Unlimited Hydropage

Heat, humidity, and hydroplanes. That's to be expected on the first weekend in July in Madison, IN. But what we got were some real thrills, spills, and exciting racing.

Teams were beginning to feel the effect of the new four lap heats as the only boats in the final were the only ones still running. With Hopp in the U-100 out after his accident during time trials, Mitch Evans in the U-3 blew an engine in heat 2, the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto was out with igniter problems, and Nate Brown in the U-16 blew a gear box, the field was down to six teams.

As the boats crossed the start line in the final heat, the Miss Bud, Miss Emcor, Miss Bello's Pizza, Miss Trendwest and Llumar lined up in front with the U-25 Mister Home Loan behind as the trailer, Weber in the U-10 took to the air doing a complete end over end flip. The boats scattered and shut down as the U-10 gracefully landed upright causing minimal damage to the hull and no injury to Weber himself. The final was restarted an hour later with the five remaining boats. The Miss Budweiser cruised through a relatively easy win, taking home the Indiana Governor's Cup and their first win of 2003.

The boats were really hopping, literally, during time trials. In turn two, as they turn to go up river, there's a "hole" created by an old sunken barge. The boats typically have a rough time in turn two, but this weekend they were launching into the air coming out of the turn, as they headed up the back stretch.

Greg Hopp gave us a real scare Saturday as he rolled the U-100 in turn one. When rescuers arrived, Hopp was unconcious and had to be pulled feet first through the escape hatch on the bottom of the boat. Greg was quickly revived, given medical attention at a local hospital, and released that afternoon with minor injuries. A true testiment to the safety devices the drivers are using and the medical personnel in Madison.

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Unlimited Hydroplane 2003 Race Schedule

Evansville, IN June 27 - 29

Madison, IN July 4 - 6

Tri Cities, WA July 25 - 27

Seattle, WA Aug 1 - 3

Detroit, MI Aug 21-24

San Diego, CA Sept 19 - 21

Columbia Cup

38th Annual Budweiser Columbia Cup unlimited hydroplane races.
(read article)

Familial tradition of hydro racing still making waves

Familiar names as well as familial names will be at the Columbia River this weekend as the Unlimited Hydro Series returns to the state for the 38th Columbia Cup. (read article)

Detroit Thunderfest

Tom D'Eath to help form the Detroit River Regatta Association and keep the Gold Cup in Detroit. (read article)