Evansville, Indiana August 23, 2009 Thunder on the Ohio Final Final Results Pl Driver (Hometown) Boat 1—Jeff Bernard, (Kent, Wash.) FormulaBoats.com 2—J Michael Kelly, (Puyallup, Wash.) Graham Trucking 3—Steve David, (Lighthouse Pt., Fla.) Oh Boy! Oberto 4—Greg Hopp (Snohomish, Wash) Mirageboats.com 5—Ken Muscatel, (Seattle, Wash.) Mister Home Loan 6- Nate Brown, (Preston, Wash.) Ellstrom Elam Plus Dnf—Jimmy King, (Wales, Mich.) Master Tire Lane Draw Lane 1 - U5 Formulaboats.com - Jeff Bernard Lane 2 - U3 Master Tire - Jimmy King Lane 3 - U7 Graham Trucking - J Michael Kelly Lane 6 - U1 Oh Boy! Oberto - Steve David Lane 4 - U100 mirageboats.com - Greg Hopp Lane 5 - U25 Mr Homeloan Presents Superior Racing - Ken Muscatel Trailer - U16 Elam Plus - Nate Brown The winner take all final, ran on the Ohio River here in Evansville, Indiana, pitted the lone piston boat against the fastest turbine fleet ever in unlimited hydroplane history. Jimmy King had the boat to win, now can he pull it off. He has been running strong all day long. Steve David in the defending champion U1 Oh Boy! Oberto had his work cut out with three fast boats to his inside. Bernard in lane one King in lane two and Kelly in lane three. Rounding out the field Greg Hopp in lane five and Ken Muscatel in lane six. Nate Brown in the U16 Elam Plus was to trail 5 seconds behind the front six boats. The sun has gone in behind the clouds and the water has laid down to the calmest it has been all weekend. The pits are very quiet. The crews have done all they can do now its up to the drivers to bring it home. U16 Elam Plus was the first boat out. Just told that the U1 has decided to move to the outside to lane six. This allowed the U100 and U25 to move in one lane. All the boats answered the call for the race. Good start as the U7 Graham Trucking led across the line. Jimmy King powering the U3 Master Tire taking care of Jeff Bernard and J Michael Kelly as he comes across the line on the first lap. The U1 Oberto flying high as he tries to catch the front three. Jimmy King holding off a pair of Ted Porter boats and leading now by 5 roostertails. Slowing down he went dead in the water in the upper turn. The battle for the lead was between the U5 and U7 as they went deck to deck up the back stretch. Steve David in third. Two boat lengths was all that separated the two red boats. JMK still fighting as the they cross the finish line it was the U5 formulaboats.com taking first place and the U7 Graham Trucking second. U1 Oh Boy! Oberto takes third as Greg Hopp takes fourth. Fifth to Ken Muscatel and sixth to Nate Brown. 3:55pm CDT The Provisional was ran and the boats that participated the U16, U22, and the U48. The U37 Renton Coil Springs has withdrawn. The lane choice was the 48 lane 1, 16 lane 2. The 22 has withdrawn. The U16 (17) Elam Plus is now on the course as well as the U48 Whirlpool presents Albert Lee. The winner of this race will be the trailer in the final. As they came across the line it was Nate Brown that led across and the start was good. Perkins holding with him as he exited the lower turn. Brown swings wide to let Perkins have plenty of room. Eight roostertail lead for Brown as they come across the line for the second time. Brown led to the wire as Perkins was about a half lap down. 2:50pm CDT 3B was set up as an interesting race as Nate Brown "sold" his Our Gang Racing hull to the U16 Elam team. Motors from the Elam team and possibly a prop was brought from the U16 camp to the "new" U16 camp to be installed in the boat. Rounding out the field of boats, U3, U100, U1, U16 and the U22. Steve David was first out onto the course as always. Followed closely by the U3 Master Tire. King chose the inside lane in this heat too which should make for an interesting race. The U16 now makes his way out on to the race course. All five competitors are on the course. At the one minute gun all the boats were late. Hopp leading them up as they come around for the start. JImmy King nailed the start as the Oberto was second. King leading the boast as they come around for the first time. David is second U100 third U16 fourth. King stretching it out two roostertails in the second lap. King showing the turbine boys that the piston boat has what it takes. King takes the win, Oberto second, Hopp third, Nate Brown fourth and Mike Webster finishes the field out. 2:40pm CDT U5 Jeff Bernard was the first boat onto the race course, followed by the U37, U7, U25, and the U48. The team drivers of J Michael Kelly and Jeff Bernard pulled each other in this heat, in a kind of friendly rivalry. JMK leads them across the line as the two red boat fight for bragging rights. Good start, Jeff Bernard lead the first lap with Kelly close behind. Less than a roostertail lead for Bernard as they race around he course the second time. Third to Jean Theoret. AT the finish it was Jeff Bernard then JMK, Theoret and Dr Ken, with Brian Kelly rounding out the field. 2:30pm CDT Erik Ellstrom has purchased the U17 Our Gang Racing as his back up hull. Nate Brown will be the driver for the Elam Plus. Motors have been transfered to the U16 back-up hull. 1:40pm All the boats answered the call for heat 2B. The 37, 17 driven by Nate Brown now, the 100, 5 and U3 lined up for the one minute gun. Jimmy King led up the back stretch at the start. Theoret led them across the line for a good start. JT and Jeff Bernard along with Jimmy King making it a great race as all three crossed the line together, JB took the lead as Theoret and King fought for second. King takes over second from Theoret on the second lap. Jeff Bernard first, King second Theoret third and U100 fourth. U17 DNS. 1:05pm CDT Heat 2A With the damage to the U16 Elam Plus from the previous flight of heats they have withdrawn from this heat. Not the race just the heat. U1 Oh Boy! Oberto will have the following combatants for this heat, U25 with Ken Muscatel, U48 with Brian Perkins, U7 with J Michael Kelly and U22 with Mike Webster. The drivers were given the chance to move in one lane so that allowed the U1 to move to lane one, U25 to lane two, U48 to three, U7 to four, U22 to lane 5. We went under a 5 minute delay do to the crane for the U25 was being used by the U16 team to hoist their craft out of the water. After about a half hour delay we are back to racing as the boats are preparing to go out onto the course. The U1 was the first boat on the water. Followed by the U25, then U48, U7 and the U22. Leaving the dock, Brian Perkins got a big gulp of water, however he got the boat started and was able to race. The water has a little bit of chop on it however the boats had no issues to race. Mike Webster came powering up the back chute at the start of the heat as all the boats lined up and prepared for the start. Mike Kelly and Steve David both hit the line at the start dead even. Steve David lead as they crossed the line for the first time, stretching his lead out to three roostertails, the cowling came off of the U25 as they entered the lower turnon lap 2. U1 was several roostertails ahead of Mike Kelly as they came around for the second time. Steve David comes across the line first with Mike Kelly second, and the Good Dr third and Brian Kelly and Mike Webster rounding out the field. Heat 2A U16 Elam Plus U1 Oh Boy! Oberto U25 Mr Homeloan presents Superior Racing U48 Whirlpool presents Albert Lee U7 Graham Trucking U22 Matrix Systems Heat 2B U37 Renton Coil Springs U17 Seal Sheild presents actiVwater U100 Mirageboats.com U5 formulaboats.com U3 Master Tire 11:40am Heat 1B will feature the following boats. U5 Formulaboats.com U17 Seal Sheild presents actiVwater U100 mirageboats.com U25 Mr Home Loan presents Superior Racing U22 Miss Airbag Service.com This group of boats are no slouches as they all have the potential of winning this heat. Jeff Bernard in the U5 along with Kip Brown in the U17, Greg Hopp in the U100, Ken Muscatel in the U25 and rookie Mike Webster in the U22 all are proven winners in the lower classes of boat racing. Kip Brown he first hydro drive on the course, he is followed by Greg Hopp in the U100. Jeff Bernard in the U5 and Ken Muscatel in the U25 follow suit. Mike Webster rounds out the field as all boats have answered the call for the heat. One minute gun has sounded and the boats are lining up for the start. Fanning out as they enter the upper turn on this dog leg course. Greg Hopp leads them across the line good start over the ABRA radio. Jeff Bernard leads them out of the turn. Hopp is second. One roostertail lead as JB leads them across the line the first time. Kip Brown fighting for third with Dr Ken Muscatel. He takes the lead up the back. One more lap to go the duel is with Dr Ken and Kip Brown. Back and forth as they enter the lower turn. Jeff Bernard leading the pack as they enter the upper turn and holds them to the finish! 11:30am - Restart clock for heat 1B. 11:20am - Dave Villwock is fine. He has a scratch above his eye and ice for his leg. He is going to return to the pits! Reports are that the U1 Oh Boy! Oberto slid out of his lane causing the Elam to go into his roostertail and thus he was DSQ for that heat. That gave the win of the heat to U3 Master Tire. Dave Villwock in the U16 Miss Elam Plus going into the upper turn here in Evansville, was gaining on Steve David and suddenly he blew over. Reports are that he walked onto the rescue boat under his own power. Heat 1A U1 Oh Boy! Oberto U16 Miss Elam Plus U3 Master Tire U7 Graham Trucking U37 Renton Coil Spring U48 Whirlpool Presents Albert Lee The fastest boats here this weekend pulled each other for heat 1A. Steve David the fastest qualifier here this weekend drew lane 1 as he wanted Dave Villwock on his outside. The U3 Master Tire the fastest piston powered hydro in the world also drew this heat along with U7 Graham Trucking with J Michael Kelly, U37 Renton Coil Springs with Jean Theoret and Brian Perkins rounding out the field in the U48 Whirlpool presents Albert Lee. The hydros are all ready and the water is perfect in this southern Indiana town of 100,000. Fans lining the shore are sure to have a great day of racing as mother nature has provided the best weather on record for this event. Anticipation is heavy as this will be a very busy day of racing. GP boats are here also along with the Unlimiteds. The spotters are set as they stand to the right of the judges stand. Steve David in the U1 Oh Boy! Oberto is the first boat on the course. He is followed by U37 and the U16. The U48 has left the dock, as well as the U7 Graham Trucking. Jimmy King in the U3 powers past the judges stand. This wil be lane assigned racing all day. The water is a little lumpy, however perfect for racing. The boats are fanning out for the start. Lining up for the start at the one minute buoy. Roostertails kicking it up as they come down the front stretch, Perfect start as U3 leads them accross the line. Steve David and Dave Villwock both deck to deck as they exit the turn. Oberto leads as they cross the line for the first time. Elam close behind. David pulling Villwock as they come around for lap two with King in third Theoret! VILLWOCK HAS GONE OVER!! 8:00AM Dave Villwock and the U16 Miss Elam Plus is on the course as we start the test session this moning for Thunder on the Ohio. Also on the course with Dave is J Michael Kelly and Jean Theoret testing their equipment preparing for racing which is slated to begin at 11:05AM CDT with the running of Heat 1A. We want to welcome you here this morning, you can watch live video streaming from the pits via the U3 racing website. www.go3racing.com. Also, live updates are available at www.facebook.com\abrahydroplanes The weather is forcast to be awesome for Evansville, as sky are a little cloudy this morning. Sunny skies and 77 degrees are forcasted for this afternoon. Steve David, top qualifier for the weekend is now on the water.The canopy is being closed and Steve is spooling up the U1. Ken Muscatel and Greg Hopp are also being lifted off their trailers. Draw for Heat 1-A 11:05 am CDT Lane 1 U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto Steve David 2 U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus Dave Villwock 3 U-3 Master Tire Jimmy King 4 U-7 Graham Trucking J Michael Kelly 5 U-37 Renton Coil Spring Jean Theoret 6 U-48 Whirpool/Albert Lee Brian Perkins Draw for Heat 1-B 11:25 am CDT Lane 1 U-5 Formulaboats.com Jeff Bernard 2 U-17 Seal Shield Kip Brown 3 U-100 Mirageboats.com Greg Hopp 4 U-25 Mister Home Loan Ken Muscatel 5 U-22 Matrix Systems Mike Webster Heat start times 1A 11:05 am 1B 11:25 am 2A 1:05 pm 2B 1:25 pm 3A 2:35 pm 3B 2:55 pm Consolation 3;50 pm Final 4:45 pm QUALIFYING 4:50pm Second Round * = increased speed U100 - mirageboats.com - Greg Hopp Lap 1 - 135.680 Lap 2 - 140.012 Lap 3 - 143.420* U5 - formulaboats.com - Jeff Bernard Lap 1 - 148.363 Lap 2 - 149.225 Lap 3 - 148.883 U48 - Whirlpool presents Miss Albert Lee - Brian Perkins Lap 1 - 132.674 Lap 2 - 133.886 Lap 3 - 134.411 U16 - Elam Plus - Dave Villwock Lap 1 - 151.617 Lap 2 - 155.215 Lap 3 - 155.319* N2 Violation! Speed not recorded! U17 - Seal Sheild presents actiVwater - Kip Brown Lap 1 - 145.275 Lap 2 - 146.397 Lap 3 - 145.363 U25 - Mr Homeloan presents Superior Racing - Ken Muscatel Lap 1 - 129.356 Lap 2 - DNF Lap 3 - DNF U1 - Oh Boy! Oberto - Steve David Lap 1 - 152.970 Lap 2 - 153.987 Lap 3 - 155.215* U7 - Graham Trucking - J Michael Kelly Lap 1 - 147.571 Lap 2 - 148.948 Lap 3 - 150.379* U5 - formulaboats.com - Jeff Bernard Lap 1 - Lap 2 - NO TIMES RECORDED N2 VIOLATION! Lap 3 - U3 - Master Tire - Jimmy King Lap 1 - DNF U16 - Elam Plus - Dave Villwock Lap 1 - 152.807 Lap 2 - 154.218 Lap 3 - 154.748* U25 - Mr Homeloan presents Superior Racing - Ken Muscatel Lap 1 - 119.272 Lap 2 - 118.717 Lap 3- DNF U17 - Seal Sheild presents actiVwater - Kip Brown Lap 1 - 146.189 Lap 2 - 143.936 Lap 3 - 148.453 * 3:35pm U25 - Mister Homeloan presents Superior Racing - Ken Muscatel Lap 1 - DNF Lap 2 - DNF Lap 3 - DNF U1 - Oh Boy! Oberto - Steve David Lap 1 - 153.984 Lap 2 - 154.053 Lap 3 - 152.710 U5 - formulaboats.com - Jeff Bernard Lap 1 - 147.088 Lap 2 - 148.026 Lap 3 - 150.756 U7 - Graham Trucking - J Michael Kelly Lap 1 - 146.546 Lap 2 - 148.671 Lap 3 - 148.698 U37 - Renton Coil Spring - Jean Theoret Lap 1 - 147.783 Lap 2 - 148.300 Lap 3 - 148.484 U22 - Matrix Systems - Mike Webster Lap 1 - 128.385 Lap 2 - 128.410 Lap 3 - 129.029 U48 - Whirlpool presents Miss Albert Lee - Brian Perkins Lap 1 - 131.389 Lap 2 - 131.680 Lap 3 - DNF U100 - mirageboats.com - Greg Hopp Lap 1 - 139.497 Lap 2 - 141.612 Lap 3 - 102.110 U17 - Seal Sheild presents actiVwater - Kip Brown Lap 1 - 140.586 Lap 2 - 142.794 Lap 3 - DNF 3:30pm The qualifying has begun here in Evansville. So far the U3 Master Tire and the U25 Mr Homeloan presents Superior racing has passed this first time around. Here are the fastest speeds that were recorded this morning in the test session. (Not official). U1 - Oh Boy! Oberto - 154.582 U16 - Elam Plus - 153.659 U5 - formulaboats.com - 152.033 U3 - Master Tire - 151.841 U7 - Graham Trucking - 149.102 U17 - actiVwater - 148.576 U37 - Renton Coil Spring - 147.995 U100 - mirageboats.com - 143.220 U48 - Whilrpool presents Miss Albert Lee - 140.175 U25 - Mr Homeloan presents Superior Racing - 138.902 U22 - Matrix Systems - 133.737 12;55pm Steve David, in the community owned Oh Boy! Oberto, the oldest driver and team here this weekend is being pushed away from the dock. This boat debuted in 2007 and became the Naional Champion in its second season. Flying it as he exits turn two he comes out in lane 3 and turns a lap of 152.940mph. Still the fastest boat in the testing sessions today. Second lap speed 153.067mph. David cuts the cuts the course and returns to the pits. 12:45pm The U22 Matrix Systems owned by Steve Webster and driven by son Mike Webster is again out on the course. This is the Rookie Unlimited Hydro driver here this weekend. This boat was built back in 1997 by Ed Cooper. His first lap speed 127.341mph. The boat has an unusual sound to it as it makes its way around the course. Mike in about lane 3 his lap speed 128.523. 12:25pm Dave Villwock running now in the U16 Elam Plus. Running smooth as ever he turns his first lap at 149.691mph. Picking it up a little as he runs up the back stretch smooth. His second lap speed 152.001mph. Third lap 153.659mph. 12:20pm The speeds that Oh Boy! Oberto just ran have been disqualified due to an N2 violation, 12:15pm U5 formulaboats.com is now on the course. Jeff Bernard driving for Ted Porter. His first lap speed 149.629mph. Running smooth as he runs up the back chute. Second lap speed 149.940mph. Slowing now as he enters the lower turn here on the river. Cutting the course and returning to the pits. 12:05pm U1 Oh Boy! Oberto is back out as the sun peeks through the clouds. Steve posted the fastest run so far this morning at 154+. Evidently running some timing or testing runs as he slows on the back chute. His second lap speed considerably faster at 151.553mph. His third lap speed as the wind blows from the west right into his face, this speed 155.753mph. The fourth lap speed as he brings it in 155.891mph. His fastest and the fastest so far this weekend. 11:50am Miss Graham Trucking driven by J Michael Kelly is on the river. His speeds 146.538, 148.514, 148.484mph. 11:45am Kip Brown in the U17 running laps his speeds are 146.338, 146.457mph. The boat is improving each time they take it out. ABRA Hydroplanes are on Facebook. www.facebook.com\abrahydroplanes you can see pictures from series photographer Jim Simpson as he photographs all the weekends action on and off the water. 11:20am U1 Oh Boy! Oberto the current national champion is on the course as Steve David negotiates the Ohio River course. David from Lighthouse Point FL, taking some timing runs as he takes various runs at the start finish line. Running in lane three and lane two then slowing down in turn number one. Taking it way outside in lane number six, he screams past the S\F line. Qualifying matters as which ever position you reach you get to pick your lanes first. Several of the GP boats now want to test. 11:00am Mr Homeloan Presents Superior Racing driven by John Zimmerman a 5 ltr driver from Region 10 out west is trying for his unlimited drivers card. His first lap speed is 136.606mph. The boat is in the apex of turn two and goes down in the turn. 10:40am Brian Perkins taking the U48 Whirlpool Presents Miss Albert Lee running several laps of testing. His lap speeds were 1) 136.632, 2) 137.680, 3) 139.740, 4) 140.175. The U3 Master Tire, the hometown boat this weekend here in Evansville, driven by Jimmy King is now adding some sound to the race course as he takes Ed Coopers piston powered hydro out for a spin. His first lap speed 150.820. Riding so smooth as he runs down the course from the upper turn. His second lap speed 151.841mph. 10:05am J Michael Kelly is again on the course as he takes the Ted Porter owned hydro out. Kelly running it slow up the back chute as he warms the Lycoming L7 gas turbine up. Kelly having a nice boat ride as he come up the back stretch bringing the boat out of lane number 3 heading down for his first lap at 146.878mph. His second lap speed 148.545mph. His third lap speed 149.102mph. 9:55am Kip Brown is on the river again as he wants to test another set-up. This boat has inproved everytime it has gone out. First lap 144.167mph. This was his fastest time so far this morning. His second lap speed was a little slower as he no doubt was running a timing run. The speed 126.555mph. His third run was even faster at 148.576mph. 9:20am Jean Theoret is taking the yellow U37 Miss Renton Coil Springs out and turning lap speeds of 146.517mph, 147.995mph. 9:40am Jeff Bernard taking several laps on the clock as he tests his boat out. The U5 is third in the national points chase. His first lap speed is 146.520mph. Second lap speed 150.630mph. Bumping it up a little more as he runs a lap of 152.033mph. We are on a small pause as they want to reset the buoys again. Dave Villwock, driver of the Ellstrom Elam Plus from Ballard Washington has taken to the course he will be joined by Kip Brown in the U17 actiVwater. The 16 making it up the back stretch airing it out as he makes it through the turn is first lap is 141.220 as Villwock cuts the course in front of Kip Brown. Dave screaming up the back stretch and turning a lap of 130.816mph. Brown making his first lap on the clock, his speed 91.833mph. Villwock screaming down the front stretch his speed 150.441mph. Brown taking his second lap his speed, 142.062mph. U37 Miss Renton Coil Springs and the U3 Master Tire are both being lowered into the water as the 16 and the 17 both are returning to the pits. U100 mirageboats.com driven by Greg Hopp is taking a few laps during the test session this morning. Hopp taking it close to the buoy line as he runs down the front stretch. Hopp loves this boat he says, as it is the fastest boat that owner Fred Leland has in his stables. His first lap speed is 138.821mph. This is the boat the team has ran all season. His second lap is 141.306mph. 9:15am We are on a hold until they get a tow boat to get Mike Webster and his craft back to the pits! 9:10am The U22 Matrix System driven by Mike Webster is now on the course. Websters took about 16 months to convert this boat from piston to turbine powered. This is Websters first time on the Ohio River course for Webster. Walking back and forth as he brings it through the dog leg here on the front straightaway. He shuts it down in te apex of the first turn. U25 Mister Homeloan presents Superior Racing driven by Dr Ken Muscatel has his new boat here in Evansville. Swinging it wide on turn two as he takes his first warm-up lap. Ken taking it slow as he runs past Webster as he is drifting out of the course on the lower end. His first lap speed is 135.450mph. Second lap speed 136.762mph. This is Dr Kens 17th season as an unlimited driver. Third lap speed is 138.903mph. 9:00am The defending national champion U1 Oh Boy! Oberto driven by Steve David is now taking his turn at the practice session. David having trouble in Seattle with motor issues, is taking a close line on the buoys. His first lap speed for this morning is 149.411mph David taking no time in making his second lap his speed is 152.807mph.. Currently leading the national points race by only 249points. Third lap speed 154.416mph. This is the longest racing team here on the beach this weekend. Fourth lap speed 154.582mph. Slowing as he heads up the back stretch on the Kentucky side of the course no doubt happy with his boats performance this morning. 8:45am The go3racing.com is streaming both video and audio on their website. You can check back from time to time to update all the official results and news here at ABRAhydroplanes.com. The course has opened and the U1 Oh Boy! Oberto driven by Steve David is hanging over the water and is currently being strapped into his craft. Several of the teams are anxiously awaiting to test. J Michael Kelly, in the U7 Graham Trucking entry is now on the water. Kelly negotiating the back stretch as his team mate the U5 formulaboats.com driven by Jeff Bernard joins him. Kelly, a new father after the Gold Cup, turns his first lap at 146.371 mph. Bernard now passing in front of the judges stand and enters the lower turn. Kelly's second lap was 146.935mph. Bernard turns a lap of 138.982mph. Both teams are heading back into the pits. 8:30am Mother Nature has provided some of the best weather in Evansville records as temperatures are in the low 70's and a cloudy sky for the teams as they prepare for the testing session for this morning. Buoys are being set and the course is being prepared. Testing for both the Gran Prix and Unlimited Hydros is scheduled for 8:00 through the 10:00 hour. The river will be opened for one hour then both the G's and the U's will be allowed back on the water. Qualifying is slated to be this afternoon from 3:30pm CDT through 6:30pm. Eleven hydroplanes are in the pits for this years Thunder on the Ohio. U1 Oh Boy! Oberto U3 Master Tire U5 formulaboats.com U7 Graham Trucking U16 Ellstrom Elam Plus U17 actiVwater U22 Matrix Systems U25 Mister Homeloan presents Superior Racing U37 Renton Coil Spring U48 Whirlpool Presents Miss Albert Lee U100 Mirageboats.com |
