Le vainqueur, le Tonnerre sur L'Ohio 30!
Congratulations to Billy and Jane Schumaker and the entire U37 Team on their victory in Evansville.
+++pardon the English to French translation, I used an online translator. I hope no one was offended.+++
I've been a big fan of Jean Theoret's since his Grand Prix Hydro days and it's always a thrill to see him win!
Roger
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
If you haven't found it yet, go to HydroInsider.com LIVE BLOG for up-to-the minute updates from Evansville. Kirk Duncan, Mike Festcher and Joe McCord are doing an incredible job of keeping us up to date!
Go to HydroInsider.com LIVE BLOG >>
Go to HydroInsider.com LIVE BLOG >>
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thunder on The Ohio 30
The staff at The HydroNation wishes all of the teams in Evansville the very best of luck this weekend.
Be safe, be fast!
Roger
Be safe, be fast!
Roger
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Happy 30th Thunder On The Ohio
The staff at The HydroNation would like to congratulate the City of Evansville on the 30th running of Thunder on The Ohio. I was there for #6 and I had a great time. I can't believe it's been 24 years. I need to get back real soon!
Roger
Monday, June 23, 2008
I Don’t See A Problem Or Am I Just Confused
Elam announces that they are not coming East. Reason, to pursue a deal that could potentially add more races to the schedule, more money to sport that is strapped for cash and greater exposure. So where’s the problem?
It seems that most fans don’t want to see the Orange Boat and Villwock win, so why should it matter if they miss the Eastern Swing? I know, I know, boat count….hmmmm, don’t you think what the Ellstroms are doing may just take care of 9, 10 or even 11 boats at each site and maybe someday 15(arbitrary #) + boats. Give ‘em a chance!
I’ve read some good and many negative responses and one that was totally out of line. I’m sort of confused. I think we should be happy and support what the Ellstroms are trying to do and that is trying to grow the sport. Year after year, all of us hope that there will be more races added to the schedule and more teams to increase the boat count only to get much of the same. The only real change is the competition is the best it has been in more years than I know.
I for one would love to see Steve David, David Bryant, Jeff Bernard, Mike Allen , Jimmy King, J. Michael Kelly, David Williams, Greg Hopp, Ken Muscatel, and Jean Theoret beat Dave Villwock in Evansville, Madison and the Gold Cup. The field of boats competing at the Eastern races is competitive and we should see some great racing.
To The Ellstroms, Good Luck!
To all of the teams making the Eastern Swing, good luck, be safe and race fast! See you in Detroit!
It seems that most fans don’t want to see the Orange Boat and Villwock win, so why should it matter if they miss the Eastern Swing? I know, I know, boat count….hmmmm, don’t you think what the Ellstroms are doing may just take care of 9, 10 or even 11 boats at each site and maybe someday 15(arbitrary #) + boats. Give ‘em a chance!
I’ve read some good and many negative responses and one that was totally out of line. I’m sort of confused. I think we should be happy and support what the Ellstroms are trying to do and that is trying to grow the sport. Year after year, all of us hope that there will be more races added to the schedule and more teams to increase the boat count only to get much of the same. The only real change is the competition is the best it has been in more years than I know.
I for one would love to see Steve David, David Bryant, Jeff Bernard, Mike Allen , Jimmy King, J. Michael Kelly, David Williams, Greg Hopp, Ken Muscatel, and Jean Theoret beat Dave Villwock in Evansville, Madison and the Gold Cup. The field of boats competing at the Eastern races is competitive and we should see some great racing.
To The Ellstroms, Good Luck!
To all of the teams making the Eastern Swing, good luck, be safe and race fast! See you in Detroit!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Word Association: Evansville – Thunder on the Ohio 6
10 hours driving to Evansville in the Chevy Nova (affectionately known as the "The Probe" as in Savairs)
It was Thunder on the Ohio 6. My 1 and only trip to Evansville
The New Turbine Atlas Van Lines breaking a qualifying record
Great view of the entire course
Brother Dave
Chet’s Music Shop
The Lite All Star
Amazon Hot heat
Catfish & asphalt sandwich
The PA guy in his White coveralls and Cowboy hat
That darn Budweiser song
The Bierstube and Live music
A trip to a beer store for Sunday provisions.... no alcohol sales on Sunday.
"Black Saturday"!
The campground
Race Day was Hot...Amazon Hot!
The beer was cold.
Did I mention that darn Budweiser song...”here comes the king, here comes the king here comes the big number one”....blah, blah, blah. Over and over again?! I think the race was sponsored by Bud. ;)
Between heat activity - Gene Souci...120, 130, 140 raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah (propeller driven airplane sound) and the air show. It was pretty entertaining.
It was an average day won by Jim Kropfeld driving the Miss Budweiser.
I think it was hot that day. With a 20 % chance of rain that turned into about 2" inches in 20 minutes. The rain was welcome relief to the blazing heat.
After the race, we were invited to a post race party at a big house on the main street across from the river and the Freedom Monument. We drank their beer, kissed their girls and had a great time. Great hospitality!
Filet 'O Fish!
An interesting trip!
I really want to go back in the near future
Many of these are inside jokes, so don't put too much into it...
It was Thunder on the Ohio 6. My 1 and only trip to Evansville
The New Turbine Atlas Van Lines breaking a qualifying record
Great view of the entire course
Brother Dave
Chet’s Music Shop
The Lite All Star
Amazon Hot heat
Catfish & asphalt sandwich
The PA guy in his White coveralls and Cowboy hat
That darn Budweiser song
The Bierstube and Live music
A trip to a beer store for Sunday provisions.... no alcohol sales on Sunday.
"Black Saturday"!
The campground
Race Day was Hot...Amazon Hot!
The beer was cold.
Did I mention that darn Budweiser song...”here comes the king, here comes the king here comes the big number one”....blah, blah, blah. Over and over again?! I think the race was sponsored by Bud. ;)
Between heat activity - Gene Souci...120, 130, 140 raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah (propeller driven airplane sound) and the air show. It was pretty entertaining.
It was an average day won by Jim Kropfeld driving the Miss Budweiser.
I think it was hot that day. With a 20 % chance of rain that turned into about 2" inches in 20 minutes. The rain was welcome relief to the blazing heat.
After the race, we were invited to a post race party at a big house on the main street across from the river and the Freedom Monument. We drank their beer, kissed their girls and had a great time. Great hospitality!
Filet 'O Fish!
An interesting trip!
I really want to go back in the near future
Many of these are inside jokes, so don't put too much into it...
The U-12, Miss Budweiser will be running at Detroit. Thanks Eric Sellers for the heads up.
http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Detroit-2008.htm
From The Vintage Race Boat Shop. The U-12, Miss Budweiser will be running at Detroit. Scroll down to see other U-Boats that will be in Detroit. Thanks to Eric Sellers for the heads up.
Additional Photos: http://www.network54.com/Forum/157337/message/1213697630/A+few+more+photos…
From The Vintage Race Boat Shop. The U-12, Miss Budweiser will be running at Detroit. Scroll down to see other U-Boats that will be in Detroit. Thanks to Eric Sellers for the heads up.
Additional Photos: http://www.network54.com/Forum/157337/message/1213697630/A+few+more+photos…
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thing of Beauty...
Just a couple pictures from Lake Samammish a couple weeks ago my mother-in-law took of my daughter. Apparently she just didn't want to leave those old boats behind!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Who Will Win The Gold Cup? I have the inside scoop!
Looking into my crystal ball, I see…my desk! So, here’s my opportunity to make some predictions. Of the 11 unlimiteds that are supposed to be in Detroit, there are 10 that I would like to see win the Gold Cup. Of those 10, the sentimental favorite is the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto and Steve David. Why Steve David and the Oberto Team? Steve David is a great driver with a great crew behind him and Madison, IN. Steve David is the ultimate spokesman for the sport and his sponsor, Oh Boy! Oberto. One word sums up Steve, Charisma. In my opinion, Steve has paid his dues and now has the equipment and crew to get it done. No one ever deserves the Gold Cup because they paid their dues or has the best equipment, but in this case, I think the Oberto Team will earn it.
There will be lots of talk about Jean Theoret, Dave Villwock and Steve David and others as favorites to win. My dark horse winner is David Bryant and The USA Racing Partners. The Gregory Family has a dedicated crew, great equipment and David Bryant proved that he can run with the big dogs at last years GM Cup in Seattle. It would be a fitting return to Detroit after tearing up the bottom of the boat in Madison last year.
Let’s not forget the Formula Boat team. Two powerhouse boats, with 2 drivers who can get it done. Jeff Bernard ran a great race in San Diego and came real close to getting the win. He will win some races in his career. Maybe a 1st Gold Cup in July. Mike Allen had a rough season last year, but I’m not counting him out either. Mike proved he could get it done by donning the U-1 last season.
Jean Theoret has always been one of my favorite racers. His success in the Grand Prix ranks carried over to the unlimiteds. My question is what took owners so long to bring him to the U-Boats? After a tough run in the Gold Cup last year, Jean and the U-37 Team will be back.
Another sentimental favorite is Jimmy King and the U-3 Miss Chrysler-Jeep. Like Jean Theoret, I enjoyed watching Jimmy race in the GP ranks. Not only is Jimmy from the Detroit Area, he drives the only piston powered boat on the circuit with the Chrysler-Jeep sponsorship. The noise is a definite fan favorite. The U-3 is capable of winning and proved in 2003 with Mitch Evans driving. 2008 could be the second Gold Cup win for Ed Cooper, Jr.
The Detroit River hasn’t been kind to J. Michael Kelly. The river beat him up in his boat, blew over in the start of a final heat and gave him a wild ride in 2007. Dues paid? Only time will tell. From what I’ve seen from JMK, he’s a good driver that will win some races. It’s a Detroit boat that will have fans rooting for the hometown entry. The team has 1 Gold Cup under their belt. Experience goes a long way.
Fred Leland seems to always find a way to get a boat to Detroit. It’s been a while since the U-100 won a Gold Cup. Greg Hopp has had lots of success in the UL ranks and with the right combination he should see some success in the unlimiteds.
Dr. Ken Muscatel is another owner who finds a way to bring a boat to Detroit. If some of the off season work on the hull makes it more competitive, Dr. Ken may make some waves in the end. Thank you for bringing a boat to Detroit all of these years.
I don’t know much about Brian Perkins, but from those I have e-mailed and talked to, they say Brian is a good driver who needs experience in the seat of a U-Boat before showing everyone what he can do. It’s exciting to have the U.S. Navy on board. The boat looks good and hopefully, the team can represent and recruit successfully for the Navy.
There will be lots of talk about Jean Theoret, Dave Villwock and Steve David and others as favorites to win. My dark horse winner is David Bryant and The USA Racing Partners. The Gregory Family has a dedicated crew, great equipment and David Bryant proved that he can run with the big dogs at last years GM Cup in Seattle. It would be a fitting return to Detroit after tearing up the bottom of the boat in Madison last year.
Let’s not forget the Formula Boat team. Two powerhouse boats, with 2 drivers who can get it done. Jeff Bernard ran a great race in San Diego and came real close to getting the win. He will win some races in his career. Maybe a 1st Gold Cup in July. Mike Allen had a rough season last year, but I’m not counting him out either. Mike proved he could get it done by donning the U-1 last season.
Jean Theoret has always been one of my favorite racers. His success in the Grand Prix ranks carried over to the unlimiteds. My question is what took owners so long to bring him to the U-Boats? After a tough run in the Gold Cup last year, Jean and the U-37 Team will be back.
Another sentimental favorite is Jimmy King and the U-3 Miss Chrysler-Jeep. Like Jean Theoret, I enjoyed watching Jimmy race in the GP ranks. Not only is Jimmy from the Detroit Area, he drives the only piston powered boat on the circuit with the Chrysler-Jeep sponsorship. The noise is a definite fan favorite. The U-3 is capable of winning and proved in 2003 with Mitch Evans driving. 2008 could be the second Gold Cup win for Ed Cooper, Jr.
The Detroit River hasn’t been kind to J. Michael Kelly. The river beat him up in his boat, blew over in the start of a final heat and gave him a wild ride in 2007. Dues paid? Only time will tell. From what I’ve seen from JMK, he’s a good driver that will win some races. It’s a Detroit boat that will have fans rooting for the hometown entry. The team has 1 Gold Cup under their belt. Experience goes a long way.
Fred Leland seems to always find a way to get a boat to Detroit. It’s been a while since the U-100 won a Gold Cup. Greg Hopp has had lots of success in the UL ranks and with the right combination he should see some success in the unlimiteds.
Dr. Ken Muscatel is another owner who finds a way to bring a boat to Detroit. If some of the off season work on the hull makes it more competitive, Dr. Ken may make some waves in the end. Thank you for bringing a boat to Detroit all of these years.
I don’t know much about Brian Perkins, but from those I have e-mailed and talked to, they say Brian is a good driver who needs experience in the seat of a U-Boat before showing everyone what he can do. It’s exciting to have the U.S. Navy on board. The boat looks good and hopefully, the team can represent and recruit successfully for the Navy.
***See Comments Below***
Is Dave Villwock really as evil as he’s portrayed to be? Personally, I don’t think so. Back in the Bud days, he seemed to be a bit pompous on the surface, but then you would see him talking to the kids and signing anything put in front of him. Dave is not a very popular choice, but his race and Gold Cup wins can’t be denied. Sorry Dave, I would like to see a 1st time winner this year.
As you can see, I don’t have a solid pick, only personal favorites and opinion. I see a field where anyone can win the 2008 Gold Cup. It may take a little luck to bring home the gold.
I once heard someone say ‘you don’t beat the Detroit River, you survive it’ and in some cases drivers have paid the ultimate price in their attempts to win a Gold Cup.
Here’s to a safe, fast 100th Running of The Gold Cup!
Good Luck to all of the teams in Evansville and Madison. See you in Detroit!
Is Dave Villwock really as evil as he’s portrayed to be? Personally, I don’t think so. Back in the Bud days, he seemed to be a bit pompous on the surface, but then you would see him talking to the kids and signing anything put in front of him. Dave is not a very popular choice, but his race and Gold Cup wins can’t be denied. Sorry Dave, I would like to see a 1st time winner this year.
As you can see, I don’t have a solid pick, only personal favorites and opinion. I see a field where anyone can win the 2008 Gold Cup. It may take a little luck to bring home the gold.
I once heard someone say ‘you don’t beat the Detroit River, you survive it’ and in some cases drivers have paid the ultimate price in their attempts to win a Gold Cup.
Here’s to a safe, fast 100th Running of The Gold Cup!
Good Luck to all of the teams in Evansville and Madison. See you in Detroit!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
I'm Back, Now Let's Get Back To Blogging
Sorry the blog has been so quiet, but I've been out of commission since April 13th. I had some medical issues, but I am better and unfortunately ;) I return to work tomorrow. Look for frequent updates in the near future.
I have lots of photos and a few stories to tell. I'll probably even re-post a few stories from the Thunderzone Blog. There may be a few photos and updates from the Oberto test session later this month. Hopefully, Kirk can post a few.
Roger
I have lots of photos and a few stories to tell. I'll probably even re-post a few stories from the Thunderzone Blog. There may be a few photos and updates from the Oberto test session later this month. Hopefully, Kirk can post a few.
Roger
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