Lynch Line November 2007
Off season, at last!
It’ll be the shortest off season in the history of ULHRA Inc.
With the successful Phoenix AZ exhibition with the International Hot Boat Association in the rear view mirror it’s time to look ahead.
Working with the IHBA proved to be a very successful collaboration. The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series has a very loyal audience and they appreciated Racing, ULHRA Style as an entertaining “change of pace” from the ¼ mile drag racing pairs. April in Chandler AZ at Firebird International Raceway will also bring a nice change of pace to the weather in the northern climates like Seattle & Chicago.
The ULHRA 2008 schedule has been posted with the largest number of race dates confirmed at this time of year with more events possible. The annual meeting and Awards Banquet for ULHRA Inc. will be held on January 19th in Tacoma WA.
Over the course of the next couple of months there is expected to be a flurry of team announcements. At least one may involve the return of a popular driver from years past with ULHRA. I’m not going to say whom, but you’re welcome to guess. We’ll see what ULHRA’s version of the Hot Stove League produces over the winter months. Already you’ve seen the announcement that Kip Brown and Kevin Eacret will be driving the UL-8 for Bob & Kathleen Baker in 2008. For Kip, the nephew of retired Unlimited Driver Nate Brown, he’ll start the year in the UL-8 in preparation for taking his uncle’s place in the U-17 turbine that debuted in 2007. Kevin Eacret just completed his first full season in ULHRA’s Lighter than LIGHTS series and did so impressively, earning the opportunity to “graduate” to the second driver’s position with the UL-8. Eacret will become the 14th driver in the five year history of the LTL program to move up to Unlimited Lights and turbines….exactly what the Lighter than LIGHTS program was formed to do; provide opportunities. The Baker’s and their Baker Equipment Co. have been very supportive of young driving talent in ULHRA through the Lighter than LIGHTS series. Eacret was sponsored by them in the LTL series in 2007. In 2006 the Baker’s sponsored another “up n comer”. Maybe you’ve heard of her: 2007 Rookie of the Year and Unlimited Lights Champion Kayleigh Perkins.
What’s up with the UL-33? No announcement has been made but there may be something announced in the next few weeks. The team that won the season finale at Port Angeles with Mark Echols driving was put up for sale by owners Bob & Janet Estes. For the Estes’ it’s their exit to a long awaited retirement and their final race in ULHRA became their first Unlimited Lights victory. For the next owner, whoever that may be, they’ll be getting one of the best programs in Unlimited Lights racing. Since debuting in 1997 as the first Ron Jones Sr. Unlimited Light hydroplane, the UL-33 has 12 victories including 5 each by Charley Wiggins and the late George Stratton, plus single victories by Cal Phipps and Mark Echols. The 33 hull preceded the current champion UL-72 Miss Boat Electric by one year. Incidentally there is a third Ron Jones Sr. Unlimited Light however it has yet to debut in competition. The UL-57 Cheetah built for Gary & Barbara Michael of Gig Harbor WA has been put up for sale. Could this hull debut in 2008? We’ll see.
Another veteran driver expects to bring his brand new boat to ULHRA competition sometime in 2008. Gordy Gilmer has crafted a dazzling new Ron Jones Jr. styled Unlimited Light, similar to Gilmer’s friend Paul Droullard’s former American Eagle……now the UL-12 Festool Supply.com of Bob Schellhase and driven by Greg & Jerry Hopp. Gilmer has been conducting his “labor of love” for much of this decade and hopes to be ready in time to compete for an entry into the Graham Trucking Cup at Seafair in Seattle. You’ll recall that last year several teams were scrambling for points to make the 14 boat field limit at Seattle. At this point there may be more scrambling by more teams for points and positions at Seattle in 2008.
Enjoy the winter months. Racing starts in April. Check back to this website often to see what’s happening.
John Lynch
P.R. Director and “Voice” of ULHRA Racing.
www.ulhra.org
