carried the U-1 designation for a decade. He first won it in 1996 and held it until 2006. "I'm happy to see someone else with a giant bullseye on their back," said Villwock. More >>
That's a big change in the sport. Dave Villwock's carried the U-1 designation for a decade. He first won it in 1996 and held it until 2006. "I'm happy to see someone else with a giant bullseye on their back," said Villwock. More >>
Unlimited Hydroplane rookie drive David Bryant is off to a solid start
Unlimited Hydroplane rookie drive David Bryant is off to a solid start
David Bryant calls his first race in an unlimited hydroplane "a big learning experience." "It's all new to me," Bryant said, talking about his first time in the cockpit of the U-10 USA Racing boat.More >>
David Bryant calls his first race in an unlimited hydroplane "a big learning experience." "It's all new to me," Bryant said, talking about his first time in the cockpit of the U-10 USA Racing boat.More >>
Mark Weber directing the action at Detroit Gold Cup
Mark Weber directing the action at Detroit Gold Cup
He raced unlimited hydroplanes seven time at Detroit and now he's running the show there. He's responsible for the day-to-day management of the Regattas Association.More >>
He raced unlimited hydroplanes seven time at Detroit and now he's running the show there. He's responsible for the day-to-day management of the Regattas Association, including administration, overseeing volunteer and team leader activities and working in conjunction with the marketing team on sponsorships and sales activities.More >>
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
21-year old Jimmy Shane will replace Mike Allen as driver of the U-1 FormulaBoats.com unlimited hydroplane at the Tri-Cities Water Follies event. "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. "More >>
Jean Theoret wins San Diego & World Championship title
Jean Theoret wins San Diego & World Championship title
This was one heck of a wrap-up to one of the most exciting Unlimited Hydroplane seasons in years. And on this day, we crowned three different champions!More >>
This was one heck of a wrap-up to one of the most exciting Unlimited Hydroplane seasons in years.

It all came down to the final race of the season to decide three separate titles, won by three different race teams and drivers.More >>
U-21 Hydroplane Catches Fire at Seafair; Driver Kevin Aylesworth OK
U-21 Hydroplane Catches Fire at Seafair; Driver Kevin Aylesworth OK
COURTESY KIRO-TV: U-21 Burns at Seafair
It was one of those heart-stopping moments on the water in Seattle as the U-21 caught fire during Heat 2-B. The fire spread quickly as driver Kevin Aylesworth managed to exit the cockpit and get in the water. More >>

It was one of those heart-stopping moments on the water in Seattle as the U-21 caught fire during Heat 2-B. The fire spread quickly as driver Kevin Aylesworth managed to exit the cockpit and get in the water.

Rescue boats pulled Aylesworth to safety then foamed the boat down before dragging it back to shore.More >>
Dave Villwock Flips Boat in Heat 2-A, Comes Back to win Atomic Cup
Dave Villwock Flips Boat in Heat 2-A, Comes Back to win Atomic Cup
Heat 1A: U1 Dave Villwock
Heat 1B: U6 Steve David
Heat 2A: U37 Jean Theoret
Heat 2B: U3 Jimmy King
Heat 3A: U1 Dave Villwock
Heat 3B: U7 Mike AllenMore >>
Winners
Heat 1A: U1 Dave Villwock
Heat 1B: U6 Steve David
Heat 2A: U37 Jean Theoret
Heat 2B: U3 Jimmy King
Heat 3A: U1 Dave Villwock
Heat 3B: U7 Mike Allen
FINAL: U1 Dave Villwock

INSIDE: Play-by-play video of every heat, raceMore >>
Villwock Talks About Elam Flip in Heat 2A - Pictures and Video Included
Villwock Talks About Elam Flip in Heat 2A - Pictures and Video Included
"The driver made a mistake there, obviously" he said.More >>
"The driver made a mistake there, obviously" he said.More >>
ABRA presents top awards for 2006
ABRA presents top awards for 2006
Here's the complete list of award winners from the American Boat Racing Association awards ceremony for the 2006 Unlimited Hydroplane racing season. KNDU / KNDO-TV was honored as "Best National or Local TV coverage."More >>
U-1 Elam ready to go for Tri-Cities after hitting rock in Valleyfield. Dave Villwock: It was as hard as I've ever hit anything
U-1 Elam ready to go for Tri-Cities after hitting rock in Valleyfield. Dave Villwock: It was as hard as I've ever hit anything
It's got to be a hydroplane driver's worst nightmare. You're running at 140 miles an hour or more when a part breaks and you lose control of the boat. Your boat rockets out of control and closes in on a patrol boat.More >>
It's got to be a hydroplane driver's worst nightmare. You're running at 140 miles an hour or more when a part breaks and you lose control of the boat. Your boat rockets out of control and closes in on a patrol boat.More >>
U-3 Fire Makes for Spectacular Sight from Shore
U-3 Fire Makes for Spectacular Sight from Shore
It made for a spectacular sight from the shoreline, but driver Jimmy King said it's not that uncommon with a piston engine. "Unfortunately," he said, "oil hits the exhaust, it's gonna light it up."More >>
It made for a spectacular sight from the shoreline, but driver Jimmy King said it's not that uncommon with a piston engine. "Unfortunately," he said, "oil hits the exhaust, it's gonna light it up."

More >>
Saltwater causes a different set of challenges for hydroplane race teams
Saltwater causes a different set of challenges for hydroplane race teams
The San Diego race is the only place on this year's tour that features saltwater and that can cause some different things to worry about. "It can get insider the turbine and crystallize on the blades,"More >>
SEAFAIR SUNDAY: Jean Theoret repeats as Seafair Champion
SEAFAIR SUNDAY: Jean Theoret repeats as Seafair Champion
Jean Theoret and U-37 repeat as Seafair hydro racing champions, Steve David & U-6 finished second and Dave Villwock and U-1 finished third.More >>
Jean Theoret and U-37 repeat as Seafair hydro racing champions, Steve David & U-6 finished second and Dave Villwock and U-1 finished third.

Driver Kevin Aylesworth in the U-21 had to jump into the water to escape when his boat was destroyed by fire.More >>
Steve David getting great performance out of an old hydroplane
Steve David getting great performance out of an old hydroplane
"I've said before, in the beginning there was the Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria, and the Oberto," joked Steve David, driver of the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane.More >>
"I've said before, in the beginning there was the Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria, and the Oberto," joked Steve David, driver of the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane.More >>
Season to date shows Steve David atop Driver National High Points Championship
Season to date shows Steve David atop Driver National High Points Championship
Of course Seafair weekend could change all that - Steve David, Jimmy King, and Mike Allen are all within 1,000 points of each other. And you can never count out Dave Villwock.More >>
Of course Seafair weekend could change all that - Steve David, Jimmy King, and Mike Allen are all within 1,000 points of each other. And you can never count out Dave Villwock.More >>
Drivers say Tri-Cities race course built for speed, danger
Drivers say Tri-Cities race course built for speed, danger
Jean Theoret, U-37 driver, said they've had great water conditions last year and expects it to be similar this year. "Nice water, nice course, very fast for us, good corners," he said.More >>
Jean Theoret, U-37 driver, said they've had great water conditions last year and expects it to be similar this year. "Nice water, nice course, very fast for us, good corners," he said.More >>
GOLD CUP: Jean Theoret & U-37 Win at Detroit
GOLD CUP: Jean Theoret & U-37 Win at Detroit
Jean Theoret fought off mistakes all weekend, then went out and won the Gold Cup

1. U37 Jean Theoret
2. U-3 Jimmy King
3. U-6 Steve David
4. U-1 Nate Brown
5. U-2.25 Ken Muscatel
6. U-7 Mike AllenMore >>
Jean Theoret fought off mistakes all weekend, rallied to win the final heat, then went out and won the Gold Cup

GOLD CUP FINALS - Revised
1. U-37 Jean Theoret
2. U-3 Jimmy King
3. U-6 Steve David
4. U-1 Nate Brown
5. U-2.25 Ken Muscatel
6. U-7 Mike AllenMore >>
U-7 FormulaBoats.com II wins Regates de Valleyfield
U-7 FormulaBoats.com II wins Regates de Valleyfield
1  U7 Mike Allen
2 U6 Steve David
3 U37 Jean Theoret
4  U5 Mike Weber (revised - jumped the gun)
5  U3 Jimmy King
6  U21 Kevin AylesworthMore >>
Mike Allen & U-7's win at Valleyfield has been upheld.

1  U7 FormulaBoats.com II Mike Allen
2 U6 Oh Boy! Oberto Steve David
3 U37 Miss Seattle Jean Theoret
4  U5 FormulaBoats.com Mike Weber (revised - jumped the gun)
5  U3 Cooper Racing Jimmy King
6  U21 Freedom Racing Kevin AylesworthMore >>
ABRA Upholds Mike Allen's Win at Valleyfield
ABRA Upholds Mike Allen's Win at Valleyfield
Mike Allen waits but finally gets first win Rookie drivers sometimes have to wait a long time for their first win on the American Boat Racing Association circuit. Mike Allen, driver of the U-7 FormulaBoats.comMore >>
Lots of debris causes lots of damage at Evansville
Lots of debris causes lots of damage at Evansville
"The water looked reasonably well, " said Jimmy King, U-3 driver, describing the Madison course. "The problem is - we call them prop getters. It's the stuff that gets you, it's below the surface."More >>
"The water looked reasonably well, " said Jimmy King, U-3 driver, describing the Madison course. "The problem is - we call them prop getters. It's the stuff that gets you, it's below the surface."More >>
Ken Muscatel calms the waters during tense moments
Ken Muscatel calms the waters during tense moments
When things got a little hot with some out-of-town media at the Atomic Cup, it was Dr. Ken Muscatel who calmed the waters. More >>
When things got a little hot with some out-of-town media at the Atomic Cup, it was Dr. Ken Muscatel who calmed the waters. More >>

Columbia Cup 2000-2005More>>
2005 Columbia Cup Results
2005 Columbia Cup Results
Dave Villwock pilots Miss E-Lam to victory.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2005 Columbia Cup
More >>
Dave Villwock pilots Miss E-Lam to victory.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2005 Columbia CupMore >>
2005 Columbia Cup: Dave Villwock Wins in a New Boat
2005 Columbia Cup: Dave Villwock Wins in a New Boat
Water Follies observers are calling it one of the best races they've ever seen in the 2005 Championship race. More >>
Water Follies observers are calling it one of the best races they've ever seen in the 2005 Championship race. More >>
Miss Budweiser's Final Appearance in the Tri-Cities
Miss Budweiser's Final Appearance in the Tri-Cities
It's the final season for Miss Budweiser hydroplane racing. More >>
It's the final season for Miss Budweiser hydroplane racing. More >>
Dave Villwock pilots Miss Budweiser to a win in its final visit.
Dave Villwock pilots Miss Budweiser to a win in its final visit.
"It was just some real tight racing," according to Mitch Evans, after two boats bump allowing Miss Budweiser to cruise to an easy victory. More >>
"It was just some real tight racing," according to Mitch Evans, after two boats bump allowing Miss Budweiser to cruise to an easy victory. More >>
2004 Columbia Cup Results
2004 Columbia Cup Results
Dave Villwock pilots Miss Budweiser to a win in its final visit.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2004 Columbia Cup More >>
Dave Villwock pilots Miss Budweiser to a win in its final visit.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2004 Columbia Cup More >>
2003 Columbia Cup Results
2003 Columbia Cup Results
Mark Evans pilots Miss Llumar to a win.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2003 Columbia Cup More >>
Mark Evans pilots Miss Llumar to a win.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2003 Columbia Cup More >>
2002 Columbia Cup Results
2002 Columbia Cup Results
Nate Brown wins in Miss Elam Plus. More >>
Nate Brown wins in Miss Elam Plus.
Time Trial, Heat and Race Results from 2002 Columbia Cup More >>
2004: Miss Bud Wins in Final Appearance
2004: Miss Bud Wins in Final Appearance

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