APBA Detroit Gold Cup 2011

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WELCOME, RACE FANS! Dear Friends and Boat Racing Enthusiasts: It gives me great pleasure to welcome each of you to the City of Detroit as The DYC presents the 2011 APBA Gold Cup. This 90 plus year tradition is one of our city’s treasures, bringing thousands of people together on the banks of the Detroit River to see what is considered the crown jewel of motor sports, by powerboat racers. The APBA Gold Cup is the oldest and most prestigious of motorsport trophies, and Detroit is proud to host this annual event. I would like to personally thank all of the event sponsors, volunteers, and participants, The Detroit Yacht Club, the Rands Family, the Detroit River Regatta Association and the Racing Fans for continuing to make this event possible. On behalf of my entire administration and the citizens of Detroit, once again welcome and enjoy the races. Sincerely, David Bing Mayor

Welcome Race fans: On behalf of the Detroit River Regatta Association, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2011 American Power Boat Association Gold Cup races. The Detroit River is a vital historic, geographic, commercial, and recreational link for Detroit and the entire region. The Gold Cup races that have taken place here since 1916 are part of the history. Thanks to the support of the City of Detroit, the regional community, our hundreds of volunteers, the Detroit Yacht Club, and Bill and Happy Rands and the Rands family, we are pleased to continue one of the great traditions of sport and summer in Detroit. The speed and excitement of the races, the flowing roostertails as the boats dance over the water along the Belle Isle shoreline, are part of the summer tradition for generations of Detroiters. We look forward to making more history and new memories again this year. We thank you for your support and wish you a safe an enjoyable event. Sincerely, Tom Bertolini President

4 2011 APBA Gold Cup

What a busy offseason this has been for H1 Unlimited! In just the last few months the Air National Guard has joined us as our series title partner. New teams, boats and drivers have come on board. 2011 will mark the return of the full H1 Unlimited season to network television and for the first time all of the races will be streamed live on the Internet. This year we are privileged and honored to have the Air National Guard as our partner, including here in Detroit for the 102nd running of the prestigious APBA Gold Cup. They are a major presence from the display tent to the large stage that will be used for community activities. I know our drivers and owners are proud to be representing this United States military branch. H1 Unlimited has made some changes to make the racing action even more exciting. We have started “Fast Lap Friday,” a two-hour qualifying session taking place on Friday afternoons that fans won’t want to miss. We’ve also implemented a new starting procedure where drivers will once again be fighting for lanes in preliminary heats and the final. These improvements will make for better racing, not only for those who were lucky enough to attend, but for loyal fans who be watching it on the Internet or catching it on the Versus Network during a relaxing Saturday afternoon. There are few motorsports where the drivers, team owners and crews are more accessible to the fans. That won’t change, and in fact, you’ll be seeing more of the drivers at awards presentations and autograph sessions during the weekend. A lot has happened in a short time but it has taken years of hard work to get the sport where it is today. We couldn’t do it without the fans. Whether this is your first APBA Gold Cup or your 50th, we thank you for your support. Enjoy the races! Sam Cole Chairman, H1 Unlimited


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Contents

2011 DRRA Board of Directors Bill Rands, Chairman Tom Bertolini, President/Race Director Tom Ratusznik, Treasurer Mike Whaling, Secretary Directors: Doug Bernstein Jim Schebil Tommy Levitt

Greetings.................................................... 4 Schedule of Events..................................... 8 Sponsor Page........................................... 10 Volunteers................................................. 12 Yacht Clubs Support the Gold Cup............ 14

Mark Weber, Event Director Sandy Cody, Administration Allison Viera, Administration Assistant

Air National Guard Partnership................. 16 The Modern Hydroplane........................... 18

OFFICIAL RACE PROGRAM Additional copies of this program are available for $5.00; for additional copies contact Detroit River Regatta Association, Inc. 586-774-0980. www.gold-cup.com

2011 Unlimited Hydros........................21-32 Offshore Boats.......................................... 34 Air Guard Aerobatics................................. 36 1933: Year of the Dodge Navy................... 38 A Day at the Beach................................... 43

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What With That Nice Family Room And The Picture Windows This has always been a favorite place to eat well, swap stories, laugh, celebrate victories and make bad days a whole lot better. From ramshakle house to a Detroit landmark, Sindbad's has grown as a place of love and lore. Over the years new doors and floors, lighting and trim, chairs, facilities and even bathrooms have been updated. The tables are larger; the inlaid bar feels as good as it looks: the important stuff, however, has not been changed. The chilli and chowder are just like you remember. The perch is still the best. Angus steaks. Chops. Wines. Fresh lobster. Breakfast anytime. So c'mon in. We're always glad to see old friends, and new. To all participants in this year's event, we wish you well. Good Luck, Good Water, God Speed.

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2011 Detroit APBA Gold Cup Race Schedule July 8-10, 2011 Friday 9 a.m................................. Unlimited Drivers Meeting (Pit Tower) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m................. Offshore Launch 12 p.m. - 1 p.m................. Navy Tac Demo Practice, Acrobatic Practice 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ................. Unlimited Testing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m................... Offshore Testing 5 p.m. - 7 p.m................... Unlimited Qualifying Saturday 8 a.m. - 9 a.m................... Unlimited Testing Only 9:30 a.m............................ Unlimited Gold Cup Drivers Meeting (Pit Tower) 9 a.m. - 10 a.m................. Offshore Testing 10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.......... Super V Offshore 1st Qualifying Heat (3 boats) 10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m..... P1 Offshore 1st Qualifying Heat (7 boats) 10:40 a.m. - 11 a.m.......... SVS Offshore 1st Qualifying Heat (6 boats) 11 a.m. - 12 p.m............... Offshore Autograph Session 11 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.......... Unlimited Heat 1-A presented by Royce & Cathy Richards 11:20 a.m. - 11:40 a.m..... Unlimited Heat 1-B presented by Royce & Cathy Richards 11:40 a.m. - 12 p.m.......... Unlimited Heat 1-C presented by Royce & Cathy Richards 12 p.m. - 1 p.m................. Lunch Break; Acrobatic Demo. F/A-18 Tac Demo presented by Precision Werx 1 p.m. - 2 p.m................... Unlimited Autograph Session 1 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.............. Super V Offshore 2nd Qualifying Heat 1:20 p.m. - 1:40 p.m......... P1 Offshore 2nd Qualifying Heat 1:40 p.m. - 2 p.m.............. SVS Offshore 2nd Qualifying Heat 2 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.............. GPYC/DYC Offshore Shootout 2:40 p.m. - 3 p.m.............. Unlimited Heat 2-A presented by Fla.m.e Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 3 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.............. Unlimited Heat 2-B presented by Fla.m.e Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 3:20 p.m. - 3:50 p.m......... Roostertail Wedding Boat 3:50 p.m. - 4:10 p.m......... Unlimited Heat 2-C presented by Fla.m.e Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 4:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m......... Offshore Open Class Exhibition 4:30 p.m........................... Course Closes

Sunday 8 a.m. - 9 a.m................... Unlimited Testing 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.............. Opening Ceremonies (Fly Over) 9 a.m. - 10 a.m................. Offshore Testing 10a.m. - 10:20 a.m........... Super-V Offshore 3rd Qualifying Heat 10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m..... P1 Offshore 3rd Qualifying Heat 10:40 a.m. - 11 a.m.......... SVS Offshore 3rd Qualifying Heat 11 a.m - 11:20 a.m........... Unlimited Heat 3-A 11:20 a.m. - 11:40 a.m..... Unlimited Heat 3-B 11:40 a.m. - 12 p.m.......... Unlimited Heat 3-C 12 p.m. - 1 p.m................. Lunch Break; Acrobatic Demo, F/A-18 Tac Demo, presented by Precision Werx 1 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.............. Super V Offshore 4th Qualifying Heat 1:20 p.m. - 1:40 p.m......... P1 Offshore 4th Qualifying Heat 1:40 p.m. - 2 p.m.............. SVS Offshore 4th Qualifying Heat 2 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.............. Unlimited Heat 4-A 2:20 p.m. - 2:40 p.m......... Unlimited Heat 4-B 2:40 p.m. - 3 p.m.............. Unlimited Heat 4-C 3p.m. - 3:20 p.m.............. P1 Offshore Final 3:20 p.m. - 3:40 p.m........ SVS Offshore Final 3:40 p.m. - 4 p.m............. Super V Offshore Final 4:20 p.m........................... Detroit APBA Gold Cup Final!

Scoring Sheet HEAT

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

1-A

HEAT

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FINISH

POINTS

2-A

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

1-B

NO.

HEAT

FINAL HEAT

8 2011 APBA Gold Cup

HEAT

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

3-A

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

2-B

BOAT

HEAT

HEAT

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

4-A

NO.

FINISH

POINTS

3-B

DRIVER

HEAT

HEAT

4-B

CUM. PTS.

SPEED

POINTS

TIME

POSITION


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SPONSORS

Thank You!

The Detroit River Regatta Association is pleased to recognize the official sponsors of the 2011 Detroit Yacht Club Presents APBA Gold Cup Regatta. The Detroit Yacht Club has stepped up this year to become the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 Gold Cup Regatta. Their commitment to the sport and the community helps allow the Gold Cup tradition to continue. Special thanks to all of those who have provided so many essential services as well as important financial support. We would also like to thank all of the advertisers that have helped make this program possible.

Special Thank You to the Rands Family

10 2011 APBA Gold Cup


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2011 DRRA Volunteers The Detroit River Regatta Association would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to all of the people who give of their time to make this race happen. This race is a successful event every year because of your great effort and dedication to our sport. Many thanks to all of you. We are so fortunate to have such a great group of volunteers. — Tom Bertolini, President/Race Director

Kathy Adamski Mike Adamski Marci Adels Tom Alcini Donald Allen Kevin Allen Sandy Allen Scott Allen William R. Allen Fred Alter Paula Anderson Jeff Anderson Ron Angel Jason Ayers Bob Babcock Dean Babcock Richard H. Babcock Verla Babcock Ron Baranowski Dave Bartush Greg Bazydlo John Beaver Kirk Beeker Eddie Beggs Jr. Bruce Bernhardt Doug Bernstein Jacqueline Bertolini Tom Bertolini Carolyn Blair Kathy Bommarito Diane Bourgeault Steve Brandon Kelly Brandon David Brandon Brian Brandt John Bridge Brian Brodhead Dara Brooks Joe Brooks James Brown Robert Bruley Lee Campbell Frederick Carr, III Scott Casebolt Mike Cashin William Ceccacci Tim Cholyway John Christie David Clark Rohnneak Clemons Bill Cody Sandy Cody Chris Conforte Nancy Conforte John Conn Patrick Cooley Bruce Cowen Michael Crocket Nancy Crocket Michael Cummings Bob Cusenza Joe Cusenza Joe Cusenza Micki Czerniak Racer Bob Dabrowski Tyler Damaske Angela Dault Wayne Davis 12 2011 APBA Gold Cup

Diane Dawes Wendy Dawson Frances DeBasco Mark Demmers Jerry Dillon Mary Dillon Duane G. Dipert Mary Dombrowski Ray Dong Dave Douglas Nan Draper Michael Driscoll Al Dubrish John Dudek Terry Duffiney Tom Dunn Michael Dyzinski Mark Edmonson Geraldine Edwards Jim Ellis Richard K. Ellis Tom Elston Becky Ely Rich Evans Rick Falcinelli Robert Finch Jim Fisher Mike Foresman Celeste Forsythe Martin Foukes Rory Fox Rory Fox II Jim Gannon Jim Garza Larry Gawel Phillip Gawel Mitchell Gawrysiak Yvette Gerace Victor Getter Beth Gilday Kevin Gilday MIchelle Gill-best Kristyl Girschner Jeff Gover Gail Graham William Graham Alyce Graves-Kirk Andrew Guaresimo Paul Guaresimo Susan Guaresimo John Gysin I John Gysin II Ann Haddock Jo-Ann Hale Jason Hammond Linda Handran Deborah Hardison Hill Shirlane Harris Bill Heller Andy Hempel David A. Hempel Frank Hempel Dave Hendler Lee Hertz Penn Hess Joan Hettinger “Wild Bill” Hickson Nelson Hill

Richard Hilliker Kerry Hitchings Dwight Hodges Mark Hodorek Harvey Hoffmaster Gary Holleran Bud Huizing Stephen Hulan Debbie Hunt Steve Hunt Veronica E. Jackson Jim Jensen Donna Jeszke Jill Jeszke Kimberly Jeszke Tom A. Jeszke Thomas H. Jeszke Barbara Johnston Kenneth Jurinic Denise Kabalka-Chesney Tony Kallio Howard Kay Kurt Kehren Peggy Kennard Ron kessinger Jamie Kimball John Kimball Randy Knoebel Bob Knowles Michael Kohls Henry Kosciuszko Gary Kowalewski Dan Kucinski Joe Lannen Marie Layman Sally Lemus Tommy Levitt Norman Levy Sieglinde Lico Deborah Linville Sara Lloyd Patricia Lockhart Rick Loveit Christopher Luna Dave Mabry Lou Ann Macauley Gary R. Mackris Steven Mallard Jackie Manick Kimberly Manick Dave Martin Mandy Martin Willis C Mathis Tim Matyn Brian Matyniak Greg Mazzie John McCoy Brad McDonell JoAnne McLennan Denise Melms Lee Mezza Jared Middel John Middel Edwin Miller Michael Miller Rick Miller Sharanne Miller Heather Milligan

Mary Milligan Alan Minsterman Linda Minsterman Sean Moses Fred Moses Fred Moses Sean Murphy Nancy Nevins Don Nicholson Jesse Niemchak Lawrence Niemchak Patricia Niemchak George Olds Valerie Oprita Bettina Paonessa Linda Panzo Michael Paris Frank Paul DO Kathleen J. Pauli Mark Pauli Matthew Pauli Curt Penland Mitchell Perlin Scott Persley H. Tom Peters Karen Peters Michael Peters Robert Peters Jack Pettit John Piasecki Mary Pinegar James. M. Piteo Keith Potter Maggie Prong Allen Pugliese Dyann Pigliese Mary Rachwal Betty Rajskub Tony Rajskub William Rands Larry Reed Brian Reed Paul Reinhardt Sandra Rellinger Diane Rimar Steven Ritchey Beth Rockford Dean Rohn Daryn Rollins William Ross David Roy Kelsey Roy Doug Rudd Kathy Rudd Kelley Ruff Henry Russell Tanisha Ryan Laura Saches Billy Sammut Jerry Sands Jamie Saules Brandon Saunders Robert Saunders Shannon Saunders Jim Schebil Glen Henry Schmidt Krys Schroeder Rose Schroeder

Fred Schwartz Ben Seiber Michael Seiler Steven W. Seiler Michael Sharon John Shelton Lori Shelton Kathy Shuler Carole Simons Robert M. Simons Mike Sitko Richard Skibins Erik Skyring Lewis Skyring Barb Slote Thomas D. Slote Jana Smith Kevin Smith Michael Smith Robert Snider Jay Southard Nancy Spanich Roy Spens Jim Stelma Cassandra Stephens Tom Stickney Earl Stilson Al Susick Scott Swain Joe Tate Denise Taylor John Thomas Paul Thomas Jr. Richard Thomson James Thornton Anna Traczyk Ray Trumbauer

David Tupiak Trudy Vance-Gutenberg Carol Verkennis Jim Verkennis Nicholas Verkennis Allison Viera Bill Vollano Jr. Dan Waderlow Greg J. Walczak Barbara Wanenmacher Jean Warren Lori Weber Mark Weber Jeffrey Weiser Garrison White Jeffry White John White Debbie White Logan White Steven R. White David White III Janet Widrig Mark Widrig James Wilcox Gayvyth Willis Bob Wilson Mary Anne Wilson Scott Wilson Richard Wise Roger Woz Christian Wright Judith Wright Mary Wright Nicole Wright Steve Wright Robert Zola Janusz Zurowski

DRRA Salutes

Red Mattis for 50 years of service as a race volunteer!



Yacht Clubs Support the Gold Cup

By Craig Fjarlie

Y

acht clubs and hydroplanes have a relationship that extends back to the beginning of powerboat racing. Since the early years of the twentieth century, yacht clubs have been major supporters of Gold Cup racing. Contributions by members of yacht clubs have helped ensure the financial solidarity of the races for more than 100 years. “Gold Cup racing is an outgrowth of sailing regattas,” explains David Williams, Executive Director of the Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum in Kent, Washington. “Yacht clubs had all of the things needed to make the races happen. They had people to fill volunteer positions, committee boats, flags, stop watches, and other equipment.” For the first 60 years of Gold Cup racing, boat owners were required to be members of a yacht club. The burgee of the owner’s yacht club was affixed to the hull of every hydroplane. The Detroit Yacht Club was represented, but so were the Seattle Yacht Club, the Tahoe Yacht Club, the Corinthian Yacht Club, and others around the country. The owner whose boat won the Gold Cup would determine where the race would be held the following year. That meant the owner’s yacht club would assume the task of conducting the race. Things had to change when the races began to require more work and financial commitment that many yacht clubs could undertake. Professional race committees were formed and beginning in 1963, the Gold Cup went to the city making the

14 2011 APBA Gold Cup

highest financial bid. The Gold Cup race was held in various locations until 1990, when Detroit became the permanent site. Although yacht clubs no longer assume the task of conducting the Gold Cup race, they remain involved in ensuring the success of the regatta. This year, the Detroit Yacht Club has taken on the role of presenting sponsor. “We’ve always supported the races. We go back to the days of Gar Wood,” says Jack Lyon, the head of DYC’s membership committee. “We feel it’s important. We do fundraising, recruit volunteers, and print flyers. We don’t want to lose the races, they’re a proud tradition.” The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club also takes an active role in the races, helping raise revenue through auctions. Volunteers work at concession stands and assist with other behind-the-scenes activities.

Mark Weber, President of the American Power Boat Association, is grateful for the support yacht clubs give to the races. “The money doesn’t come from yacht club funds, it comes from individual members giving back to the community,” he says. “They do it for the people of the city. If it weren’t for these yacht clubs, the Gold Cup race wouldn’t be in Detroit.” A wide smile crosses his face and he emphasizes his words. “They make you proud to be from Detroit.” This weekend, when the roostertails fly across the Detroit River, tireless volunteers and generous financial contributors from the Detroit Yacht Club and the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club will have earned a hearty round of thanks for their role in making the races possible.


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A Unique Partnership Air National Guard + H1 Unlimited

W

hen the Air National Guard’s Captain Rondal Perry looks at H1 Unlimited and its drivers and teams, it reminds him of the military agency where he leads the recruiting and marketing efforts. Both organizations rely on well-trained volunteers, who spend their weekends dedicated to a cause they love and return to their “traditional” jobs during the week. “I can point to the H1 drivers and the H1 teams and say, ‘You notice how these guys are part time and yet they do crazy stuff on the weekends and they’re highly technical and very well trained,’” said Perry, the Air National Guard’s Division Chief for Recruiting, Marketing and Resources. “We do the same thing. We have people that are highly technical that potentially do some crazy, cool stuff on the weekend and have benefits as a result.” The Air National Guard joined on as the series partner for H1 Unlimited this year for its six North American races from

Detroit to San Diego. The partnership— which is evident as soon as you walk into the race venue—includes a large stage to celebrate the heat and race winners, as well as a flyover to acknowledge our country’s military. Perry and the guardsmen are looking to raise awareness with race fans about this 16 2011 APBA Gold Cup

lesser-known military branch, which is a reserve component of the United States Air Force. ANG has over 106,000 guardsmen, most serving tradiationally in a parttime status. The Air Guard has a unique dual state and federal mission including natural disaster relief such as tornados and hurricanes, and supporting homeland defense. But unlike traditional military service, the men and women in the ANG can serve in the communities where they reside. The minimum commitment is one weekend a month for drills and two weeks a year, Perry said. In addition to the pay, guardsmen also receive dental and medical benefits as well as money for college through the Montgomery G.I. Bill. To join the Air National doesn’t require prior military service, although about half of the guardsmen have served previously in the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force. Most of the guardsmen are professionals and their backgrounds are as varied as the jobs the ANG offers. ”Volunteers include doctors, police officers, teachers and those that work in the trades. And the experience is unlike anything they’ll find at their day jobs,” said Perry. “How many UPS drivers get the opportunity to fly as the boomer on the back of an air cargo (plane)? It’s some really cool stuff too that they’re allowed to do that normal civilians aren’t.” The Air National Guard’s reenlistment rate at 93 percent is among the highest of the military branches. Although the ANG has done a great job keeping its members, about a third of its guardsmen are approaching retirement in the next few years.

Because the guardsmen serve in their own communities, some states have a greater need for recruits, which are typically 17 to 39 years old. The list of available openings and job needs are on ANG’s website at GoANG.com. And with 140 locations in the United States and its territories, the weekend service usually doesn’t require a long commute. If you haven’t heard or seen much about the Air National Guard, you will see a higher visibility from the agency in the coming months. In addition to partnering with the H1 Unlimited series, you can find ANG on the road at events nationwide including the Vans Warped Tour, Air Shows featuring aerobatic pilot John Klatt, AMA motocross, and numerous fairs, festivals, and sporting events with their “Rise to the Challenge” Tour. For a list of events, visit GoANG.com/ events. Perry encourages race fans to talk with the recruiters—even if you aren’t interested in enlisting. “They would be well educated to what this volunteer service does for their country,” he said. “These are your neighbors who do these crazy and exciting jobs. Maybe it’s not for you but you (might) know someone who would be perfect and could pass that information on.” H1 Unlimited is proud to be partnered with the Air National Guard and is looking forward to an exciting season.


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modern Unlimited Hydroplane is the world’s fastest racing boat, capable of speeds in excess of 200mph. It represents the product of over 100 years of evolution in race boat design and incorporates the most powerful engines, most advanced construction techniques and the best safety systems available in boat racing today. All Unlimited Hydroplanes are a “three point” design, meaning they are designed to only touch the water at three points when racing: at the rear of the two front “sponsons” (the projections of the hull in front of the driver cockpit), and the propeller at the rear of the boat. “Runners” under the sponsons and “shoes” at the rear

18 2011 APBA Gold Cup

of the boat are generally all that touch the water during race conditions. A modern Unlimited is made of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber and graphite composites, and weighs a minimum of 6750 pounds in race trim. The boats are between 28 and 32 feet long, 12 to 14 1/2 feet wide and about seven feet from the bottom of the rudder to the top of the rear wing. Driver safety is paramount in the design and operation of an Unlimited, so the boats have a number of systems designed to keep the driver safe in the case of an accident. The fully enclosed cockpit is the primary safety feature, incorporating a full interior roll cage that is bonded to the cockpit shell to maintain the integrity of the driver area.

The windows are cut from the canopy of F-16 fighter jets, giving the driver ultimate protection, yet allowing him to see clearly. Five point quick-release harnesses are used to keep the driver strapped into the seat and an escape hatch is built into the floor of the cockpit to allow the driver to escape if the hydroplane flips and lands upside down. Every driver is required to wear a certified helmet and a HANS device for head and neck protection. He also wears a mask that incorporates an on-board air supply that allows him to breathe in case the cockpit fills with water, but also lets him communicate via the onboard radio. A “Rotor Burst protection System” (RBPS) is in place around the “hot end” of the engine to contain the fragments in case of a catastrophic failure of the turbine’s power rotor. All of today’s unlimited hydroplanes are powered by a single Lycoming T-55 L-7 turbine engine that once powered our military’s Chinook helicopters from as far back as the Vietnam War. The turbine is capable of outputs of around 3000 HP and runs on Jet-A (kerosene) fuel. The large tail pipe in the back of the boat is only to allow heat to exit; no thrust is created from the exhaust. The engine’s output is hooked to a “gearbox” that has a single adjustable gear ratio that reduces the engine speed to the appropriate output shaft speed to make the propeller work most efficiently. A “long shaft” transfers the gearbox output through the bottom of the boat to the “strut” where the “short shaft” connects to it with a coupler. The short shaft has the propeller connected to the end and it allows the


prop to be easily removed after every heat for inspection. There is a fixed wing on the rear of the boat that can only be adjusted when in the pit area. This wing is only used for stabilizing and trimming the boat so that very little of the boat’s rear running surfaces touch the water. The second wing on the boat is located at the front of the “pickle fork” nose. Unlike the rear wing, this “canard” is actually controlled during racing by the driver via foot pedals. The canard allows the driver to more easily “fly” the boat, pushing the rear of the canard down to create lift and raise the nose of the boat, or raising it to lower the nose of the boat if it gets too high and is in danger of “blowing over”. The driver will also manipulate the canard in the turns or when rough water and windy conditions persist. The large “cowling” behind the driver cockpit functions as an aerodynamic device and as a “scoop” to funnel intake air to the engine. The rear of the cowling is vented to allow for excess air to pass through so as not to trap air that would otherwise slow the boat down. During saltwater races, an additional extension to the cowling may be used to prevent saltwater from being ingested into the engine. Excessive saltwater ingestion will almost instantly reduce engine output due to the buildup of salt residue on the turbine blades. This buildup effectively

changes the compression ratio of the engine, allowing for “pre-ignition” (like a backfire on an automotive engine) that will shoot large flames out of the back of the engine (see image at right), and can even damage an engine. A single three blade, 16-inch diameter propeller is allowed. Ideally, only one propeller blade should be touching the water when at racing speeds. Different pitch propellers are chosen for use based on course length, conditions and starting position. Race props can cost in excess of $15,000. The prop creates the distinctive “roostertail” behind the boat, raising literally tons of water into the air for up to 300 feet behind the boat. The skidfin is a large metal fin that is attached to the area at the rear of the left sponson that allows the boat to “dig in” and make a turn without skipping across the water. The wall of water the skidfin throws up in the corner is one of the most spectacular sights in boat racing, reaching heights of nearly 50 feet and extending for 6-7 boat lengths behind the boat. The rudder is a relatively small metal blade that is located in a bracket extending from the

transom at the right rear of the boat that acts to steer the boat through the corners. The rudder only becomes truly effective at higher race speeds and makes maneuvering at low speeds somewhat challenging. A water pickup at the base of the rudder feeds onboard cooling and lubrication systems. All Unlimiteds carry onboard digital recording devices that capture different streams of data, from engine speeds and fuel flow to wing angles and temperatures. All turbine engines are limited to 4.1 gallons per minute fuel flow and less than 115% “N2″ speed. N2 speed is a pre-determined upper RPM limit that the engine cannot exceed for more than five seconds. The data recorders log these two critical data streams and are reviewed by officials at the end of every qualifying attempt and heat. Fuel flow and N2 violations will void a qualifying speed and will disqualify a boat from the Heat in which violation occurs. Each Unlimited Hydroplane must qualify for the heat races at 130 mph or higher. The top qualifier receives 100 race points, runner-up receives 80 points, third highest qualifier 70 points, fourth 60, fifth 50, sixth 40, and the remaining boats get 30 points each. The qualified teams are admitted into the flights of Heats. Because there are too many boats to run at once they are split into groups represented by an alphabetical letter. Traditionally, there are Heats 1-A, 1-B, 1-C. Once the first Heats are finished and points have been assigned, another drawing is made and the boats run 2-A, 2-B, 2-C. Finally, the third set of Heats is run. All qualifying Heats are three laps and the winner-take-all

2011 APBA Gold Cup

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final is five laps, but since the Madison Regatta is being run on a shorter course than normal this season, the Heats in Madison will be run for more laps to equal the race distance. After each Heat, boats are awarded points based on how they finished: First place, 400 points; Second, 300 points; Third place, 225 points; Fourth place 169 points; Fifth place 127 points. The boats who have accumulated the most points make it to the winner-take-all final. Prior to the start of each preliminary heat and winner-take all final, there is an official clock that will count backwards starting at “10 to the 5” – this means that there fifteen minutes to the start of the heat. Most boats will be lowered by crane into the water at this point. At “5 to the 5,” all drivers will be strapped into the boats with their safety gear in place. Most drivers will enter the race course when there are about five minutes remaining on the official clock. At the one minute mark or one minute “gun” all boats racing in the Heat or Final must be up and running. Since the shortest way around the course is on the inside, Lane 1 is the preferred lane to start in. All boats will be allowed to “fight for lanes” prior to the start, prioritizing prerace strategy and boat setup. Once lanes are established at the entrance to the second turn prior to the start, boats will then position themselves so that they reach the start/finish line as the official clock strikes zero signifying 20 2011 APBA Gold Cup

the start of the race. Drivers do not want to “beat the clock” or they will be assessed a penalty, usually in the form of an addition lap or additional time added to their finishing time. Speed is the key to winning, but speed alone may not get a boat to the checkered flag first. Strategy is the key to positioning the boat in the right lane to match the way the boat has been set up, and driving defensively can keep a faster boat behind a slower boat. At all times during a race, there are numerous things a driver must do: communicate via radio to their Crew Chief or “radio man”, manage their boat speed before the start and “fight” for the lane they feel will give them the best chance of success without jumping the gun, watch all the other boats to insure they maintain proper distance, watch out for the buoys on the inside of the course, and once the race is under way, “fly” their boats at the maximum speed they’re capable of without flipping! Roostertails and skidfin water are the most spectacular parts of hydroplane racing but present the most danger to other drivers on the course. Both lift TONS of water high in the air and both will lift other hydroplanes out of the water as well. All boats are required

to have “overlap” before a lane change can be made. This overlap is 7 boat lengths – one roostertail length – and it allows the roostertail to subside so as not to endanger the following driver. Since the “lanes” that comprise a race course are about thirty feet wide, a boat running in lane six will travel much farther than a boat in lane one. However, the boat in lane one must make a much tighter arc to make it around the corner and scrubs off lots of speed to do it. The boat in an outside lane can make a much gentler turn allowing him to carry much more speed through to the exit of the corner. This means that the optimum combination of gear ratio and propeller pitch varies dramatically depending on which lane the boat races in. The correct choice of ratios and prop means a boat can win from the outside if the inside boat can’t put enough power down to get out of the corners fast enough. Conversely, the leading boat is allowed to establish which portion of their 30 foot lane they choose to race in. By staying in the outside of their lane, a slower boat on the inside can force a faster boat on the outside to make a much wider arc. This will force the outside boat to run a longer course potentially slowing them down and allowing the slower boat on the inside to win. Depending on the choices made during setup, almost every conceivable combination of faster and slower boats in different lanes can produce dramatic racing and very unexpected results. Every team on the water is capable of bringing home a race win – that’s what makes Unlimited Hydroplane racing one of the most amazing and spectacular forms of racing in the world!


U-1

OH BOY! OBERTO

Owner: City of Madison, IN Home Port: Madison, IN Boat Name: Oh Boy! Oberto Primary Sponsor: Oberto Beef Jerky Length: 31’ 9” Width: 14’ 6” Weight: 6200 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: First Victories: (1) 1965 – Guntersville, AL (Dixie Cup); driver-Buddy Byers (2) 1971 - Madison, IN (APBA Gold Cup); driver-Jim McCormick (3) 1971 – Tri-Cities, WA (Atomic

Cup); driver-Jim McCormick (4) 1983 – Lake Ozark, MO (Missouri Governor’s Cup); driver-Ron Snyder (5) 1993 – San Diego, CA (Star Mart Cup); driver-Mike Hanson (6) 2001 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup); driver-Steve David (7) 2005 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio); driverSteve David (8) 2007 – Seattle, WA (Chevrolet Cup) driver-Steve David (9) 2007 – San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup) driver-Steve David

(10) 2008 – Tri-Cities, WA (Lamb Weston Columbia Cup) driverSteve David (11) 2009 – Tri-Cities, WA (Lamb Weston Columbia Cup) driverSteve David (12) 2010 - Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup); driver-Steve David (13) 2010 - Tri-Cities, WA (Lamb Weston Columbia Cup) driverSteve David (14) 2010 - Seattle, WA (Chevrolet Cup) driver-Steve David

Steve David A Florida realtor by trade, Steve David has raced Unlimited hydroplanes for 23 years. As pilot for Jim McCormick’s Pocket Savers Plus team in 1988, Steve was named Unlimited “Rookie of the Year.” Behind the wheel of the Oh Boy! Oberto/ Miss Madison since 2001, David captured the National High Point Driver Championship in back-to-back years — 2005-2006 and 2008-2009-2010. Steve’s consistency and years of experience helped the Oh Boy! Oberto win three consecutive National Team Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010. In January 2011, David was inducted into the American Power Boat Association’s Hall of Champions for the fifth time. Membership in the Hall of Champions is the highest racing honor that the APBA can bestow. Victories: (1) 1993 – Lewisville, TX (Texas (U-6) Hydrofest) with MISS T-PLUS (U-2) (8) 2008 – Pasco, Wash. (Lamb (2) 1993 – Honolulu, HI (Outrigger Weston Columbia Cup) with OH BOY! Hydrofest) with MISS T-PLUS (U-2) OBERTO (U-6) (3) 1995 – Kansas City, MO (9) 2009 – Pasco, Wash. (Lamb (Hydrofair ’95) with T-PLUS ENGINE Weston Columbia Cup) with OH BOY! TREATMENT (U-2) OBERTO (U-1) (4) 2001 – Madison, IN (Indiana (10) 2010 – Madison, IN (Lucas Oil Governor’s Cup) with OH BOY! Indiana Governor’s Cup) With OH OBERTO (U-6) BOY! OBERTO (U-1) (5) 2005 – Evansville, IN (Thunder (11) 2010 – Pasco, Wash. (Lamb On The Ohio) with OH BOY! OBERTO Weston Columbia Cup) with OH BOY! (U-6) OBERTO (U-1) (6) 2007 – Seattle, WA (Chevrolet (12) 2010 – Seattle, Wash. (Albert Cup) with OH BOY! OBERTO (U-6) Lee Cup at Seafair) with OH BOY! (7) 2007 - San Diego, CA (Bill OBERTO (U-1) Muncey Cup) with OH BOY! OBERTO

U-5 GRAHAM TRUCKING

Owner: Ted Porter Home Port: Decatur, IN Primary Sponsor: Formulaboats. com Length: 29’ 10” Width: 14’ 6” Weight: 6750 lbs. Engine: T-55/L-7 Turbine

Jeff Bernard is a fourth generation racer who began racing powerboats in 1993 at the age of nine and advanced to the Unlimited level of hydroplane racing in 2005 with Fred Leland’s U-99 at the Seattle Seafair Race. Jeff demonstrated his potential on that occasion by defeating his step-father, the late Terry Troxell, in a deck-to-deck duel during a preliminary heat. On the way from J hydro at age 9 to unlimited pilot, Jeff was named Rookie of the Year – Runner UP in 1994 and Tacoma Inboard Rookie of the Year in 2002. Jeff has driven in every class from 1 Litre Mod to National Mod in the APBA Inboard Category and placed first in the ULHRA Lighter than Lights. Jeff became pilot of Precision Performance Engineering, LLC’s U-5 unlimited hydroplane during the 2006 season and earned his first unlimited victory at the 2008 Indiana Governor’s Cup race in Madison, Indiana. Jeff also won the Bill Muncey Cup in San Diego, CA to become the 2008 season’s only repeat winner. Jeff’s third unlimited victory came in the 2009 Evansville, Indiana race in a thrilling deck-to-deck battle with teammate U-7 Graham Trucking. Jeff is a native of the Detroit, Michigan area and currently resides in Kent, Washington with his wife.

2010 Season Finish: 4th Victories: (1) 2008 – Madison, IN (Madison Regatta) (2) 2008 – San Diego, CA (San Diego Bayfair) (3) 2009 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio)

Hydroplane photos by Christopher Denslow and Jim Simpson.

Jeff Bernard

Victories: (1) 2008 – Madison, IN (Madison Regatta) (2) 2008 – San Diego, CA (San Diego Bayfair) (3) 2009 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio)

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U-7 VALKEN.COM

Owner: Ted Porter Home Port: Decatur, IN Primary Sponsor: Valken Sports Length: 29’ 10” Width: 14’ 6” Weight: 6750 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: 3rd

Scott Liddycoat Scott Liddycoat is a 19year veteran of Inboard racing, with several Championships along the way. Using his experience from time with Jon Staudacher, Carter Parrish and Henry Lauterbach, he has also designed and built record-setting hydroplanes for himself and other drivers. Victories: Rookie

Victories: (1) 2006 – Valleyfield, Quebec Les Regates de Valleyfield Driver-Mike Allen (2) 2009 Doha, Qatar Oryx Cup UIM World Championship Driver-J Michael Kelly

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U -11 PETERS & MAY

Owner: Unlimited Racing Group Home Port: Edmonds, WA Driver: J.W. Myers Boat Name: Peters & May Primary Sponsor: Peters & May

J.W. Meyers J.W. Myers‘ Unlimited career began in 2003 with Fred Leland’s U-100 team, where he was fastest qualifier in San Diego and earned Rookie of the Year Honors. In 2004, he drove the U-8 (now the U-37) for Bill Wurster. Driving half a season for Erick Ellstrom in the U-16 in 2005, Myers scored the single victory of his career in Madison and finished second twice. In 2006, JW served as crewman and driver for Kim Gregory’s U-10. 2010 was an eventful season for J-Dub, for all the wrong reasons. After a fine third place finish in Madison to start the season, his first competitive heat at the Gold Cup in Detroit ended in disaster. The skidfin on Myers’ U-37 Miss Peters & May broke, sending him into the seawall in front of the Roostertail Club at over 90 mph (video), destroying the boat and shattering most of the bones in his left foot. Following a four month rehab, Myers returned to the cockpit of the U-37 at the UIM World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Length: 28’-8” Width: 14’ 6” Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine Victories None

Myers is 37 years old and makes his home in Burien, Washington, where he is a roofing contractor Victories: One (Madison, 2005)

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2011 APBA Gold Cup

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U-1 7 MISS RED DOT

Kip Brown Since 1995, Kip Brown has been racing in, and placing in, powerboat races. Recently stepping up to the Unlimiteds, he arrived with impressive driving credentials from the Limited racing circuit.This includes 2.5 Stock, 2.5 Mod, 5 Liter, E-Racing Runabout, In 2008, he was chosen Unlimited Rookie of the Year. Victories: One (Madison, 2011)

Owner: Our Gang Racing, LLC Representative Owner: Nate Brown Home Port: Preston, WA Driver: Kip Brown Boat Name: Miss Red Dot Primary Sponsor: Red Dot Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7

Length: 29’ 10” Width: 14’ 6” Weight: 6750 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: 8th (1) 2011 – Madison, IN (Madison Regatta)

EyesOn Design would like to thank our APBA Gold Cup Partners for their continuing support.

26 2011 APBA Gold Cup

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General Chairman

Chair, Partnership Alliances


U-21 Miss Lakeridge paving

Brian Perkins One of unlimited hydroplane racing’s “young guns,” Brian Perkins qualified as an unlimited driver in 2007 with the U-21 Freedom Racing Team. Competing in unlimited class hydroplane racing has long been a career goal of Perkins. As a teenager, he worked as a crew member on Bill Wurster’s U-8 LLumar Window Film. Perkins comes from a racing family as his sister, Kayleigh, is a National High Point champion in the unlimited light class. At the last race prior to the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, the team switched to their backup boat. In 2009, Perkins has five second place qualification heat finishes and three third-place qualification heat finishes.

Owner: Greg & Brian O’Farrell Home Port: Maple Valley, WA Boat Name: Miss Lakeridge Paving Primary Sponsor: Albert Lee Appliance Length: 29’ 8” Width: 14’ 3” Weight: 6800 lbs.

Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: 5th Victories: None

Career Victories: none.

to the Roostertail for their generous support and to all the GPYC members for their donations.

2011 APBA Gold Cup

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U -22

PRESENTS

MATRIX SYSTEMS Mike Webster Racing for Mike Webster began at the age of 10 in the outboard category. Over the years he has progressed through the limited ranks. Webster is no stranger to success earning numerous World, National, and Regional titles along the way. Mike earned 2009 Rookie of the Year honors in the Unlimited Category.

Owner: Steve and Sue Webster Home Port: Reading, PA Boat Name: Matrix System Automotive Finishes Primary Sponsor: Matrix System Associate Sponsors: Scott & Linda Carson

Length: 29’ Width: 14’ 6” Weight: 7000 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine Season Finish: 7th Victories: None

U -25 SUPERIOR RACING

Owner: Dr.Ken Muscatel Founded: 1993 Home Port: Seattle, WA Driver: Dr. Ken Muscatel Boat Colors: Green and Gold Crew Chief: Jay Leckrone Length: 29 Feet Weight: 6750

Engine: Lycoming T-55 L7C 2010 Boat Points: 2550 2010 Driver Points: 2126 2010 Season Finish: 10th

Ken Muscatel Ken Muscatel has been the principal driver for Superior Racing since the beginning. He got his start in 280 and 6-liter hydroplanes, and was champion of the National Invitational Series in 1987. His first Unlimited ride was in 1990 at Pearl Harbor in Dave Culley’s and Tim Donery’s Miss Northwest , the former Griffon Bud. In 1991 he replaced Steve David as the driver of Bob Fendler’s U-19 Jackpot Foodmart/Ms. Pog hydro, and was rookie of the year in 1991. He established Superior Racing with Mike Jones and Tom Moore in 1993 and took over sole ownership of the team in 1994. Since entering the sport, Ken has worn almost every hat you can wear. He is a driver, owner, sat on the Board of Directors of the UHRA and subsequently was its Commissioner for two years. He was a founding member of the ABRA and currently serves as Vice-Chairman. He is a race promoter and consultant who is trying to bring back the President’s Cup in Washington, DC, and most recently has worked to market and help manage the races in San Diego and Evansville, joining the Board of Directors for both sites. Ken’s other passion is vintage race boats. He was President of the Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum for many years and remains on the Board of Directors. He is an avid collector of antique and vintage race boats. Ken is a forensic and neuropsychologist who practices in Seattle. He is married to Heather and has a grown daughter, Jillian. 2011 APBA Gold Cup

29


U-57 FORMULABOATS.COM

Mark Evans

Mark Evans has a long and impressive resume as an Unlimited hydroplane pilot. After a 7 year absence, Mark returned to the sport in 2010 behind the wheel of the U-57. Mark comes from a racing family. His first attempt to qualify for an unlimited event was alongside his father, former driver Norm Evans, and his brother Mitch, also an accomplished unlimited driver, at the 1979 Tri-Cities, WA race. Mark has driven for several notable owners and sponsors in his career with his first victory coming in Ron Jones, Jr.’s U-50 American Spirit at the 1991 Madison Regatta. Mark compiled 10 victories before a 2003 accident in Detroit led him to step away from competitive hydroplane racing.

Owner: Ted Porter Home Port: Decatur, IN Driver: N. Mark Evans Boat Name: Formulaboats.com Primary Sponsor: Formulaboats.com Other information not available

U -96

Bianca Bononcini

Bianca also hails from a boat racing family and began her career in the inboard ranks in 2008. In the 2009 season, Bianca won 3 races in the 1-litre hydroplane she helped build. She won the ULHRA LTL 4-cylinder title in 2008 and 2009. In 2010, she continued her winning ways with several race victories in 1-litre. Also, in 2010, Bianca began stepping up to larger racing classes by testing in a 5-litre hydroplane.

In 2011, Bianca joins the PPE, LLC team’s New Driver Development Program where she will work toward the next step up to the unlimited class. Bianca states that she hopes to “bring attention to the sport by being a young female driver with love and passion for the sport.”

88 DEGREE MEN

Victories: 1991 Madison Regatta – U-50 American Spirit 1996 San Diego – U-1 Miss Budweiser 1996 Honolulu – U-1 Miss Budweiser 1997 Tri-Cities, WA – U-100 PICO American Dream 1997 Kelowna, BC – U-100 PICO American Dream 1997 Seattle – U-100 PICO American Dream 1997 San Diego – U-100 PICO American Dream 1998 Kelowna, BC – U-100 PICO American Dream 2000 Tri-Cities, WA – U-16 Miss E-Lam Plus 2003 Tri-Cities, WA – U-8 Llumar Window Film

J. Michael Kelly J. Michael Kelly announced in March 2011 that he is driving the U-88 Billy Schumacher Racing entry in the 2011 H1 Unlimited Hydroplane series. Kelly, resides in Bonney Lake, Wash., had started 45 races during his six year career driving an unlimited hydroplane prior to the season start. The 31-yearold Kelly was named Rookie of the Year in 2004. In 2010, while driving the U-7 Graham Trucking, Kelly placed 2nd in three winner-take-all finals, had six 1st-place preliminary heat victories, and 25 podium finishes. He finished third in National High Points behind the winingest active driver, Dave Villwock (U-96 Spirit of Qatar) and fivetime driver champion Steve David (U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto).

U -96

Owner: Billy & Jane Schumacher Home Port: Seattle, WA Driver: J. Michael Kelly Primary Sponsor: Degree Men Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: 6th Victories: (1) 2006 – Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup Cup); driver-Jean Theoret

30 2011 APBA Gold Cup

(2) 2006 – Seattle, WA (Chevrolet Cup); driver-Jean Theoret (3) 2006 – San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup/UIM World Championship); driver-Jean Theoret (4) 2008 – Evansville, In (Freedom Festival) driver – Jean Theoret

Victories: 2009–Doha, Qatar.


U -96 SPIRIT OF QATAR Owner: Ellstrom Family Home Port: Seattle, WA Driver: Dave Villwock Boat Name: Spirit of Qatar Primary Sponsor: Qatar Length: 29’ 4” Width: 14’ Weight: 6350 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine 2010 Season Finish: 2nd Victories: (1) 2000 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driverMark Evans (2) 2001 – Seattle, WA (General Motors Cup); driver-Nate Brown (3) 2001 – San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup); driverNate Brown (4) 2002 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup);

driver-Nate Brown (5) 2002 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driverNate Brown (6) 2004 – St. Clair, MI (St. Clair International Trophy); driver-Terry Troxell (7) 2005 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup); driver-J.W. Myers (8) 2005 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driverDave Villwock (9) 2005 – San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup); driverDave Villwock (10) 2006 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio); driver-Dave Villwock (11) 2006 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup) (12) 2006 – Tri-Cities, WA (13) 2007 – Evansville, IN

U -96

Detroit APBA Gold Cup Winners 1999-2010 Winners 2010 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-96 SPIRIT OF QATAR, Dave Villwock (143.971) (2) U-1 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David (3) U-7 GRAHAM TRUCKING, J. Michael Kelly 2009 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-1 MISS ELAM PLUS, Dave Villwock (141.239) (2) U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David (3) U-5 FORMULABOATS.COM , Jeff Bernard 2008 APBA Gold Cup (100th Running) Race cancelled due to wind and rough waters 2007 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-1 MISS ELAM PLUS, Dave Villwock (147.687) (2) U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David (3) U-13 SPIRIT OF DETROIT, J. Michael Kelly

Dave Villwock

(Thunder on the Ohio) (14) 2007 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup) (15) 2007 – Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (16) 2007 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup) (17) 2008 Seattle, WA (Seafair) (18) 2009 Madison, IN (Madison Regatta) (19) 2009 Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (20) 2009 Seattle, WA (Seafair) (21) 2010 Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (22) 2010 – San Diego, CA (Air Guard Championship (23) 2010 – Doha, Qatar (Oryx Cup UIM World Championship)

2006 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-37 MISS BEACON PLUMBING, Jean Theoret (142.41) (2) U-3 MISS CHRYSLER JEEP, Jimmy King (3) U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David 2005 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-13 MISS AL DEEBY DODGE, Terry Troxell (142.448) (2) U-16 MISS E-LAM PLUS, J.W. Myers (3) U-5 FORMULABOATS.COM, Mike Weber 2004 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-10 MISS DYC, Nate Brown (141.195) (2) U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David (3) U-16 MISS E-LAM PLUS, Terry Troxell 2003 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-3 FOX HILLS CHRYSLER-JEEP/SUN COATINGS, Mitch Evans (144.412) (2) U-1 MISS BUDWEISER, Dave Villwock (3) U-9 AL DEEBY DODGE, Mike Hanson

With 62 career victories under his belt, Dave Villwock is tied with the late Bill Muncey as the all-time winningest driver in the sport’s history. Villwock has been at the wheel of some of the best boats around – PICO American Dream, Miss Budweiser, and currently the U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus. While driving the Miss Budweiser, Villwock won 37 races, four Gold Cups and six National Championships. As the PICO American Dream’s driver, he claimed first-place in eight races, taking home one Gold Cup as well as another National High Point Championship. All told, Villwock has been awarded the APBA Gold Cup six times and captured the National High Point Driver Championship an astounding nine times. Dave Villwock Victories (with MISS E-LAM PLUS): (1) 2005 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup) (2) 2005 – San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup) (3) 2006 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio) (4) 2006 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup) (5) 2006 – Tri-Cities, WA (Atomic Cup) (6) 2007 – Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio) (7) 2007 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup) (8) 2007 – Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (9) 2007 – Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup) (10) 2008 – Seattle, WA (Seafair) (11) 2009 – Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup) (12) 2009 – Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (13) 2009 – Seattle, WA (Seafair) (14) 2010 – Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup) (15) 2010 – San Diego, CA (Air Guard Championship (16) 2010 – Doha, Qatar (Oryx Cup UIMWorld Championship)

2002 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-1 MISS BUDWEISER, Dave Villwock (143.112) (2) U-99 FOX HILLS CHRYSLER-JEEP, Terry Troxell (3) U-9 TUBBY’S GRILLED SUBMARINES, Mike Hanson 2001 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-9 TUBBY’S GRILLED SUBMARINES, Mike Hanson (140.022) (2) U-100 ZNETIX, Greg Hopp (3) U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO, Steve David 2000 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-1 MISS BUDWEISER, Dave Villwock (2) U-10 MISS DYC, Mark Weber (3) U-5 APPIAN JERONIMO, George Stratton

DETROIT UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE SPEED RECORDS 1-Lap Qualification (2.5-mile) 170.087 mph WINSTON EAGLE/Mark Tate, 1993. 3-Lap Qualification Average (5-mile) 168.937 mph MISS BUDWEISER/Chip Hanauer, 1992. 1-Lap Competition (2.5-mile) 158.155 mph MISS BUDWEISER/Chip Hanauer, 1993. 4-Laps Heat (10 miles) 149.622 mph U-37 MISS BEACON PLUMBING/Jean Theoret, 2008. *Restricted motor 5-Lap Heat Race (12.5-miles) 152.591 mph MISS PICO/Chip Hanauer, 1999

1999 APBA Gold Cup (1) U-100 MISS PICO, Chip Hanauer (2) U-1 MISS BUDWEISER, Dave Villwock (3) U-10 MISS DETROIT YACHT CLUB, Mark Weber

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U -100LELAND UNLIMITED

Greg Hopp Racing since the age of nine, Greg Hopp has been at the helm of a variety of boats – from J Stock outboards to Unlimited hydroplanes. The Unlimited “Rookie of the Year” in 1999, Hopp became the Leland Racing Team’s primary driver after Chip Hanauer retired from the circuit after the 1999 season. Hopp’s best 2010 finish with the Leland Team was an overall fourth-place in the APBA Gold Cup at Detroit, where he qualified third fastest and scored a victory in Heat 1-A.

Owner: Fred Leland; Kirkland, WA Driver: Greg Hopp; Snohomish, WA Homeport: Kirkland, WA Length: 29’ 9” Width: 14’ 10” Weight: 6800 lbs. Engine: Lycoming T-55/L-7 Turbine Engine Builder: Leland Unlimited, Inc. Victories: (1) 1994 - Seattle, WA (Texaco Cup); driverDave Villwock (U-100) (2) 1994 - San Diego, CA (Bayfair ‘94); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100) (3) 1996 - Phoenix, AZ (Gila River Casino Cup); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100)

(4) 1996 - Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100) (5) 1996 - Evansville, IN (Thunder On The Ohio); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100) (6) 1996 - Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100) (7) 1996 - Seattle, WA (Texaco Cup); driverDave Villwock (U-100) (8) 1996 - Kelowna, BC (Molson Thunderfest); driver-Dave Villwock (U-100) (9) 1997 - Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driver-Mark Evans (U-100) (10) 1997 - Kelowna, BC (Moilson Thunderfest); driver-Mark Evans (U-100) (11) 1997 - Seattle, WA (Texaco Cup); driver-

U -96

Mark Evans (U-100) (12) 1997 - San Diego, CA (Bill Muncey Cup); driver-Mark Evans (U-100) (13) 1998 - Kelowna, BC (Molson Thunderfest); driver-Mark Evans (U-100) (14) 1999 - Lake Havasu City, AZ (Mojave Unlimited Hydrofest); driver-Chip Hanauer (U-100) (15) 1999 - Madison, IN (Indiana Governor’s Cup); driver-Chip Hanauer (U-100) (16) 1999 - Detroit, MI (APBA Gold Cup); driver-Chip Hanauer (U-100) (17) 2001 - Tri-Cities, WA (Columbia Cup); driver-Terry Troxell (U-99)

In addition to driving the Leland Unlimited hydroplane, Greg doubles as a Grand Prix Class driver in a boat that he co-owns and co-drives with his father Jerry Hopp. Prior to joining the Grand Prix West Hydroplane circuit, Greg achieved great success in the Unlimited Light Racing Series and has 20 UL victories to his credit. This makes him the the winningest driver in the history of Unlimited Light racing. Moreover, the Hopp Racing Team team won five UL National High Point Championships between 2003 and 2008. Greg Hopp victories: None

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Offshore Racing Teams Powerboat P1 (P1) is the official World and Continental rights holder of endurance mono-hull power boat racing since 2003 and enjoys an enviable heritage of staging more than 85 events around the globe. SuperStock features identical boats, engines, and propellers, levelling the playing field for all competitors. Powerboat P1 is the designer and manufacturer of the P1-28SS Panther. The North American (Powerboat P1 USA) also supports two additional categories of mono-hull powerboats know as Evolution and SVS. These classes of powerboat are considered prototype racing craft due to the canopy configurations, high speeds and aggressive styling.

The Evolution class features twin-engine mono-hulls up to 45 feet in length, with upwards of 1600 combined horsepower. They are capable of speeds of over 130 miles per hour, and represent the fastest of the mono-hull racing craft in the world. They are regulated on a horsepower-to-weight ratio basis requiring boats with greater horsepower to carry more weight, thereby providing a competitive balance to the fleet. The SVS class is features single-engine mono-hulls up to 32 feet in length with typical horsepower of 550-600 power-trains. They are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, and also regulated on a horsepower-to-weight ratio format to provide a level competitive playing field.

P1-28SS Panther

#10 Peters and May #11 K-Way #13 Miss Madison

#14 JD Byrider

SVS

Custom Marine

Global Warmer #21 Pirate Racing #29 Typhoon #411 Octane 34 2011 APBA Gold Cup


P1 SuperStock - P1-28SS Panther #10, Peters and May #11, K-Way #13, Miss Madison #14, JD Byrider #15, Oregon Custom Marine SVS #21, Pirate Racing – David Denham and Travis Denham #29, Typhoon Racing – Colby Lawrence and Randy Schleuss #411, Octane racing – Jim Simmons and Tyler Crocket

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Photos provided by www.eatonphotos.com

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Air Guard Aerobatics Lt. Colonel John Klatt, Pilot

A

s a child growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, John Klatt dreamed of learning to fly. And thanks to the Air Guard, he’s now living the dream as one of the top aerobatic pilots in the country, for the Air Guard’s aerobatic team. As the youngest of seven children, John did his early flying by chasing around the house trying to be part of whatever his older brothers and sisters were up to. He quickly learned that; toy airplanes do not flush well, bee catching is risky business, and dogs pretty much eat anything. However, his favorite pastime was listening to his aircraft mechanic father’s aviation stories and dreaming about the day when he would be able to fly. John got his first “hands on” experience in aviation by washing airplanes to earn money for flying lessons. He spent his summers pumping gas to pay for flying lessons, earned his private pilot ratings and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He has flown a wide variety of aircraft. His commission in the Air Guard has given John the opportunity to fly C-130 military

36 2011 APBA Gold Cup

mental toughness it requires. He is a top performer in unlimited class aerobatics, and is recognized as one of the top ten unlimited class aerobatic pilots in the United States.

transports delivering crucial supplies during Operation Desert Storm. John later transitioned from the C-130 into the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” and has completed three combat tours flying F-16’s in Iraq. John has logged more than 2,000 hours at the controls of the F-16, and is assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, MN. Along with his military career, John began actively training for the long and difficult journey toward becoming a professional aerobatic performer. He was drawn to the world of aerobatics because of the high-degree of concentration and

The Aircraft John flies a Panzl 330 aerobatic aircraft, handcrafted by Greg Panzel in Onstead, MI in 2010, and is a world-class aerobatic aircraft, purpose built for high-performance, unlimited aerobatics. The Panzl weighs in at only 1,200 pounds, and is powered by a 504 Lycoming engine capable of producing over 300 horsepower. With a roll rate of +/420 degrees a second, it can top out at more than 300 MPH. It’s one wild ride, capable of pulling more than +/- 20 G’s, which is twice the load of the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” that John flies in his “day Job” as Lt. Colonel John Klatt with the 148th fighter wing of the Duluth Air Guard. During his: 15 minute routine, John knifes the Staudacher through an amazing series of heart stopping, pulse pounding, high-energy maneuvers that seem to defy gravity.



1933 The Year of the Dodge Navy

By Fred Farley, H1 Unlimited Historian

T

he Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound effect on American life in general and on Gold Cup hydroplane racing in particular. One man who helped to keep the APBA Gold Cup Class alive during that time of economic uncertainty was Horace Elgin Dodge, Jr., of the Dodge automotive family. Following the retirement from competition of the great Gar Wood, Dodge was power boat racing’s most prominent advocate--especially in Detroit. The 1933 Gold Cup on the Detroit River is a case in point. No fewer than five of Dodge’s Delphine boats were entered in the race, which is remembered as the year of the “Dodge Navy.” Indeed, four of Horace’s entries were among the seven actual starters. Dodge’s enthusiasm for the sport is unquestioned. During a career that spanned from the 1920s to the 1950s, Horace expended millions of dollars — and built literally dozens of boats – in pursuit of victory on the water. Unfortunately, Dodge’s skills as a team manager left something to be desired. The late Walt Kade, who achieved fame after World War II as an Unlimited hydroplane pilot, was employed by Dodge during the 1930s as a crew member. Kade had vivid recollections of the “Dodge Navy” of 1933. In a 1966 interview with this writer, Walt related how Horace brought a huge fleet of boats to the race...but not enough crew people to maintain all of them. As a result, the overall quality of the team suffered. Dodge’s Delphine IV was the defending Gold Cup champion, having won the 1932 race at Montauk, Long Island, with Bill Horn as driver and Charlie Grafflin as riding mechanic. This entitled Dodge to defend his title in 1933 on home waters under the auspices of the Detroit Yacht Club. The Motor City had last hosted the Gold Cup in 1924. In truth, Delphine IV was an aging former displacement craft, built in 1925, which had been transformed into a hydroplane configuration by the addition of “steps” or “shingles” to the underside. Horace had essentially given up on Delphine IV and had relinquished possession of her to Horn and Grafflin--although Dodge still retained legal ownership. Horn and Grafflin ran Delphine IV on their own in 1932. They were independent of the primary Dodge team, which concentrated 38 2011 APBA Gold Cup

Horace Elgin Dodge, Jr. on Delphine V. As things developed, Delphine IV’s best lap speed in the 1932 Gold Cup (60.000) was eight miles per hour faster than Delphine V’s best. Delphine IV went on to post two firsts and one second-place finish to secure the overall victory, while Delphine V with Horace Dodge driving failed to finish. In mounting his 1933 Gold Cup defense, Dodge went all out. He built three new boats (Delphine VII, Delphine VIII, and Delphine IX). He also brought Impshi, an old displacement craft, out of mothballs, added shingles to her underside, and renamed her Delphine VI. These, together with Delphine IV, constituted the “Dodge Navy.” Delphine VII was designed by George Crouch and built by the Horace E. Dodge Boat And Plane Corporation for Mrs. Delphine Dodge Baker, Horace’s sister and the first woman to ever drive in Gold Cup competition. Delphine VIII and Delphine IX were English-built by Fred Cooper and powered with 24-cylinder Duesenberg motors, which cost a figure reported to be in the five digits. Delphine VII followed the example of Delphine IV and relied on a 621 cubic inch Packard engine, while Delphine VI utilized a Miller Gold Cup motor. Also entered in the race were Hotsy Totsy, the 1930 and 1931 Gold Cup winner with Vic Kliesrath driving, from South Bend, Indiana, and El Lagarto, another shingled old-timer, owned by George Reis, from Lake George, New York.

El Lagarto had made a lackluster debut in the 1922 Gold Cup as Miss Mary II, owned by E.L. Grimm. Reis had acquired her in 1925 and run her as a pleasure boat and in local races on Lake George. In 1930, Reis bought a new single-step hydroplane named El Larartito, which was trounced by Hotsy Totsy in the 1930 Gold Cup at Red Bank, New Jersey. George was fascinated by Hotsy Totsy’s conversion from a monoplane to a multiplestep hydroplane. The following year, Reis applied a series of five transverse steps to the riding surface of El Lagarto and trotted her out as a trial horse for El Larartito. With George in the “TITO” and crew chief Anderson “Dick” Bowers at the wheel of El Lagarto, the two squared off in the middle of the lake for a comparison of speed. There wasn’t any. The old boat ran away from her younger sibling. Reis retired El Larartito on the spot. He never campaigned her again. From that day forward, Reis and Bowers concentrated all of their efforts on El Lagarto...and a racing legend was born. At the 1931 Gold Cup on Lake Montauk, the presence of Reis’s older boat was the source of considerable amusement to the racing fraternity. El Lagarto indeed looked out of place alongside such new challengers as Californian, Miss Philadelphia, Miss Syndicate III, and Scotty Too. But no one was laughing when El Lagarto (also known as “The Lizard”) led the field for ten of the twelve laps in Heat One. She might have won if not for a valve that stuck in its glide, snapped, and was sucked into the engine. Between the 1931 and 1932 Gold Cups, El Lagarto captured both the National Sweepstakes Trophy and the President’s Cup in late-season 1931. At the 1932 Gold Cup, the old “Lizard” ran well but was decisively beaten by Delphine IV, which completed the 90 miles 45 seconds faster than El Lagarto. For the 1932 President’s Cup at Washington, D.C., Reis and Bowers varied the thickness of El Lagarto’s after-shingle, making it thinner. This, according to Yachting Magazine columnist Mel Crook, caused the boat to jump higher out of the water. And the more she jumped, the faster she went. From then on, El Lagarto was known as “The Leaping Lizard Of Lake George.” In the President’s Cup, she beat Delphine IV by 300


yards in Heat One. But then, while warming up for Heat Two, El Lagarto’s crankshaft snapped. For the 1933 Gold Cup, new pistons were installed to boost the Packard’s compression ratio. Reis and Bowers also replaced the standard crankshaft with a new Winfield, which added another 250 rpm to the engine’s top end. Defending champion Horace Dodge had no desire to relinquish the Gold Cup to an eleven- year-old ex-monoplane resurrected from obscurity. But that’s exactly what happened. El Lagarto led the first heat from start to finish at a record-breaking 60.866, the fastest speed since the cubic inch displacement limitation of 1922. Delphine IV trailed by ten seconds at the finish. Heat Two was a thriller with Horn and Delphine IV leading around the first turn and part way down the backstretch. Then El Lagarto thundered by and was never headed. Reis went on to beat Horn by five seconds and Delphine Dodge Baker in Delphine VII by 28 seconds. With two victories to his credit, all George Reis had to do was finish third or better in

Heat Three. He settled for a leisurely second behind a hard-charging Bill Horn who led from start to finish and averaged 60.206 for the 30 miles. This was fast but not fast enough to eclipse El Lagarto’s record set in Heat One. For the fourth year in a row, the Gold Cup had been captured by a rebuilt former displacement craft. Once again, the new step hydroplanes, built after the rule change of 1928 which allowed boats with steps or shingles, had been put to shame. It was indeed a disappointing day for the “Dodge Navy.” Only two of Horace’s boats (Delphine IV and Delphine VII) lasted the 90 miles. Engine troubles kept Delphine IX far astern of the leaders, while Delphine VI broke a crankshaft. And Delphine VIII missed the show entirely. In defeating the “Dodge Navy,” El Lagarto became the first boat to win a Gold Cup race eleven years after its competition debut. (The only champion to duplicate this feat is MISS MADISON, which likewise was eleven years old when she won in 1971.) Following El Lagarto’s win, the Gold Cup went to Upstate New York, where it remained for the next three years.

“The Leaping Lizard” repeated as champion on homewaters in 1934 and 1935. She thus became the first three-time consecutive Gold Cup winner, a record that stood unchallenged for thirty years. Undaunted, Horace Dodge renewed his quest for boat racing’s Holy Grail the following year. He took second in 1934 with Horn and Delphine IV, but failed to finish in 1935 with two boats (Delphine IV and Impshi). Dodge’s persistence finally paid off when he and driver Kaye Don won the 1936 race at Lake George with Impshi. The year of the “Dodge Navy” is remembered with a special fondness. Motorboating Magazine described El Lagarto’s victory in glowing terms: “Reis won on his merits in spite of handicaps. His own ingenuity and careful testing and preparedness were responsible for his success.” The 1933 Gold Cup served as a muchneeded diversion for Depression-weary race fans. In spite of the economic instability of the times, big-time boat racing continued to thrive and provide spectacular entertainment.

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2011 APBA Gold Cup

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A Day at the Beach J efferson Beach has been a destination point for the “adventurous” since opening as an amusement park in July of 1927. Along with being the largest park of its kind in Michigan, Jefferson Beach also had the longest roller coaster ride in the country. On hot summer days, park goers could cool off by taking a speedboat ride on Lake St. Clair in their Chris-Craft or Hacker boats, that were built in the area. 1959 brought big changes to Jefferson Beach. The amusement park was closed, but in its place, Jefferson Beach Marina emerged. In May of 1973, Jefferson Beach Marina became the first host of a sanctioned APBA offshore race on the Great Lakes. Over the years, Jefferson Beach Marina has grown and evolved into a premier destination around the Great Lakes. This year, the veteran marina management team led by Semo Post and Pam Poirier of Jefferson Beach Marina will also be managing Toledo Beach Marina. “Toledo Beach Marina has been a wonderful facility in previous years and has the potential to be one of the most exciting boating destinations in the area,” said Post, general manager. “We are thrilled to begin realizing the possibilities for this remarkable port.” The marina has an unparalleled location on Lake Erie between Detroit and Toledo and

near the Lake Erie Islands region, 250 acres of beautiful surrounding green space, and more than 550 docks in a protected deep-water harbor. Other amenities include drive up parking, rack & launch storage, year round 24hour security, bathhouse, laundry, deli, Ships Store and swimming pool. In an effort to better serve the members and guests of Toledo Beach Marina, new management has already put in motion a plan to improve the quality of service and upgrade the existing condition of the marina. Starting with the aesthetics, main buildings have already been power washed and painted with a fresh color scheme. Flowerbeds have been dressed with annuals & perennials, and a new signage/way finding program is currently being designed. Common gathering places are also slated for improvement. Beginning with the Sand Bar & Grill, renowned chef Paul Grosz of Cuisine Restaurant in Detroit is dishing-up a fresh menu and Lou Columbo, owner of the Hard Luck Lounge in downtown Detroit will serve the spirits. A new audio and video system is being installed and a new patio pavilion is being constructed to improve the outdoor dining experience. The party store/tackle shop, a favorite with Rack & Launch boaters, is also under new management and being upgraded to a “Grab n Go” mini mart that will offer

Deli style sandwiches, wine, beer and spirits in addition to fishing supplies. To better serve Lake Erie boaters, the Fuel dock/ships store is also slated for upgrades with the installation of new high speed fuel dispensers supported by the convenience of an adjacently located fully stocked ships store. Missing from the marina in recent years was boat sales and brokerage services. Toledo Beach Marina will reopen the sales center/showroom with the help of Paul Reed and Bob Reed (no relation). Both are well known within the power and sail boat communities respectively, and their expertise will be a valuable addition to the marina. Toledo Beach Marina also wants to make transient boaters cruising the lakes feel welcome this summer. To accommodate cruisers, the marina has reserved a series of slips for guests and cruising clubs looking for a full service destination to drop anchor. Post also added, “We want to invite boaters to watch us work this summer, come see the changes for themselves, and know that going forward, Toledo Beach Marina is a resort style port of call for all.”

to the Roostertail for their generous support and to all the GPYC members for their donations.

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We’re raising expectations. We’ve had a hand and a crane in most of the major construction projects in metro Detroit for the past 70 years. Our cranes helped build Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park. We raised the roof at the Pontiac Silverdome and we raised the first steel column at Metro Airport’s McNamara Terminal. Allingham cranes helped build Ford Field, The Palace of Auburn Hills – and numerous industrial parks, office complexes and highways. When you rent from Allingham Crane, you also get the support of a company that is dedicated to excellence through service. In addition to reliable, state-ofthe-art equipment, we have a team of trained mechanics and a fleet of service trucks on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For the right crane at the right price, give us a call today at 248-357-5400, or visit allinghamcorp.com. ALLINGHAM CRANE COMPANY 21250 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075 248-357-5400


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PART-TIME JOBS

GOING FAST. Job openings in the Air National Guard are going almost as quickly as the 200 MPH Air National Guard Hydroplane Series boats. So maybe it’s time to consider a part-time job in the military that lets you live your life full-time. You can get help paying for college. Serve near your home and receive a great paycheck. Stop by the display and get a photo with the ANG hydroplane.

Get info on the Air National Guard Hydroplane Series. Simply download a QR code reader application and snap this tag!



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