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US Title Series Concludes Season at Raleigh
The USTS finished its 2006 racing season with a great weekend of racing on Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, NC. A good turnout of boats braved threatening weather for 3 straight days and put in a great display of PRO racing at its best. For a second straight year, the Park’s Department and American Legion Post #1 did an outstanding job of getting everything organized for our arrival. We appreciate all their efforts and the positive attitudes that they exhibit throughout the weekend. A special thank you is extended to Robby and Debra Galletta and their company Vertical Rehab for the donation of 2 great raffle prizes. We want to mention that Brian Peterson and Ray Downes donated both their boats and time for patrol boat duty. These generous contributions made a big difference during the weekend’s activities.
Friday’s weather left much to be desired with considerable rain and wind. The weather did let-up enough late in the afternoon to allow about 3 hours of testing. The Augustine Team debuted a brand new MJR 250cc hydroplane. The first few laps were exciting, as David, Jr. verified that some air trap needed to be removed!! Fortunately, David kept that boat on the water and brought back in one piece. Thanks to our safety man Fred for braving the elements on Friday and all-weekend long.
Saturday started with a consistent drizzle that faded-out by the time we began racing. The water temperature of 74 degrees was considerably warmer than the air temperature. This resulted in rooster tails creating considerable fog, as boats maneuvered around the race course. Combined with the overall overcast conditions, visibility was not at its best. But our USTS drivers demonstrated great driving skills all day and there were no incidents. 350 hydroplane and 500 runabout put on the best races of the day. Jeff Kugler prevailed in 350 hydroplane, but Mike Schmidt made steady progress with a new 350 Rossi (2-cylinder). Mike won the final heat handily and served notice that this engine will be one to contend with in 2007. Gary Buskirk ran solid all weekend in his VRP powered Schumacher. Gary will be a serious contender in 350 hydro in 2007. Michael Thirlby held-off a hard charging Steve Litzell in 500 runabout. Steve had a great speed in his VRP powered haul, but Mike took the inside lane and used lightening quick acceleration to his advantage. It was great to see the 250cc Runabouts of Mike Krier and Chris Hellsten return after their accident at the Nationals. Both rigs ran very well and look to be in top form once again. Tim Small’s Rossi powered Krier rig also looks solid going into 2007.
Sunday’s weather was a little better. The rain stayed away and the racing conditions were good overall. This day saw several classes with a good number of entries. Chris Hellsten prevailed over a field of 11 250 hydroplanes. Jeff Kugler (1st heat) and Bruce Summers (second heat) gave chase to Chris, but broke in the process of over taking him. Mike Schmidt and Ben Thompson had a really good race in the final heat to determine second overall. Unfortunately for Ben, his engine gave-up just short of the finish-line. The 350 runabouts put on 3 thrilling heats of racing and it seemed that every one of the 8 entries led at sometime!! In the final heat, Mike Krier, Rich Krier and Mike Thirlby put on an outstanding race that had the 3 evenly matched drivers trying every trick in the book. But Mark Stahl had the last laugh, as these three drivers all jumped the gun in the final heat. 125 hydro featured 10 entries and very close racing. BJ Tetro put together 3 outstanding heats and took the win.
Amy Elderege led the way all weekend in KPRO with her sister Wendy giving chase. The Ellison boys stayed in the mix, as did Brennan Burkland and Wendy Nicholson. The “kids” demonstrated plenty of skill over 4 heats of racing during the weekend and all remained in their boats. OSY400 hit the starting line Sunday with 12 boats abreast. The first heat concluded when Dennis Burke took the only bath of the weekend on the last lap. Dennis was not injured and his boat suffered only light damage. The OSY’s put on a solid display of tight racing over the ¾ mile course. Billy Allen appeared to be out front much of the time with Bill Giles in close pursuit.
Sadly, the 2006 racing season is behind us. Thanks to all our volunteers that worked on the Judges stand. Their diligence got us off the water early each day. We very fortunate to have such unselfish volunteers!! Kristi did an excellent job as race chairperson. I do not know how she does it all, but I am glad she does!! It was wonderful to have the Davis/Burton family with us over the weekend. Nick is still very much in our minds and in our hearts. The family is doing well and we look forward to spending more time with them in 2007.
See you all in Chicago Nov 4th.
Kristi
The USTS finished its 2006 racing season with a great weekend of racing on Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, NC. A good turnout of boats braved threatening weather for 3 straight days and put in a great display of PRO racing at its best. For a second straight year, the Park’s Department and American Legion Post #1 did an outstanding job of getting everything organized for our arrival. We appreciate all their efforts and the positive attitudes that they exhibit throughout the weekend. A special thank you is extended to Robby and Debra Galletta and their company Vertical Rehab for the donation of 2 great raffle prizes. We want to mention that Brian Peterson and Ray Downes donated both their boats and time for patrol boat duty. These generous contributions made a big difference during the weekend’s activities.
Friday’s weather left much to be desired with considerable rain and wind. The weather did let-up enough late in the afternoon to allow about 3 hours of testing. The Augustine Team debuted a brand new MJR 250cc hydroplane. The first few laps were exciting, as David, Jr. verified that some air trap needed to be removed!! Fortunately, David kept that boat on the water and brought back in one piece. Thanks to our safety man Fred for braving the elements on Friday and all-weekend long.
Saturday started with a consistent drizzle that faded-out by the time we began racing. The water temperature of 74 degrees was considerably warmer than the air temperature. This resulted in rooster tails creating considerable fog, as boats maneuvered around the race course. Combined with the overall overcast conditions, visibility was not at its best. But our USTS drivers demonstrated great driving skills all day and there were no incidents. 350 hydroplane and 500 runabout put on the best races of the day. Jeff Kugler prevailed in 350 hydroplane, but Mike Schmidt made steady progress with a new 350 Rossi (2-cylinder). Mike won the final heat handily and served notice that this engine will be one to contend with in 2007. Gary Buskirk ran solid all weekend in his VRP powered Schumacher. Gary will be a serious contender in 350 hydro in 2007. Michael Thirlby held-off a hard charging Steve Litzell in 500 runabout. Steve had a great speed in his VRP powered haul, but Mike took the inside lane and used lightening quick acceleration to his advantage. It was great to see the 250cc Runabouts of Mike Krier and Chris Hellsten return after their accident at the Nationals. Both rigs ran very well and look to be in top form once again. Tim Small’s Rossi powered Krier rig also looks solid going into 2007.
Sunday’s weather was a little better. The rain stayed away and the racing conditions were good overall. This day saw several classes with a good number of entries. Chris Hellsten prevailed over a field of 11 250 hydroplanes. Jeff Kugler (1st heat) and Bruce Summers (second heat) gave chase to Chris, but broke in the process of over taking him. Mike Schmidt and Ben Thompson had a really good race in the final heat to determine second overall. Unfortunately for Ben, his engine gave-up just short of the finish-line. The 350 runabouts put on 3 thrilling heats of racing and it seemed that every one of the 8 entries led at sometime!! In the final heat, Mike Krier, Rich Krier and Mike Thirlby put on an outstanding race that had the 3 evenly matched drivers trying every trick in the book. But Mark Stahl had the last laugh, as these three drivers all jumped the gun in the final heat. 125 hydro featured 10 entries and very close racing. BJ Tetro put together 3 outstanding heats and took the win.
Amy Elderege led the way all weekend in KPRO with her sister Wendy giving chase. The Ellison boys stayed in the mix, as did Brennan Burkland and Wendy Nicholson. The “kids” demonstrated plenty of skill over 4 heats of racing during the weekend and all remained in their boats. OSY400 hit the starting line Sunday with 12 boats abreast. The first heat concluded when Dennis Burke took the only bath of the weekend on the last lap. Dennis was not injured and his boat suffered only light damage. The OSY’s put on a solid display of tight racing over the ¾ mile course. Billy Allen appeared to be out front much of the time with Bill Giles in close pursuit.
Sadly, the 2006 racing season is behind us. Thanks to all our volunteers that worked on the Judges stand. Their diligence got us off the water early each day. We very fortunate to have such unselfish volunteers!! Kristi did an excellent job as race chairperson. I do not know how she does it all, but I am glad she does!! It was wonderful to have the Davis/Burton family with us over the weekend. Nick is still very much in our minds and in our hearts. The family is doing well and we look forward to spending more time with them in 2007.
See you all in Chicago Nov 4th.
Kristi
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