News from October, 2003... Early word on the
ULHRA National Meeting and Awards Meeting 9:00am - 5:00 pm Place: Dinner & Awards - $25.00 per person. The event is open to ULHRA Members, ULHRA Teams, Lighter than LIGHTS teams, and anyone interested in furthering the ULHRA series or establishing a new ULHRA race team. Come join us for a night of fun ... more information to come soon! Contributions
sought for Blue's Daughter Though Hannah has already started chemotherapy and radiation treatments to combat the cancer, the prescribed treatment program will outlast the Navy's coverage, making it likely that the Blankenship family will face financial challenges on top of Hannah's medical challenges. To help the Blankenship family cope with those financial challenges, the ICAS Foundation recently earmarked $1,000 from the Foundation's Family Fund as a contribution to the Hannah Blankenship Blue Angel Fund. The Foundation has also challenged the rest of the air show community to increase that initial contribution ten-fold in the coming weeks. "It's never clearer that the air show community is indeed a family than when one of its members needs help," said ICAS Foundation Chairman Sean Tucker. "This is one of those times and I hope everyone in ICAS will see this as an opportunity to offer some much-needed assistance to one of those family members." If you would like to contribute, please send your check payable to the ICAS Foundation Family Fund by November 1st. 100 percent of all contributions will be used by Hannah and the Blankenship family. Send payments to ICAS Foundation, 751 Miller Drive SE, Suite F-4, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, attention Hannah Blankenship Blue Angel Fund. "Family is very important
to everyone in the ULHRA. We will all pray for Hannah’s speedy recovery." The ULHRA is proud to contribute
to this worthy cause Is this the ULHRA or the NYSE? You've seen the announcement on this site of the new BCS Enterprises UL6 team. Three top NW competitors have combined to purchased one of the series' best racing programs. The UL38 Golden Nugget Casino/Security Race Products entry of Dave Bender just missed winning Dave's final race in Seattle before Bender called it a career. Now, the trio of Kerry Beynon and Al Carstenson, along with Jack Sipila have acquired this program and will renumber it the UL6. Beynon and Carstenson have combined as one of the top NW programs in 2.5 Stock Hydroplane and 2.5 Modified Hydroplane, while Sipila owns and drives a National Modified hydroplane. The new owners took possession, according to Bender, of everything except the tow vehicle, so they'll be ready to race come next spring. Next up, an even more impressive swath was cut by Mexico City businessman Carlos Buitron. He's raced tunnel hulls, but looked over the options to promote his sponsor and decided to join with the ULHRA. And he did so in a big way; purchasing 3 hulls at Port Angeles. These include Vince Xaudaro's backup (black) UL929, plus Thunder Valley's UL21, and Bob Larimore's UL23. All 3 hydroplanes were inactive this year, but all three have been transported south, with the 929 and 21 departing from Port Angeles, and the 23 acquired in Kirkland WA. Well, actually the black UL929 was entered but scored no points at Issaquah, before being replaced by the ex UL37 hull formerly owned by John Hogan that Doug Brow drove to the GNH World Championship in 2002. Mr. Buitron plans to use some of his new hulls as display units for his sponsor, and others as training and backup hulls. Even after such a sizeable purchase, Mr. Buitron says he's in the market for another "top notch" race boat to be his primary racer. One of the three hulls he purchased could also be raced in 2003, possibly by an associate, or other team. Of the 3, the ex Thunder Valley UL21 is the only one currently set up to run a supercharged engine, although switching that hull to a naturally aspirated powerplant, according to Thunder Valley team members, would be a fairly simple procedure. The 21 last raced at Issaquah in 2002 with Nick Badolato driving and took an impressive 3rd place. The 23 was campaigned by J.W. Myers in 2002 and ended a disappointing season on an up note with a 4th in Seattle, 2nd in Olympia, and was third fastest qualifier in San Diego. Sponsored by Corona Beer, Mr. Buitron is starting his team with plans to maximize impact for his sponsor, and to race to the front right away. This team, just like the UL6, should be well worth watching in 2004, as the competitive level in ULHRA events grows ever higher. With the ULHRA National Meeting and Awards Program now scheduled for Saturday, November 22nd, we could see additional transactions, and more growth in the series. There are 3 new hulls expected to join the series next season. There's a 4th hull about 50% complete that could be finished in time for the 2004 season if a purchaser stepped up this fall. There's a completed Ron Jones Jr. boat, owned by Mike Eacrett of Seattle that has never raced. There's also a number of inactive GP Hulls, like the GP-7 from Canadian Jean Theoret advertised on this site, that could be acquired for UL competition. Take a look below and you'll see the 4 boats that were just purchased, and our for sale page contains other opportunities. It's more evidence that this series is on a growth spurt, and a timely one at that. A 7 race series in 2003 saw 14 boats racing with 15 teams scoring points. The UL14 began the season under Hopp Racing and finished the year with owner-driver Paul Becker. Since the end of the season, 4 boats have been purchased and only 1 of those scored points in 2003. The series averaged nearly 12 boats per race, and with the interest in new teams, approaching 15 boat field averages in 2004 looks reachable......if not more. Interested in one of these hulls? Contact the owner, or just drop us a note and we'll get you connected. And check in to this site often during the offseason. You'll find changes, news updates and features on a regular basis as we prepare for a bigger and better Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association Series in 2004. John Lynch Hopp Racing Team take on
the Devils Lake Kilo! The Hopp Racing Team Mike's Hard Lemonade/Happy Go Lucky/Kendall GT1 decided to go to the Devils Lake Kilo run and go after an International record... the UIM ( Union of International Motor Boats). The class is the R7000-Infinity class. The rules are minimum weight 1800 lbs, the hull is free, the motor is free, and you have to rule gasoline as fuel. We decided to set the boat up on gasoline and go for it. The record is held by Jim Noone from Great Briton in the Miss Windermere at 149.160.
Saturday had to be canceled because of high winds. On Sunday morning the winds were blowing about 10-15 MPH. Our first run on Sunday was at 155+ MPH. On the return run into the wind we had a major wing malfunction as the wing broke and went into the nose down mode. The boat took a couple of really bad bounces and I had to get out of the throttle. For the last run we decided to bolt the wing in place so that it was not adjustable and go for it. The finale run looked really good from the pits as far as the wind looked. But my son Greg was at the far end of the run and said "Dad be careful", the wind down here is blowing 20 to 25 MPH. So I started the boat and went for it. On the run with the wind we got a speed of 157.976. On the return run into the wind it got pretty hairy. About a 3rd of the way through the boat took off, Greg was on the radio "It's getting too light, it's getting too light!!!!". The foot responded and I backed off the throttle. But you can't go fast with your foot off the throttle, so back on it, well the boat decides to fly again. Same thing, off and on the throttle. Got to the end of the Kilo with a run of 148.142. We did it, broke the record at 153.059.
The Kilo's at Windermere are this week and Jim
Noone made a one way run at 160 + but lost a prop on the way back. Their last
day is Friday tomorrow. Hull sales welcome
new faces, new interest to the series! UL Gossip, News, Rumors and Fact… Recently, Carlos Buitron from Mexico City bought three Unlimited Light Hydros that where based in the Northwest. UL-21 Balcer from Thunder Valley, UL-23 Balcer from Bob Larimore, and the (earlier) UL-929 Karelsen from Vince Xaudaro (along with a Gary Pugh built engine). The understanding is that Mr. Buitron is on the hunt for possibly one more newer composite boat that would be considered a front runner. Buitron who lives in Mexico City had previously campaigned in Formula 1 (tunnel boats). He was in Port Angeles, Washington over the Oct. 4th and 5th week-end for the very successful 1st annual ‘Strait Thunder Regatta’ to pick up 2 of the boats, the next stop was Kirkland, WA. to get the 23 boat. It was mentioned that his plans are to join the ULHRA series next year with a base (boat shop) for either southern Texas or San Diego. Introduced to Kevin Aylesworth of the San Diego based ‘UL-5 Thunderboats presents Freedom Racing Team’ it was stressed to Mr. Buitron that basing his new camp out of San Diego could be logical due to the fact that Kevin’s group has made lots of contacts for procuring what’s needed to create a successful team in that part of the country . Engine builders Gary Pugh from PED and Ed Trihey where on hand at ‘Straight Thunder’ and offered Carlos advice as to what it takes for a successful engine program…, be it Supercharged or naturally aspirated. Additionally, it was emphasized to Carlos and his group that not only would the Unlimited Lights welcome his involvement to the series, but a key ingredient to the success of the UL series is that everybody works together in sharing information, advice and finding equipment…(i.e. nobody is a outsider!) Carlos Buitron is an owner of Motels and Resorts in Mexico along with many other holdings. The boat racing connection appears that he is a large Corona Beer Distributor in Mexico… (go figure… -i.e. sponsor!!) We proudly welcome Mr. Buitron to the Unlimited Lights family!
Recent purchases include Dave
Bender's UL-38, Vince Xaudaro's former UL-929, The Unlimited Light family
grows by one! Mom Angelina and baby are doing fine and grandma and grandpa are quoted as being "very proud". As you can see by the photos, Frieda didn't even have time to change out of her ULHRA uniform but as she put it "at least he waited until after the physicals!" We welcome William to the ULHRA family!
The season's over, and it's just beginning Jerry Hopp culminated 23 years of racing the big boats, with his third straight victory. The UL15 Mike's Hard Lemonade/Happy Go Lucky not only won the first ever Victoria Express Presents Strait Thunder, the Hopp Racing Team captured their first ever ULHRA Team Title, dethroning 3 time champion Phil Bononcini in the UL72 Victoria Express who took 2nd at Port Angeles. Hopp's team achieved 4 victories in 2003; including Tastin & Racin at Issaquah WA with Greg Hopp driving, plus Speedfest in Olympia WA, Mission Bay at San Diego, and now in Port Angeles. Those 3 consecutive victories were with Jerry at the wheel following the season ending knee injury suffered by Greg Hopp in an Unlimited hydroplane flip in Madison IN. Jerry Hopp may have been driving a bit cautiously during the weekend, as he finished 2nd in all 3 of his preliminary heats. Those 2nd place results secured the Team Title, and allowed Hopp to go for the win in the Final. And whom do you suppose was first to congratulate the UL15 team? None other than UL72 co-owner Joe Frauenheim. Because Greg Hopp qualified the UL15 and picked up two heat victories at Issaquah, Issaquah, Greg received 840 driver's points in the season opener. That proved decisive. While Hopp Racing won the team title, Phil Bononcini secured his 4th consecutive Driver's Title in an uncharacteristic fashion. As Unlimited Lights races are all decided by Final Heat placement, but the points title is based on all heats for the season, Bononcini captured the Driver's Title without a race victory in 2003. Third place at Port Angeles went to the Grand Old Hull of the fleet.....Paul Becker's Miss Software Prototype, built by Ron Jones Sr. 3 decades ago. It was Becker's career best finish, following his 4th place run at Issaquah. And his career in Unlimited Lights is only 4 races old. This airline pilot turned racer plans some new "tricks" for the UL14 in the off season.
A Did Not Finish in the final didn't diminish the improvement shown by Rick Bridgeman and the UL17 Miss Ted's Red Apple Market. Bridgeman took two victories in Heats 1B & 3A and gave Phil Bononcini a terrific battle in Heat 2B. The spirited Baker Equipment Company of Renton WA, San Diego Thunderboat UL5 team of Kevin Aylesworth also suffered a Final Heat DNF. However in preliminary heat competition, Aylesworth showed what's ahead for this team as he established the fastest heat of the weekend, at better than 112 mph on the 1 1/4 mile Port Angeles course. The alternate, due to the infraction in the "B" Main, was George Woods. He brought the 7 Cedars Casino onto the course in case of an opportunity to race, but returned to the pits at the one minute gun. Vince Xaudaro and his UL929 Microsoft Office Project continued to improve, although a DNF in the "B" Main, while leading, was an unfortunate end to the season. With a second and third place finishes in preliminary competition, and a new engine on the way for 2004, this team is another "up n comer". For the other 4 teams, it was a tough weekend. Both the UL19 Windows SharePoint Services of Steve Hook, and Pingree Conflitti's UL58 SharePoint Portal Server 2003 sustained hull damage. The 19 suffered damage to the right non trip, while the 58 broke a prop and nearly sank at the pit area dock. Harold Mills and Thunder Valley Racing's UL40 Front Page 2003 continued to experience ups and downs. The "up" was, while it was brief, the boat ran quickly. However, the team again failed to finish a heat due to mechanical gremlins, as was the case in San Diego. Still, progress is evident from the hull improvements instituted in the past off season. This winter without the need for substantial hull work, other areas can be concentrated on to improve the "Fabulous 40" in speed and reliability. The first ever supercharged team in Unlimited Lights competition expects more in 2004. Finally, Joe & Jackie Bush Turner were able to attempt to race on Sunday in their UL18 Relay for Life, American Cancer Society entry. Unfortunately for the Turner's they were unable to get the boat on a plane. Joe did have an excellent view from his cockpit on the backstretch for a couple of heats, however, and the Turner's have a plan for the 18 to bring it to a competitive level in 2004. Plenty of other news came out of Port Angeles. That'll be in the next column.
John Lynch
Photos by Steve, Becky and Tom Maggard BCS Racing
Enterprises Unlimited Light Hydroplane ... UL-6! Kerry Beynon and Al Carstensen were teamed up for the last nine years with the Quick Fix Racing team running in both the 2.5 stock and 2.5 modified divisions. The team of Beynon/Carstensen has won numerous Championships including Region 10 highpoints for 2002, and the 2003 Eastern and Western Divisional Inboard Championships. This team has dominated the competition in the 2.5 modified class the past two years. Joining these two hard chargers is another great addition in Jack Sipila. Jack is a three time Region Champion. Jack has driven Super Stock, 2.5 stock, 2.5 modified, and is currently owner/driver of the National Modified hydroplane “Jack Attack”. Jack is very experienced in Inboard racing with seventeen years in the sport. This trio has recently acquired Dave Benders UL 38 and will be campaigning this boat in the 2004 season. They’re actively seeking advertising sponsors for the upcoming season. Click here for updates from September, 2003
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At Port Angeles WA the weekend of October 4th & 5th, not only was a wonderful new race site debuted, but also new teams were announced for 2004. 
Port Angeles WA: Picturesque town along the famous Strait of Juan De Fuca, separating the NW tip of Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. Known for great scenery, shipping, fishing, whale watching and many other popular tourism features, and now hydroplane racing. A few of the locals thought the Bay of Port Angeles might be a decent site to stage an Unlimited Lights race. Decent? Hardly; .try AWESOME. Other than an
uncharacteristically stubborn layer of fog on Saturday, Port Angeles WA proved to be ideal for staging one of the finest events of the year, and a terrific "curtain closer" for a most successful season. Combining excellent race water conditions, close proximity to the fans, and a virtual "stadium effect" with
outstanding viewing from all points around the race course, Port Angeles is an ideal location for the "Lights" and the support series called the "Lighter than LIGHTS". 
Fourth place was another surprise, but then again it wasn't a surprise. San Diego's Pat Roach' and the UL136, racing as the Western Cascade Presents Perkins Glass of Seattle benefited from some savvy driving by 19 year old rookie Brian Perkins, and a little bit of good fortune. Perkins, who had stepped up from the Lighter than LIGHTS series to run the 136 in San Diego and Port Angeles, gave the smallest boat in the fleet its best performance since Wayne Howard drove to victory in San Diego in 2000. Then, as now, the 136 benefited from errors by others, but was driven in such a way to be able to take advantage. Perkins won the "B" Main after George Woods in the UL51 7 Cedars Casino was penalized for a lane violation, and Vince Xaudaro's UL929 Microsoft Office Project failed to finish. 
Three
inboard racers out of the northwest formed BCS Racing Enterprises recently.
Kerry Beynon, Al Carstensen, and Jack Sipila.