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!
4 comments:
David Williams will be racing the U-50 "Michigan Mortgage Consultants present the Spirit of the NAVY" boat at the Gold Cup.
David and Brian are going to share duties at Evansville. Brian will drive at Madison, and David will drive in Detroit.
When they get out to the left coast, David will switch full-time to the U-48, and Brian will take over the U-50 for the remaining three races.
Thank you for the heads up about David Williams driving the U-50!
Inside Scoop????
Nice way to pick 10!!!
So you only get one pick my friend...who is it??
U-6 Oh Boy Oberto- Miss Madison
Steve David and the crew will finally get the cup back!!!
Just like the Red Wings did!!!
See ya on the river
Dan Brandon
Dan...My 1 pick is Steve David and the Oberto Team. Go U-6!
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