14th Annual Classic Weekend 2010
June 18-20 / Father’s Day Weekend

What is Classic Weekend?

Father’s Day Celebration on the Waterfront: A great family-oriented activity and creative way to honor Dad. The centerpiece is the 14th Annual Classic Yacht (CYA) Rendezvous at Pier 66, Bell Harbor Marina, which is free to public (donations accepted). The CYA Rendezvous represents the largest gathering of pre-war power vessels on the West Coast, featuring more than 40 classic wooden boats, many available for boarding. Unlimited Light Hydroplanes and a unique collection of classic cars will also be on display at Pier 66 throughout the weekend. Hydroplanes will be open for sitting in the cockpits and taking photos.

When: Father’s Day Weekend 2010 - June 18-20

6/18 Friday 4-6:30pm: “Pass in Review” sail-in parade along the waterfront (weather permitting).

6/19 Sat 10am-4pm: Classic Yachts, Unlimited Light Hydroplanes & Cars at Pier 66

6/20 Sun: 10am-4pm: Classic Yachts, Unlimited Light Hydroplanes & Cars at Pier 66

Where: Classic Weekend will be held at Seattle ’s Waterfront with the Classic Yacht Rendezvous located in Bell Harbor Marina at Pier 66.

Celebrating a 14 year tradition - Annual Classic Yacht Rendezvous at Bell Street Pier:

3000-4000 visitors attend this annual Classic Yacht Rendezvous at Bell Harbor Marina, with more than 50 classic yachts moored at Pier 66, Unlimited Light Hydroplanes and classic cars on the adjacent plaza.

 

Keeping it Together

 

Although his name was really Jim, most people called him “Squeaky”. He was not only a first-rate engine builder but often stepped in as an Inspector for the American Power Boat Association at inboard circle races. Flatbottom or hydro, he was well-respected and sought after for advice. Jim Krohn acquired the name "Squeaky" in a fashion that compels the need for quality and careful scrutiny when it comes to high performance.

 

Once, while standing next to a running boat engine, the flywheel disintegrated sending pieces into the surrounding area. One piece severely wounded Jim in the throat. The subsequent result was a permanent wound that created a ‘squeak’ to his voice. From that point on, whenever Jim Krohn drew a team’s attention to an unsafe situation, they respected that he knew what he was talking about. 

 

Another group that knows what they are talking about with regards to high performance flywheel safety is Aasco Motorsports. The latest Contingency Award Program sponsor to get onboard, Aasco was created when two brothers, Dennis and Randall Aase, determined to consolidate their extensive automotive-related racing experience into a prosperous performance racing business. Dennis brought hands-on driving experience for established owners such as Dan Gurney. Randy contributed substantial experience with regards to building race engines and competition-oriented fabrication. Creative and receptive to new technologies, Aasco Motorsports can not only manufacture their famous flywheels but continues to maintain an engineering and fabrication facility in Anaheim, California.

 

When asked what motorsports currently see the presence of Aasco products, Marketing Director Jordan Aase said, “Our products are used in several professional and amateur racing series including NASCAR, ALMS, IMSA, Grand-Am, SCCA, NHRA and APBA K-Boat racing.” When asked specifically why his flywheels were superior to others he went on, “Aasco flywheels are superior because every one is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. We have complete quality control from raw materials to finished products. Other products may be American-designed but that is where the control stops and the manufacturing goes overseas. The result is a poorly made part which may not work correctly and more often than not the price is comparable.”

 

Aasco has over three hundred different flywheel applications for many makes and models of street and race engines, domestic and import. Custom creations for small block or big block powerplants such as are used in competition in the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association are also available.

 

In summary, Jordan said “We are excited to see our flywheels used in ULHRA competition and believe that our quality and craftsmanship will give the teams not only a competitive advantage but a reliable product that won’t disappoint on race day.”

 

For more information about Aasco Products and services, go to www.aascomotorsports.com

 

Second Annual Northwest Safety Seminar

The second annual Northwest Safety Seminar will take place at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum (5917 S 196th St, Kent, WA) on Saturday March 13, 2010. Bob Wartinger and Rick Sandstrom will again chair the event. The Safety Seminar will begin at 10:00 am and there is no charge to attend. That morning just prior to the seminar, boat inspections will be conducted from 8AM to 10AM at the same location. This is an excellent opportunity to get that annual inspection out of the way in advance of the first race of 2010.

As last year, the seminar will again be video-streamed over the ULHRA network at www.ulhra.org. Remember the scheduled start time of 10AM is Pacific Standard Time.

Booth space is available to teams and companies wishing to promote their own or their sponsor’s products/services. Booths are available for $100/each. The funds help offset the rental of the seminar space at the museum. Combination packages are available that include booth space, web streaming ad and an ad in Thunder & LIGHTS Magazine. Ask for details.

This year the seminar with begin with a panel of the rescue divers and crews to answer questions you have always wanted to ask the person who may one day save your life on the race course but never got around to asking. We will discuss what expectations you have of our rescue crews and we will see what the rescue people would like from you as a driver.

Last year one of the hit topics was radios. Nick Sutton will be on hand to refresh last year’s basics and expand on this important topic.

2010 will bring new rules and regulations in the State of Washington regarding lifting equipment. Slings will have to be recertified and a tag attached so the crane operator will be able to verify the slings have been properly certified. A Lifting Coordinator will be required on site at the races. Shawn Warren will explain these new regulations and what we will have to do to comply.

There will be a session on the “Black Box” crash technology. The UL hydroplanes have been running these data recorders this past year. The session will explain the importance of this program, the type of data being gathered and for what purposes the information can be used.

A number of additional topics will be covered including cockpits, head clearance requirements, head and neck restraints, belts, helmet air systems, life jackets, cockpit sides and much more. Coffee and goodies will be available in the morning. Lunch will be served for the small donation of $5.00. For questions or additional information contact Rick Sandstrom, Seminar Coordinator. Email: Info@propshop.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information: Bud McKay, 360-801-1626
Feb. 17, 2010

McKay Gets Driving School Help to Get Back Title

BELFAIR, Wash. - Since Bud McKay finished second in high points in 2009 after a three-year run as 8-cylinder Lighter-Than-LIGHTS hydroplane champion, he figures he needs a little driving school help. McKay's Namron Racing
Team and Commercial Driver Services, one of the premier truck driving schools in the state, have joined forces for
the 2010 hydroplane-racing season.

"Carrying the CDS logo and colors already makes us a stronger team in 2010," McKay said. "We'll be able to compete over the entire Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association's LTL series as well as the local American
Power Boat Association races. Now if I can only be as educated behind my steering wheel as the CDS students are
behind theirs."

CDS, the title sponsor for the Namron Racing Team's 8-cylinder LTL/5-Litre hydroplane, runs a four-week, truck driving school for students wishing to obtain their class A, B, C licenses as well for dump truck drivers and school bus drivers. But CDS is much more than just a school, they also assist graduates in job placements - no matter how long ago they have graduated from the program.

"CDS has an impressive and professional staff of teachers and instructors, but their service doesn't end when a driver graduates," McKay said. "They go the extra mile in doing whatever they can to get their graduates out on the roads. If you go to their website - www.cdsTruckSchool.com - you see success story after success story."

The demand for commercial truck drivers remains high. The trucking industry offers the potential for a bright and productive future. CDS, based out of Lakewood, Wash., makes that future even brighter for its graduates. CDS is
owned by Lee Brunk. While this is CDS' first involvement with hydroplane racing, CDS also sponsors a local racecar
team.

"From a sponsorship perspective, we're excited to join forces with the Namron Racing Team and the sport of hydroplane racing," Brunk said. "Motorsports are exciting, but hydroplanes just grab your attention. I know it grabbed ours when we saw Bud on display at an event at Camp Murray. On the water, the team's been pretty successful, so we feel we joined up with a winning team."

While CDS' sponsorship is for their smaller hydroplane, the Namron Racing Team is using a portion of the sponsorship toward the bigger, new unlimited light hull.

"This will help get CDS some significant exposure at TriCities and Seafair," McKay said, a retired Air Force Reservist and current Air Force civil service employee at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "That's the beauty of having a two-boat camp - sponsors can try us out at one level, see what we're about, and then jump up with us and join us at the next level."

Spring training is scheduled for April 15th out of Stan Sayers pits on Lake Washington. For more information about
the Namron Racing Team and for their complete schedule, visit their website at www.namronracing.com. If you're interested in an exciting and rewarding career as a truck driver, visit the Commercial Driver Service's website - www.cdsTruckSchool.com - or call 1-888-558-7120.

-30-

PHOTO CUTLINES:

1) Silverdale3_Julie.jpg -- Photo by Julie Sparrowgrove --
Bud McKay waves to the fans after the final heat at
Silverdale in August of 2009.

2) Bud_Mug_SD.jpg -- Bud McKay


 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2010
Contact: Muncey Marketing 360-805-0805

Official Race Fuel of the ULHRA

 

 

Addressing the national needs of the ULHRA, it was determined that Valor Oil Company of Bowling Green, Kentucky would be providing the Official Race Fuel of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association for the upcoming 2010 season.

As an example, with one distributor well-situated in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho many of the racing teams will be able to conveniently acquire their fuel needs en route to and from many of this year’s regattas. Promoted under the public name of Renegade, this fuel supplier is looking forward to working with the ULHRA racing organization to help promote its brand awareness west of the Mississippi.

“We realize that in the past some teams had challenges getting fuel support for product for the regattas in Polson, Montana and Chamberlain, South Dakota, “says Toby Baptiste, Director of Valor Oil. “This way the need can be secured before the teams even arrive at the race site.” Baptiste has seen his product used in high performance motorsports at many venues. “We have several grades of product for the many different kinds of power plants campaigned on the ULHRA circuit. “ Baptiste went on, “Over time we have refined the production process to allow for many situations. The example of automotive drag racing pictured is one of the many applications. We are intrigued with the make up of the Unlimited Light class that allows for several different types of power plants to run on the same course against each other at the same time”, said Baptiste. “The entertainment value can’t help but draw attention to our products.”

“The cost to participate in motorsports has been on the increase over the last several years,” said Joe Frauenheim, President of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, Inc. “The relationship with Renegade provides for our organization to influence the end user’s cost to purchase fuel. This enables the ULHRA to allow for superior value at reasonable prices for our teams and keep the operating costs as low as possible. Even though the ULHRA already provides more tow money per team than other similar marine motorsport organizations in the USA, this is another benefit to our racers.”

As the Official Race Fuel of the ULHRA, the fans and media will see the Renegade logo on the race boats of all ULHRA competitors. This is the first time that Valor Oil has utilized marine motorsports to promote their products and is looking forward to a healthy and growing relationship. The volume of product purchased by racers in the past can assure a high quality product at the lowest possible price for every ULHRA member. For more information on the Official Racing Fuel of the ULHRA, visit www.RENEGADEPRO1.com.

The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is an automotive-powered class of inboard hydroplane race boats which continues to gain popularity, especially in today’s tough economy, with fans seeking affordable yet exciting family entertainment. Utilizing today’s technology, the thundering engines produce a sound that turns heads, pumps adrenaline and compels innocent bystanders to transform into hard-core racers. For more information regarding the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association and the upcoming race season, please visit www.ulhra.org.
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2009 Awards Banquet

Photos:  Julie Sparrowgrove

An excellent turnout enjoyed a fine evening of  dining and awards at ULHRA's annual banquet and 2009 season awards program at  the 7 Cedars Casino in Sequim WA.  It was the second year the event was  held at this facility which features fine dining and an equally fine theatre and stage for the awards program.

Emceed by ULHRA "Voice" John Lynch,  the awards program was capped by the presentation of the Team Championship to  the UL-72 Foster Care-Vitamin Water and the Driver Championship to Kayleigh  Perkins.  It was Ms. Perkins' third consecutive driving title and the  team's second championship in the past three years.  In three seasons  she's won nine races including five
consecutive victories in 2009.   Perkins ranks fourth overall in Unlimited Lights driver victories for a  career, trailing only UL-72 co-owner Phil Bononcini, and Bo Schide, both with  12 wins, and Greg Hopp the career leader with 20 victories. Overall, the UL-72  has won the series title five times which ties them with Hopp Racing, also  with five Unlimited Lights' Team Championships.

Second place for  2009 went to the hottest team at the end of the season, the UL-11 Power  Punch-ROXY Radio 94.5-K&N Filters team of Darren Bartels. For  Bartels it was a very challenging second year in Unlimited Lightscompetition.  The season began slowly at Arizona and South Dakota and took a bad turn in  Montana when the supercharged V-8 powered hydroplane broke a
propeller and  tore up the back & bottom of the hull, ending the season for that UL-11  hull.   Not to be beached, Bartels went to work arranging for other hulls to race under his UL-11 banner and boats owned & driven by Dan McCulloch and Rod Bourke each raced as the UL-11, McCulloch at Montana and  Bourke at Tri Cities and Seattle WA. Then for the final two races Bartels aligned with Bob Schellhase and the hull formerly known as the American Eagle  when it was raced by Paul Droullard.  That combination led to consecutive victories, for driver Brian Perkins at Silverdale WA and in San  Diego CA driven by Mark Evans. 

Rounding out the top  10;

Third Place:       T-Machine UL-3 and  driver Chris Grant
Fourth Place:     Warning Power.com  UL-00 and driver Wil Muncey
Fifth  Place:         US Army UL-9 co-driven  by Vince "X-Man" Xaudaro and "Smokin Joe Souza".
Sixth  Place:        Miss Critical Logic UL-14 and  driver Paul Becker
Seventh Place:  Graham Trucking UL-1/UL-15 and driver  Greg Hopp
Eighth Place:     Five Star Racing Ul-19 and  driver Ryan Mallow
Ninth Place:        Trafficade-Desperado UL-93 and driver Elizabeth Wolfe
Tenth  Place:       Miss Atomic Screen Printing UL-98  and driver Charles "Ace" Xaudaro

For Mark Evans the victory at San  Diego in the UL-11 was a tremendous return to racing after a 6 year hiatus  following a horrific crash in an Unlimited at Detroit MI.  Evans looked  like he'd never been away, winning 3 of 4 heats on Mission Bay and he also was  presented the 2009 Unlimited Lights Rookie of the Year Award.  Other  veteran drivers have won the rookie award in past years after successfully  debuting in the UL series, including George Woods Jr. Wil Muncey and Kelly  Stocklin.

Crew Chief of the Year was a very popular award going  to the UL-9's Tim Van Hollebeke who, among other accomplishments during the  year, spearheaded an overnight repair job on the 9 hull at Silverdale WA after  it was damaged in the first heat.  The work was successful as Joe Souza  was able to drive to victory in the Sunday B-Main and earn third place in the  Final.

ULHRA honored the Series Sponsor of the Year, Trafficade Work  Zone Services, and the Team Sponsor of the Year, Warning Power.com which was  the title sponsor of the Muncey Racing UL-00.  For the Muncey team and  driver Wil Muncey, 4th place on the season in the Team and Driver standings were both
career bests. 

Joe Souza made the presentation of the  Hard Charger Award to the UL-3 Grant Racing team, noting that the boat driven  by Chris Grant to third place in the standings was the last hydroplane built  by his long time friend, the late Terry Troxell. Souza worked on that  construction project and was honored to present to the Grant team which proved  the old adage "in order to finish first you first have to finish".  An  impressive string of heat finishes and the team's first ever heat victory, at  Silverdale, capped an
outstanding campaign by the second year team. 

The Lighter than LIGHTS series presented three class championships for the first time.

Formerly combined, in 2009 there were championships both in 2.5 Stock hydroplane won by Mike Hofhine S-12, ahead of Austin Eacret  and Brian Hanjy and 1.0 Liter hydroplane won by Bianca Bononcini Y-6 followed  by Brian & Joey Perkins, and Nick Bononcini.  In the Eight cylinder  or 5 Liter category the series was won by Kevin Eacret E-36 followed by three time series champion
Bud McKay and Steve Clark.

Dustin Echols in the  G-17 Ted's Red Apple Market-Venture Bank won the North American Challenge Cup  Series for the G-Class Thunderboats, followed by Marty Wolfe in the G-93 Renegade-Trafficade and the winner of the San Diego finale, the G-10 Frazee  Paint-Titeflex Special-Wiggins Service and Supply driven by Cal Phipps. 

Next time on the water for ULHRA will be the annual Spring Training  test session in Seattle on April 15th followed by the season opener at Phoenix (Chandler) AZ on May 1st & 2nd. 


John Lynch
"Voice" of  ULHRA Racing 
 

 

January 22, 2010
Contact: Muncey Marketing 360-805-0805
 

CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO…

With their engines ‘banging’ up against their rev limiters, the two Unlimited Lights each set their respective radii and slide into the corner. The oil in the dry sump tank has heated to the point that it has the consistency of water. Bounding from sponson to sponson, the life giving liquid that lubricates and cools the internal workings of an engine are literally hurled away from critical surfaces and compressed against the right side of the inside of the engine. This deprives the oil from getting to the areas of greatest need at the time of greatest need. The surface strength of the basic oil and its tendency to remain where it was and do its job can make all the difference in the world in the life of that high performance and expensive powerplant.

One of the improvements in high performance engine lubrication and cooling is the introduction of synthetics. The demands of competition and the uniquely violent environment that hydroplanes create can provide substantially greater needs not met by conventional oils. Additives are always helpful but technology has evolved to the point where the fundamental article has radically changed for the better.

Unfortunately, something this important and successful isn’t particularly inexpensive and can tax the most aggressive racing budget. To try and take the sting out of that unfortunate financial fact enters LAT Racing Oils. Hailing from Orange, California Lubeatech Advanced Technologies or LAT offers a competitively priced product that is cutting edge competitive with other synthetics on the market. As the latest CAP (Contingency Awards Program) sponsor, LAT will provide certificates of credit or “coupons” to the top six CAP participating teams at Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association regattas.

Already well involved with other types of motorsports such as off road racing, circle track asphalt, motocross and down at the drag strip, LAT has been well received by some of the most demanding teams. Names like Allen Johnson, Johnny Gray, Tom Hammonds, Greg Stanfield and Mike Edwards appear on the roster of racers who use LAT in the standard operation of their teams.

Danny Vaca, a representative of the nationally recognized distributor said, “Many racers give us feedback and input about their use of our high performance racing oil. That helps us continue to develop and enhance our product.”

LAT currently offers several weights of oils. For the quarter mile they have created a 0W2, a 0W5 and a 0W10. The needs of longer duration on a circle track can be met with their 0W20, 5W30 and 20W50. Vaca went on to say, “The benefit in synthetics verses traditional oil is that they offer higher film strength for bearing a load and they are also able to handle higher oil temps and provide additional protection.”

NASCAR, NHRA, the ADRL (American Drag Racing League) and the IHRA are some of the motorsport circuits that have helped put LAT products to the test. Catalogs are available upon request and product can be ordered through their west coast outlet. For more information visit www.lubeatech.com.