Latest news...
4/4/08
It's been rather quiet here in hydro world this winter. Then the ABRA finally had a new post, so now I have something to talk about! For those of you that haven't read the recent "delightful" letter to the fans by our esteemed leader Sam Cole, the geniuses that lead our sport have decided to reimplement the "on plane" rule. For those of you that are new to the sport, on plane means the boat is riding on top of the water, not plowing through it, and generally spray is not going over the canopy.

All winter I've received email after email asking me WHEN the 2007 season was going to be on TV. And all winter I keep saying "I'll let you know as soon as I know". Well guess what folks? The ABRA hasn't been spending the winter getting us on TV, they've been spending the winter making stupid and unnecessary changes to the rule book! Now won't that get us a national sponsor?!

Rick Bowles and his group have spent their winter looking for new race sites. ABRA? Changing a rule that is outdated. Most of the current hulls can go very slowly while still maintaining a plane. And instead of doing something positive for the sport they've added yet another SUBJECTIVE rule...meaning that some official (and I use that term LOSELY) has to decide whether or not the boat is on plane. Much like Nate Brown had to call a boat for pushing J Mike to flip in Detroit...let's see...call the boat you helped to rebuild all weekend or call the OTHER boat? I think we all know how that one went.

ABRA - listen up and take notes! We need FANS! Changing the rules every year does not help to build a fan base. When fans return year after year and don't know what the rules are they get angry. And yes they do, I know, I'm a FAN and have been for way too many years. We don't need subjective rules, we need MEDIA. Media, that entity that makes you famous, that group that helps to draw sponsors as well as fans. Spend your time getting sponsors & race sites and stop this absolutely stupid rule changing nonsense.

Want to voice your opinion on the rules or anything else hydro related? Head over to the Forum!

2/17/08
Ready for the 2008 season and just can't take it anymore??? Then head over to HydroInsider to check out all of the great videos from 2007!!

1/24/08
It now looks like both Nashville races are out for 2008! It looks like Rick Bowles is trying to reschedule one for October of 2009.  There has also been talk of returning to Firebird Lake in Phoenix, though this venue is very similar to Valleyfield in that they can only run 2 boat duels.

The Madison Regatta folks are still bent out of shape over the trophy making it's way back to Seattle with the Miss Elam crew.  While I can understand their concern, from what I hear president Crystal McHargue has made no attempt to speak with anyone from the Miss Elam crew and appears only to talk to the press about the issue.  I could be wrong or have wrong information, but as always I'm telling it like I see it.  Mrs.McHargue, please call the Elam team.  Here's the number to Ellstrom headquarters...(206)789-3000.  They are awaiting your shipping instructions.  Thanks!

Still no word on possible TV dates for the 2007 season.  Anyone know someone in television??

Mark Hooten has been named to replace Mike Weber as the FormulaBoats team manager.

U-21 is still for sale with no word on potential buyers.

One of the FormulaBoats.com hulls will be seen at some Northwest boat shows this month and next. You'll be able to catch them in Seattle on Jan. 26th, then in Spokane from Feb. 1-3. She'll then head back East to the Detroit Boat Show from Feb. 16-24.  Make sure to stop by and show your support!!

1/7/08
Happy New Year to the hydroplane racing community!  Now that we have hit 2008 we are that much closer to race season!  Catch up on the latest & throw in your own 2 cents on the Forum!

12/8/07
We have received some sad news here at Hydropage...it seems that the Miss Madison has lost a crew member.  Wayne Griffon, better known as Bull, or Bullwhip, passed way on Friday night.  Bull was the one that painted the last version of the Oh Boy! Oberto prior to the new hull. 

12/6/07
Some interesting news hit the web today regarding the Madison Regatta. First, Ann Geyman, a former treasure for the Regatta has been charged with stealing $25,000 while in office. Can't help but wonder if her thieving had anything to do with the Regatta almost going under several times...

The Elam team has yet to return the trophy that was presented to them for winning the 2007 Madison Regatta, and according to Regatta president Crystal McHargue they don't intend to. Apparently it was standard practice to take the trophy home if you won the Regatta 3 years in a row, which Miss Elam did. However, that practice was stopped well over 30 years ago. Sven Ellstrom supposedly told the president that she could fly out to Seattle and get it herself. Talk about creating some bad blood! Come on Sven, do what's right and hand it over. Or if you want it that badly then fork over the money to replace it. What is with people these days?

The 3rd bit of Madison Regatta news that hit the wire today is some disturbing info from the ABRA. They've asked Madison to change the format of the races to the ever fan-friendly "dual". That's what the unlimiteds do when a race course is too small & they only run 2 boats at a time. No folks, I don't really think this is "fan friendly"...that was sarcasm! What a terrible idea! Sam Cole, what are you thinking?? While the fans in Canada loved it, they loved it because they at least got to see the boats. Our Canadian fans don't get to see the unlimiteds that often. But Madison is used to some REAL racing! Don't take that lying down Madison!!

Finally, the ABRA has given Madison permission to pursue there own television coverage, which could open up some opportunities. I say some of us in the web community need to pool our brains & resources and put on something like KNDU or in conjunction with KNDU.

Haven't heard any news from other race sites, but I will pass any info I find along to you!

11/28/07
The annual awards banquet is taking place tomorrow in Las Vegas (11/29).  If any info comes available I will pass it along.

• NATIONAL HIGH POINTS BOAT CHAMPION – Ellstrom’s Elam Plus
• NATIONAL HIGHT POINTS DRIVER CHAMPION – Dave Villwock
• ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – David Bryant
• CREW CHIEF OF THE YEAR – Mike Hanson
• CREW OF THE YEAR – U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison
• OWNER OF THE YEAR – The City of Madison, IN / Miss Madison Inc.
• BEST LOCAL OR NATIONAL TELEVISION COVERAGE – KIRO TV Seattle, WA
• BEST LOCAL OR NATIONAL RADIO COVERAGE – WORX 96.7 FM Madison, IN
• BEST PRINT COVERAGE - Extreme Boats Magazine
• PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR – Bill Osborne
• RACE SITE OF THE YEAR – Seattle, WA
• COMMERCIAL SPONSOR (S) OF THE YEAR
• BOAT – Oh Boy! Oberto
• RACE SITE – Lamb Weston/Con Agra
• MARKETING AWARDS (3) – Chevrolet, Formulaboats.com, Madison Regatta
• OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR – Scott Patton
• SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION (2) Tom Sawyer, The Patton Family
• ABRA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – Tom Sawyer

The 2008 schedule has been posted!
Nashville May 2-4
Evansville June27-29
Madison July 4-6
Detroit July 11-13
TriCities July 25-27
Seattle August 1-3
San Diego September 19-21
Nashville October 2-4 (tentative)

Also word has it that the U-21 Freedom Racing is for sale...

10/24/07
As many of you have probably heard, the Nashville exhibition has been tentatively moved to April 2008.  Rick Bowles of the U-3 Cooper's team has been working very hard to get all of the legal necessities in place.

The newest team to the unlimited hydroplane circuit, the U-22, has been working hard on their hull to convert it from piston power to turbine power.

10/13/07
Missing the boats already??  Then you need to plan to head to Nashville, TN on the weekend of October 27-28!!!  Word has it that the U-3 Coopers & U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto will be there!  They are still working to add the Nashville site to the 2008 schedule.  Keep your fingers crossed!

The ABRA had the "wonderful" insight to schedule the annual awards banquet on a work day, Thursday November 29th in Las Vegas.  Unfortunately, I have yet to talk with anyone that can make it.  Perhaps they should remember that most of the teams are made up of folks that have to "work" for a living and can't do those things in the middle of a week, and just after a major holiday.  Kudos to those that planned the banquet.  Great way to encourage participation.

10/7/07
The Miss Madison had their annual golf tournament today!  All proceeds go to the team!  Check it out here at Miss Madison!

Any news on other teams?  Shoot me an email at webmaster@hydropage.com! 

9/30/07
Calling all fans, calling all fans! It isn't often that I direct your attention to something other than racing, but one of our own needs our support! Many of you may well know the name of Charlie Grooms, once crew chief of the Miss Madison, current team manager of the Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto.  Charlie has come up with some fanastic flame broiled hot wings, under the name of Ladder 51. Charlie is set to appear on QVC tomorrow, Monday October 1st, to sell his Ladder 51 wings as part of QVC's pregame show that starts at 5pm EST!  But let's make sure that Ladder 51 has some outstanding sales!  If you haven't personally had them, I have and can tell you they are delicious! 

Don't forget...QVC, 5pm EST, Monday October 1st, Charlie Grooms & Ladder 51!!

In other news, driver Steve David will be giving a radio interview on Cleveland's WELW.  Check it out at www.welw.com or call 888-643-9359. Steve will be on at 8pm EST, so you should have a little time to relax after your wings purchase to get ready to hammer those phone lines to WELW!

Latest news from San Diego...
9/17/07
As the situation for updates was not good in San Diego, I waited to get the final up until after I returned home. Sorry for the delay, but it was a real pain to try to post and then I was on te red-eye home! Here are the results!

9/16/07
Updating continues to be a challenge, so here are the results for Heats 2A &B and Heats 3A & B.  Photos should follow all this week.  Stay tuned for the final!

The draw has been made for Heats 2A & 2B, set to start at noon and 12:20pm Pacific time.  HydroInsider will be streaming live ALL DAY today, so check them out at www.hydroinsider.com!! 

9/15/07
Here are the results for the first heats at San Diego!

Check out the draws for Heats 1A & B!

The water in San Diego is proving fast with several boats hitting over the 160 mark!! Jean Theoret and the Miss Beacon Plumbing had taken the top qualifying spot from Dave Villwock and the Miss Elam with a lap at just over 163.  Not to be outdone, Villwock took the Elam back out and hit 165!  Click here for the latest qualifying!  

9/7/07
After much concern by owners and the ABRA, the San Diego race is officially on! I have to applaud the owners and the ABRA for coming to terms with the issues at hand and allowing this race to go on as scheduled.  At the same time I have to say shame on the San Deigo race committee, and they all know why.  The unlimiteds teams have not been paid for the last 2 years, or at least not all of what they are owed.  San Diego repeatedly fails to pay the unlimiteds and that is shameful.  One class of boats demanded their money up front before they would commit.  I hope the the ABRA and owners will consider this option in the future so as to avoid these last minute panic attacks. While this information may ruffle some feathers I think you all know that I'm going to call 'em like I see 'em!  It is unacceptable for sites not to pay. 

At least 2 teams that have made the entire circuit will not be attending, the U-3 & the U-100 team. There had been a rumor earlier in the day that the Formula teams would not race, but sources have spoken to team members and indicate that they will indeed race in San Diego.  So it looks like we should have a 10 boat fleet.

Latest news from Seattle...
8/5/07
The final has been run and what a race it was!  We finally saw a NEW winner in the winner's circle!
Photo courtesy of Jim Simpson...


The final round of heats are through and we are headed for the final!  Check the finish of Heats 3A & 3B and see the total points for the day!

The draw for the 3rd flight of heats has been posted!

Here are the results for Heats 2A, 2B, & 2C!

8/4/07
Here are the heat draws for 2A, 2B & 2C!

Heat 1B has be rerun...click here for the results!

Heat 1C ran in place of 1B, 1B still to come!   1C results here!

The U-9 driven by Chris Bertram flipped just at the start of Heat 1B.  Chris is out of the boat and fine!  Stay tuned for the restart!

The results for Heat 1A are now posted!

The heat draws for 1A, 1B, & 1C are posted here!

Looks like the U-17 Miss Red Dot, driven by Nate Brown, hit the water for the first time today and turned 111mph!  Congratulations to the U-17 team!

8/3/07
We've had 10 boats qualify today!  Check here for the speeds!

The teams have all headed back across the state to Seattle!  It looks like KIRO will be streaming this weekend.  I would guess that KNDU would also as they have been doing it the entire season.  We shall see!

Latest news from TriCities...
7/29/07
The final is in the history books!

The final heat is set...

Provisional Heat saw U-13 take the win, U-48 take 2nd, U-21 jumped the gun & DNF, U-25 DNS, and the U-100 withdrew.

Heat 3C results!

Here are the results for Heat 3B!

Results for Heat 3A!  What a race for first!

The draw for Heat 3A, 3B & 3C ...the U-1 FormulaBoats is not listed in the next flight of heats.  Remember that Jimmy Shane's boat went dead just at the end of Heat 2A.

I'd like to send a huge thanks out to one of the sponsors of the live streaming
on HydroInsider...Yakima Regional!  If you get a chance, contact these folks & thank them for helping you to watch the races live.

Looks like the U-13 Spirit of Detroit fixed the steering problem.  2C results posted!

U-13 has been having steering issues that should be resolved for Heat 2C.

Don't forget to watch every heat LIVE at HydroInsider!

Heat 2B results posted!

Heat 2A results posted!

7/28/07
The draws for Heats 2A, 2B, & 2C are posted!

The "popping" noises that preceded Jimmy King & the U-3 Hoss Mortgage IIs downfall in the first heat ended up being the short shaft.  They lost the prop but did not damage the boat! Let's find these guys some good luck!

Results for Heat 1C are now posted!  This will finish the racing for today.

Heat 1B is now over...results here!  There was some confusion on the flags at the end, so I will keep you posted.

The first heat is over & you can see the results here!

The heat draws are posted!  Watch the heats live at HydroInsider right now!

I'm a little confused here, surprise suprise, but it looks like the sponsor for the U-3, Hoss Mortgage, has picked up the U-10.  I don't know if they are sponsoring both boats at this point or just the 10.  I'll see what I can find out!

Both the U-5 FormulaBoats & the U-1 FormulaBoats, driven this weekend by rookie Jimmy Shane, hit the water today.  Both were having electrical problems.  This U-1 is not the one that flipped in Detroit, but the one that they were reassembling in Evansville. The U-1 team continues to work on the boat after their qualifying run of 141mph.

The U-17 Miss Red Dot is not ready to run yet and is unlikely to run this weekend at all. The paint is on, but the surface underneath was not smoothed beforehand, so at some point in the future it will need to smoothed out.

The U-3 apparently threw a rod yesterday just before the beginning of the Dash for Cash.  They have swapped motors and the boat seems to be running fine today.

Qualifying Results!

We are about a half an hour away from the first qualifying session of the day.  Stay tuned for updates throughout the day! Also remember to check out KNDU/HydroInsider for live streaming video of ALL of the action this weekend!  Thanks HydroInsider!

7/27/07
The first race of the weekend, the Dash for Cash, went off with the U-3 Hoss Mortgage Investors going dead before the start.  The U-9 Conover Insurance driven by rookie Chris Bertram grabbed lane one, U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto driven by Steve David took lane 2, U-13 Spirit of Detroit driven by J Michael Kelly in 3, and Dave Williams in the U-48 Miss Lakeridge Paving in lane 4. Steve drove the Oberto on to the win!

Link to Qualifying speeds!

All of the teams are heading to the TriCities race.  Looks like we are going to have quite a fleet of boats at the first race on the western swing!  Check out the schedule here! Watch for more live streaming on KNDU/HydroInsider!

A new driver will be taking the helm of the U-1 FormulaBoats due to the re-injury of Mike Allen's hand in the Detroit flip. The driver will be Jimmy Shane.

The U-10 with rookie driver David Bryant should return to the circuit after sitting out of the Gold Cup to make repairs after the Madison Regatta.

The following boats will make their first appearances this season:
-U-9 Miss Conover Insurance, driven by Chris Bertram, owned by Mike & Lori    Jones
-U-17 Miss Red Dot, driven by Nate Brown, owned by Our Gang Racing (new boat)
-U-21 Meyer's Auto Tech, driven by Brian Perkins, owned by Jeff Johnson & Kevin Aylesworth
-U-48 Miss Lakeridge Paving, driven by Dave Williams, owned by Greg O'Farrell & John Cheetham

Let's go RACING!

Latest news from Detroit...

7/15/07
The Gold Cup final is over!  See the results here!

The official rundown for the final heat is available!  I have to point out that, for reasons unknown to me, the ABRA reversed their decision on the flagrant fuel violation on the U-5 FormulaBoats in Heat 1B.  This will allow them into the final.  We've done pretty well this year not rethinking our decisions, but apparently something about Detroit makes the officials indecisive and wishy-washy.  Not good for the sport boys!

The results have been posted for 3A &3B!

Here's the draw for Heat 3A & 3B!

The U-100 Mirage Boats have packed up for the weekend since they returned to the dock early from Heat 2B. We wish them some much better luck our west!

The results of Heats 2A & B are psoted here!

Here's the draw for Heat 2A & 2B!

The first flight of heats have been run, and what a day!  See the results here!

Today looks like a much better day than yesterday!  The winds are less and the water is laying down, with no signs of white caps yet.  The first heat is scheduled for 9:40 and we will run 3 flights of 5 lap heats before the final today!  Stay tuned!

7/14/07
The draw for Heats 1A & B are posted here!

As of now, 12:45, there has been no action on the water except offshores.  The heats for today have been postponed indefinitely.

The wind is already swift this Saturday morning.  Flags are straight out. I'll keep you posted on the conditions.  There are currently 3 boats testing...the U-1 FormulaBoats.com, U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto, and the U-13 Spirit of Detroit.

7/13/07
Qualifying thus far...
U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing 161.171
U-1 FormulaBoats.com 153.993
U-5 FormulaBoats.com 149.536
U-16 Miss Elam 161.521, 162.754
U-3 Miss Chrylser Jeep 156.133
U-13 Spirit of Detroit 143.061
U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto 156.925,
U-25 Jarvis Construction 147.256, 149.424

The boats have been hitting some high speeds this morning!  The Oberto hit a 158mph and Beacon Plumbing hit around 161mph!  Elam just turned a 158.4.  There is a wind left over from yesterday, so we'll have to keep an eye on the Detroit River conditions throughout the day.

Detroit Schedule here!

7/12/07

The boats should all be in Detroit & I will arrive there late this evening!  Coverage is set to begin Friday with qualifying and testing!  Check out the latest thoughts from fans like yourself, and driver Steve David, in the Forum!

Latest news from Madison...

7/8/07

The final is over and Elam took the win after a good fight by the Oberto.  The Miss Chrysler Jeep, U-3, failed to complete the race as did th U-100 Mirage Boats.  See the final results here!

Live streaming at www.ibnlive.tv!

The third flight of heats are over!  Check here for details!  And see who is in the final heat, coming up in about an hour!

The second flight of heats saw some close racing yet again. Check here!

HydroInsider is streaming live video today!  Click here!!

WORX Radio in Madison will also be streaming live audio today!

The first flight of heats have run and the results are posted here!  The U-10 apparently threw a prop in Heat 1C and is out for the day. Hopefully they will have that boat repaired for Detroit!

So far Sunday looks like a much better day than Saturday! The 2.5 litres were able to run their final that was postponed from Saturday.  The unlimiteds arebeing lowered into the water for a testing session.  It looks like the U-16 Miss Elam will go out, as well as Dr. Ken Muscatel in the Superior Racing. The 2 boats that have not been able to get in the water this weekend, the U-100 & the U-1, will not get to qualify and were placed into their heats based on current total season points.

Heat rundowns below!

Heat 1A
U-16, U-6, U-5, U-1

Heat 1B
U-37, U-13, U-100

Heat 1C
U-10, U-3, U-25

Heat 2A
U-6, U-10, U-3, U-1

Heat 2B
U-16, U-37, U-13

Heat 2C
U-5, U-25, U-100

Heat 3A
U-6, U-5, U-13, U-1

Heat 3B
U-16, U-10, U-25

Heat 3C
U-37, U-3, U-100

7/7/07
The ABRA has decided to cancel the events of today.  We hope to pick up tomorrow with a testing period on the regular schedule.  Stay tuned!

The activity today has been placed on hold for debris in the water.  The Ohio River level raised overnight washing the debris from the banks.  I'll keep you posted!

7/6/07
Several boats have hit the water today, though the qualifying session was turned into a testing session after the crane for the Oh Boy! Oberto & the Master Tire broke down.  The Oberto was left in the water for about 3 hours while the ABRA worked to get a place open to move the trailer where another crane could pull the boat out.

The schedule for this weekend is posted here!

Latest news from Evansville...

HydroInsider is streaming live video today!  Click here!!

WORX Radio in Madison will also be streaming live audio today!

The final is over and Elam took the win!  Check out the results here!

There will be a provisional heat and then the final will run at 4:40pm.  I will post the results as soon as possible.

Results are posted for Heats 3A & B!

Heats 3A and B have been drawn!

Heat 2B followed the example set in 2A with a truly amazing flip by the U-37 Beacon Plumbing.  Jean Theoret is ok and still in the pits.  The boat sustained what appears to be superficial damage to the tail.  Results posted here. Both photos provided by Dean Edwards.

Heat 2A went off with the U-6 Oberto in lane 1, edging out the U-16 Elam.  On the final lap of the heat, the U-5 FormulaBoats was giving chase to the U-16 when Jeff Bernard and the U-5 hit an apparent roller sending the boat into the air. It hung there for a moment before finally giving way and doing over a 360 high in the air.  Unofficial reports indicate that Bernard is fine but did go to the hospital as a precaution.  Results are posted here.. I will keep you posted!


The ABRA paid tribute to Joe Rood this morning.  Jimmy King took the U-3 Master Tire out on the course while a recording of Joe calling the U-3 as he went around the course played over the PA.  We all miss you Joe!

The heat draws for Heats 2A & 2B!

The heat results for 1A & 1B are now posted!

The heat draws for 1A & 1B are posted!

Check out the latest photos from Evansville! More to come!

Link to Thunder on the Ohio schedule...

Evansville is here!  Looks like the U-21 isn't going to make this one. Check back often as updates will be posted throughout the weekend!

Take a look at the NEW Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto! The team has done an awesome job!  It is truly amazing how much they've done in recent weeks! I'll have more pics from the christening later today!

Check out the new Archives page! There are currently links to results and coverage over the past 6 years and I'll be adding more as the season goes on!
This is the only place to find this kind of history!

There will be no new photos of the Miss Madison/Oberto til the Media Day on Wednesday, June 27 at 3pm!  Come out and check out the new hull & paint job and wish Steve David and the crew the best of luck!

Rumor has it that Jennifer Willette will be attending this year's Madison Regatta!  Come out and show Jennifer how glad we are to have her there!!

New photos of the Miss Madison are here!  As you can see, the decks are on and so is the primer.  The weekend of June 9-10 involved additional sanding to the bottom of the hull, masking off for priming of the engine compartment, and the team got to see the new truck! 

Looks like there will be 11 boats at the first races in Evansville & Madison!  FormulaBoats will have a 3rd boat, but it is said to be for display purposes only.

New photos of the new Madison/Oberto boat are on the way! Check back later today!

The U-37 & U-48 are both testing Tri-Cities this weekend!  We'll keep you posted.  And if you're heading that way, take your camera and send us some photos.  As always, we'll post them and the name of the photographer!

New photos of the Oh Boy! Oberto have been posted on the Miss Madison website!  Click here!

Paul Scurlock, known on many forums as "speedyump", passed away on the morning of Friday, April 27, 2007 from a heart attack.  Many of you may have seen Paul in the pits and near the pit tower reporting on the unlimiteds. I often sat with Paul, as we each covered the races for hydroplane fans everywhere.  He was dedicated to the sport and will be missed. 

Attention Race Fans, the boat has left Seattle!  The new Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto left Seattle on Saturday, April 7 and is cruising across the country towards Madison as we speak!  I'm not sure what route they are taking, but keep your cameras handy!  If anyone can catch a photo of the shrink-wrapped hull, send them to me!!  Estimates have placed the arrival as this Wednesday! 

Looks like the city of Madison plans to do it up right when their new U-6 hull returns from Seattle...the town has a celebration planned at the courthouse for the monumental day!  Stay tuned!

Have you checked out the latest on the new U-21??  If not, check here!

It looks like someone has finally stepped up as the main sponsor for the TriCities Water Follies, after 2 long years without one.  Special thanks should go out to Lamb Weston, a division of ConAgra Foods, for committing as the title sponsor of the Water Follies!  Check them out here!

We will be welcoming a new team to the unlimited family this year, headed by a familiar face.  Nate Brown has formed the U-17 Our Gang Racing team.  They are building their own state of the art hull for the 2007 season.  Brown has indicated that he will be the primary driver through the Seattle race, when new driver Kip Brown (any relation?) will take over.  Good luck Nate and thanks for staying out of the ABRA helicopter!

This weekend is the ABRA annual banquet in Seattle!  Anyone wishing to submit photos from the event please send them to webmaster@hydropage.com!  Please include your name so that we can let the world know who helped us out!

Also...latest word on the Oberto boat...the Madison Courier had said the boat might be finished by the end of March, but the team says it is likely to be the middle of April. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available!

Check out the latest photos of the new Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison!

(2/21)   Judge Fred Hoying, who is presiding over the Michael Bowen case, has ruled there will be no change of venue due to media coverage.  Also, Mr. Bowen's attorney's are seeking to supress the results of his POSITIVE marijuana test.  Ok, so supress it.  We still have the proof that he huffed compressed air before the accident and I'd say we have plenty of witnesses to his worthless self being pulled out of the submerged car after it landed in the Ohio River.  As a matter of fact, I personally have photos of him being pulled out of said car after said accident.  But, let's not be a man about things and admit when we've made a mistake.  That wouldn't be the American way!  He knows he did it, he knows it was wrong.  Just plead guilty!! 


The History Channel is airing unlimited hydroplanes on their series, Modern Marvels. The show, titled "Horsepower", will air on Wed., 2/28 at 10pm and again on Thurs., 3/1 at 2am.  Set your recorders!!


News sources are reporting that a motion has been filed by the attorneys for Michael Bowen to have his trial moved out of Jefferson County, IN. Bowen is accused of driving the car through the crowd at the Regatta. A ruling was due on 2/17, but I have not been able to confirm any ruling as of today (2/20).  Judge Fred Hoying says that changes in media coverage, including the internet, has changed the considerations given on this type of motion.  Stay tuned for more on this story!

A great interview with Jennifer Willette and her family!

It is with great sadness that I must announce the untimely death of Evansville announcer Joe Rood.  Many of you may not have known Joe, but I grew up listening to him announce the Thunder on the Ohio from the grandstand seats behind the pit tower on Riverside Drive.  Over the years Joe became one of the many voices that I associated with the roar, then whoosh, of the unlimiteds.  And it was Joe that arranged for this very website to be the official website for the "outlaw" Thunderboat race in 2004.  Without him, there would have been no live coverage and we would not be where we are today.  Thank you, Joe.  You will be missed.  You can check out our main page from 2004 here.

There will be a gathering on Monday, 2/19, at the Pierre Funeral Home in Evansville at 2pm.  Call the funeral home at 812-423-6471 for more information.

U-21 has posted pics of the work on the new boat!  Driver Brian Perkins has been helping out.  It looks great!  Check them out here!

News from Jennifer Willette's camp is that she has finally gone home now!  Hooray for Jennifer!  This girl's got more spirit and fight than anyone I know and to say she is amazing is putting it mildly.  After losing an arm and leg in the accident caused by Michael Bowen in Madison, her family and future husband have rallied around her.  Remember to keep her & her family in your thoughts and prayers as they have much more still to overcome.  We wish her nothing but the best!!

Looks like the Awards Banquet for 2006 will be held March 10 in Seattle! 

ABRA is selling a 4 dvd boxed set of the last 4 races of the 2006 season!  Click here for the order form.

Both the U-6 and the U-21 are building new boats in the off season.  The U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison is being built out in Seattle while the Madison crew building all the "parts and pieces" (think cowling, wings, etc.).  No info on the progress of either hull.

The Valleyfield site is out for 2007.  Safety was cited as the reason.

Feel free to drop me a line at webmaster@hydropage.com if you have any Off Season News!

(10/20/06)
It is now official, ladies & gentlemen! The U-6 team is building a new boat with the blessing of the Oberto Sausage Company!  The hull will be a state of the art design that will help the team keep up with the "young-ins".  The Oberto/Miss Madison team is currently the oldest, and likely the heaviest, of the fleet.  Thanks to all who have helped to make this happen!  No word yet on the projected completion date, be it for this next racing season or the following season.

The TV schedule has finally been released.  Here it is!

          Enviro Unlimited Hydroplane Series on Fox Sports Network

(10/4/06)
Brian Perkins has been named as the new driver for the U-21 for the 2007 race season.  Apparently Aylesworth needs more recovery time after his bonfire on the west coast.  Can't say I blame him!  Perkins will bring a solid background in the Unlimited Lights with him to the driver's seat.

Jeff Bernard has been named as the new driver for the U-7 FormulaBoats.comII.  Congrats on a great new ride!

A couple of rumors floating around say that both the U-37 & the U-6 are building new boats.  Many of you have likely heard Steve David mention a possibility of a new boat in our Forum.

There is some good news regarding Jennifer Willette.  As you may recall, Jennifer was critically injured by an out-of-control driver at this year's Madison Regatta.  She is now back in her home state of Michigan, continuing her care in a hospital there.  She will soon begin rehab and doctors believe she should be home for the holidays.  That is terrific news!  But remember that all of this care is costing a lot of money.  Don't forget to send your donation in to the Regatta Victim's Fund.  They still need your help!  The address is on the left-hand side of this page.  Keep it up Jennifer!  We're all cheering for you!!

2006 Season End
(9/19/06)
Sadly, another season has come to an end.  But what a season it was!  The underdog U-6 Oberto leading in the points going in to the final race!  Wow!  And the new guys, Formula Boats, taking the boat chmapionship in their first year!  Another wow!  Another season, another year of controveries.  Here's looking forward to 2007! 

Just because the race season is over for this year doesn't mean we'll stop bringing the latest info to you. Make sure to check back often as we revamp and regroup!

San Diego Race
(9/17/06)
The final is over! The driver's High Points goes to Steve David for the second year in a row!  And rookie Mike Allen and the new FormulaBoats takes the boat's High Points championship!!

The final heat is set!  It is a 7 boat final!

The rundown for the final is posted! I do not know how many boats will be allowed in the final.  If it is 6, the the U-6 will make the final.  They won't if it is only 5 boats.

The results have been posted for Heats 4A & B!

The draws have been made for Heat 4A & 4B!

The results for the 3rd flight has been posted!  The U-7 has pulled into the lead for the National High Points boat championship!  According to ABRA, it looks like a 224 point difference between the now first place U-7 FormulaBoatsII and the now second place U-6 Oberto.  (My points only indicated 24 points...so obviously I dozed off somewhere!)

The draws for both Heats 3A & 3B!  And updates will be streaming from WORX today at 4:15, 5:30, 6:30 & 7:45!

(9/16/06)
Results for Heats 2A & 2B!

Results for Heats 1A & B!

The draws for Heats 1A & B are posted!

WORX radio in Madison will have a streaming broadcast at 5pm EST today!  Click here to go to their website, then click the "Listen Now" link on the upper left-hand side of the page.

(9/15/06)
San Diego is officially underway!  The last race of the 2006 season should prove to be one of the most interesting!  From the controversial addition of heats to the amazingly fast speeds, the final race for the National High Points championship may well be one of the most exciting!

Boats have been hitting the water all day today, turning some seriously fast speeds.  The current points leader, U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto has qualified 6th with a speed of 157.502.  The fastest qualifier of the day has been the U-16 Elam with 164.9.  The U-3 turned their all-time fastest lap at 162.751! Click here for current qualifying results!

Here is a link to a good "point/counter point" on the ABRA website between Chip Hanauer & Sam Cole.  I have to say, this persons opinion is Chip won this debate!  Click here to read Chip's and Sam's blogs!

Got some great shots from San Diego?  Send them in to for our photo gallery!  Res them down so as not to overload the inbox, include your name, and we'll post them! 

San Diego Race & New Developments
(9/1/06)
San Diego is on, as I am sure you are all well aware!

The latest, greatest uproar is that the Elam team recruited a sponsor for San Diego.  Sounds good, right?  It seems that this sponsor had some "requirements".  Those requirements included more heats.  So rumors are abounding that this was intentional so that the Elam could have a better shot at the National High Points. 

Another issue at hand is the decision to call this race the "World Championship".  As you can read in our Forum, driver Steve David is a member of the governing body that sanctions World Championship events, and he says that they have not been contacted.  They would be the UIM, Union of International Boating.  Tell us what you think in the Forum!

In other news...
There will be a golf outing in the Detroit area as a fundraiser for Jennifer Willette.  Many of you may recall that Jennifer was critically injured at the Madison Regatta.  She and her family are incurring a ton of medical bills, so go out and play some golf for Jennifer's sake!  Click here for the registration. And if you don't golf or won't be in the area, then send a donation to the address in blue column on your left!

The U-21 Miss Simpatico has announced, with little surprise, their withdrawl from the San Diego race.  The fire in Seattle did serious damage to the boat as well as injuring the driver.  Aylesworth suffered both a knee & shoulder injury.  No surprise when you see his mad scramble out of the cockpit!  We are glad he is relatively ok and sorry the U-21 won't make their hometown race.  But don't forget the good they've done this season!  They have raised over $100,000 for Children's Hospital!!  Way to go 21!  Better luck in 2007!

Seattle Race
(8/6/06)
Watch the racing live on KIRO!  The final is set: 1, 3, 5 (tr), 6, 7, 10, & 37.

Forgot to put the link to the Seattle page!  Sorry.  But I figure most of you already know where to go!

Updates...
(8/3/06)
Looks like the rumor mill was wrong or some people cooled down...Hopp is still driving the 100. Go Greg!

Jeff Bernard has been named the driver of the U-5! And Terry Troxell will return to the unlimiteds in the seat of the U-99!

(8/2/06)
Where to begin!  Greg Hopp was apparently fired sometime during or after the TriCities race.  And it wasn't over his driving.  Seems as though he and Leland couldn't come to an agreement as to what was "the right thing" to do. Good luck Greg!  We all look forward to seeing you in another ride, one that will treat you right!!

No word on the repairs to the U-13, though I'd guess Leland didn't send anyone to help.  Whoops, did I say that out loud?

The U-6 has completed repairs from damages suffered this past weekend.

Tri-Cities Race
(7/31/06)
Mike Weber has unexpectedly "retired" after the Tri-Cities race.  There was no mention as to why or who would be tapped to replace him.  I'll keep you posted as more details become available.

(7/30/06)
The Atomic Cup in Tri-Cities is history!  Check here for results of the days action!

The draw for Heats 2A & B are posted!

(7/29/06)
The U-1 & the U-6 both took their heats today! Check here for all of the exciting details!!

Looks like the U-13 Spirit of Detroit got the boat heavy enough, Villwock's back at the helm of the Elam, and we have a rookie at the wheel of the U-9 Jones hull!  Check out the qualifying here!

(7/28/06)
Teams are getting set up in the pits!  We'll have updates for you all weekend, so keep checking in!

Regatta Victim's Fund
I have contacted the River Valley Bank, the bank handling the fund for the Regatta victims, and Barbara was gracious enough to provide us with an address that all of our hydroplane fanatics can use to donate to this very worthy cause.  In case you've been out of touch, 2 people remain hospitalized and can use all of our help that they can get!  Jean Johnson, of vintage boat fame, and longtime hydro fan Jennifer Willette are both racking up the hospital bills as a result of the accident caused by a driver that lost control of his vehicle at the Regatta shortly after "huffing".  Please help if you are able!

River Valley Financial Bank
P. O. Box 1590
Madison, IN  47250

And make your checks out to "Regatta Relief Fund"!

Gold Cup
More Gold Cup photos!

Regatta Update
According to WHAS11 news in Louisville, Ky, 18 year old Michael Bowen has been arrested and is being held in the Madison jail on $10,000 bond.  As many recall, he was the driver of the car that crashed through the crowd at the Madison Regatta.  There have been 7 counts filed against him, with 6 of those being felonies. 

The story is also on the Madison Courier.

Detroit Gold Cup
Photos for Heats 3A & B are up!
And Heats 4A & B!  More to come, so check back often!

(7/16/06)
Theoret and the U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing take the Gold Cup!  Congratulations to the U-37 team!

Check out the 4th flight of heats!  And the final is set!

Results for 3A & B have been posted!  The U-7 FormulaBoats driven by Mike Allen took first in Heat 3A and the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto driven by Steve David smoked the competition in Heat 3B!

Heats 3A & B draws are posted!

(7/15/06)
There was a big delay by the ABRA in announcing the official results for 2A & B, but we now have them posted!

Rundown for 2A & B...

See Heats 1A & 1B here! Photos to follow soon!

Miss Elam has made it into the pits.  The boat is not the typical bright orange, but white, so look for some new photos soon!

Heats 1A & B, 2A & B will all run today!  There were lots of fast speeds on the Detroit River yesterday, so look for some intense competition for this year's Gold Cup!  Stay tuned!!

Check out the photos from the Madison Regatta!

I have just learned that a fund for the victim's of the Regatta car accident has been established.  Donations can be made at any River Valley bank.

Detroit Bound!!
So here we are coming up on the Gold Cup!  Remember the days when you actually had to "qualify" to run in the Gold Cup by competing in 2 races prior to it?  Or you could get in by "commissioner's option".  Ahhhh, the good 'ole days!?

Nate Brown is slated to drive the Elam this weekend with Villwock out due to injuries sustained in Valleyfield.  The backup boat was said to be in preparation and well on it's way to the Motor City.

Les Regates
(7/9/06)
All sports and games have rules.  The rules are there to keep play fair, to keep the game competitive, and to make rulings consistent.  It's this last one that none of the folks governing unlimited hydroplane racing have been able to grasp going all the way back to the days of Hydro-Prop. A rule is a rule is a rule.  If it's a rule, then it needs to be enforced.  If you chose NOT to enforce the rules, then issue a press release retracting the particular rule.  This weekend, due to the size of the course, caused the ABRA to vary some things such as the format.  Fine.  That is not a problem.  But when we start issuing monitary fines in place a disqualifications, then we have a problem.  By now, I know many of you are pulling your hair out wondering what I'm griping about!  So I'll tell you.

In the final duel for first place overall, the U-7 ran a larger prop than what is allowed and was able to keep their win.  The rules indicate this offense is a disqualification.  But you guessed it!  They were fined.  When the fundamental basics are violated, and the resulting punishment is a slap on the wrist...what do we expect the other teams to learn???  So, great win U-7.  Hope it's one you can feel good about.

Check here for the final results! 

The final will be a series of duels, with the U-6 facing the U-7 in the battle for first!  Click here for updates!

(7/8/06)
Let the duels begin!  Check out the latest info on the races at Valleyfield!

Here's a shot of the Elam sent to us by Cindy Shirley...
                  

ABRA has posted pics of Elam.  Scroll down towards the bottom.  Villwock sustained a knee injury in the accident, but nothing severe.

(7/7/06)
Anyone here speak French?  Me neither, but we'll do our best to let you know what's going on in Canada!

Elam has apparently suffered serious damage in the area of the skid fin.  Reports are that they lost the skid fin & much of the right side of the boat.  We'll keep you posted as more comes in.

U-5 FormulaBoats II has turned the fastest lap of around 121mph.

First, rumor has it the Nate Brown has been fired and JW will be next in the seat of the U-10...rumor has been confirmed. 

Looks like the U-6 Oberto turned the "hot" lap of the afternoon testing...at 108mph!  Remember folks, it's a tiny 1 mile course!

Villwock hooked the U-16 Elam during testing today.

Looks like the racing format for Valleyfield will be to have 2 boats per heat, with one starting on the back start/finish line & one starting on a frontstart/finish line.  Yeah, this won't be at all confusing!!

Update on Priscilla Johnson...
Reports say that she regained consciousness to day and spoke to her husband.  Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming.

Madison Regatta (7/2/06)
The race today has been struck by tragedy.  A car driven my an 18 year old male broke through one of the Regatta entrances at a high rate of speed.  The state & local police indicate the driver was "slumped over the wheel" as the car continued down Jefferson, across the crowded Vaughn Drive, hit the curb of the pit entrance and went airborne.  It landed on the banks of the Ohio and proceeded to plunge into the Ohio.

Fans jumped to the rescue & saved the driver and his juvenile passenger. According to the press conference at 7pm, 11 people were injured with 4 of those being critical.  Three of the 4 critical were StatFlighted to UofL Hospital in Louisville (trauma hospital) and 1 was StatFlighted to Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville.

Please say a prayer for these victims of this tragedy.  Like many of us, they only came out today to have a good time, not end up in the hospital.  And I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of the rescue personnel, police, and bystanders that helped today.  It is people like you that make this country great.  Again, keep these fellow fans in your prayers and hope for their speedy recovery.

There will be another press conference in Madison tomorrow (Monday) at 9am. 

Check out all the latest heats at our Regatta page!  Heat 2B was red flagged after Steve David's rudder was taken out by debris.  Steve is OK, but you can read the full account here.  The ABRA is also posting video of the accident.

We have lost a couple of boats due to prop problems...the U-10 & the U-100 are both out.  The U-21 driver, Kevin Aylesworth, did not get qualified.  The new heat line up should be posted shortly...

There will be a testing session this morning, but no qualifying.  The rundown for all of the heats is on the Madison Regatta page!  Check back often for the latest updates and new photos!

Madison Regatta (7/1/06)
No boats hit the water today.  Debris was an issue with the high water.  The winds also kicked up some white caps making the water rough.  Most teams spent the day talking with fans.  The ABRA also opened the pits to fans late in the day with ABRA officials giving the pit tours. 

Happy birthday to Randy on the U-5!
                                             
And a happy birthday to Chip Hanauer too!

Madison Regatta (6/30/06)
The boats are in the pits for the 2-day event.  The rains in the northeast have caused the Ohio River to rise.  It has supposedly risen about 6 feet already and is due to crest tomorrow (Sat.).  No one is sure at this point if the rising waters will cause problems for the Regatta.  But the weather is going to be sunny and hot!  Typical Madison weather for July!!

Preparations for Madison Regatta (6/28/06)
The U-21 is working outside the Miss Madison shop in Madison...check here for photos!

Evansville Thunder on the Ohio
2006 Thunder on the Ohio is now history!  Check here for the rundown of the weekend!

It also looks like we've got some new rules, one of which allows boats to "camp out" in the lane of their choice so long as they are on plane "at" the one minute gun.  Good for the sport or just plain dumb?  Let us know what you think in the Forum!

U-13 Will Not Make Evansville
Word has it that these guys aren't ready yet...

Leland has heart attack, will recover
The owner of the U-100, Fred Leland suffered a heart attack this week.  He is expected to make a full recovery.  I know everyone joins me in saying get well soon Fred!

Other Talk...
Brian Perkins may get some seat time on the East Coast swing in order to qualify for the Seattle race.  No information on a possible ride...

U-13 drive Terry Troxell has stepped down for the Evansville, IN race to allow J. Michael Kelly time in the Spirit of Detroit. 

Welcome back to a brand new unlimited hydroplane season!  For the few of you fans still checking in, yes, we are still here!  We have been working behind the scenes on some much needed "cleaning" during the off-season.  We are excitedly anticipating the 2006 season!!  The 2 Bud boats have been bought by the Formula U-5 team...Oberto has again decided to continue sponsoring the U-6 Miss Madison...and so much more!

I realize that anyone reading this is likely to ask "what happened to you guys at the end of the 2005 season?".  To sum it up, I had "issues" with some changes in rulings throughout the season and a few other "incidents" behind the scenes that caused me to feel like I could no longer bring our visitors first rate information.  So, in an effort to move forward, I want to say that we will always do what we can to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate news and information.  With that said, let's get back to racing!!

Have your say at the Hydropage Forum! Let us know what you think!

Evansville, IN

June