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USTS 2007 Mid-Season Check
The competition through the first half of the USTS season has been fantastic. Given that this is our 25th anniversary season, we should not be surmised that the drivers and their teams are working especially hard to garner as many points as possible. With an expanded schedule spread across many points in the East and Midwest, many drivers have found it necessary to miss some events. This has resulted in an interesting mix of points as we head to Constantine, our 5th race of the season. With the PRO National Championships following the next weekend in DePue, teams must decide whether to husband their best engines or propellers or to shoot for an all important win at one of the most challenging races courses in the country. Last year saw fierce heat at Constantine and many engines (and pistons) fell victim to the conditions.
Let’s visit the point status for each class:
K PRO Hydro:
Wow, Travis Ellsion is guarding a narrow advantage over the Elderege sisters, Amy and Wendy. I know that these girls will be come on strong in the remaining events. Also, Todd Anderson is running very and certainly has the ability to win heats and close the point gap. New comer Zach McGuire is also in the hunt and continues to steadily improve.
125 Hydro:
Dave Jones remains out front after the first four events, despite missing the last two races. Tim Small is in second, although he been concentrating more of his efforts towards the runabouts this season. Ralph Donald has run very steady and lurks in third place.
Paulie Bosnich has closed the gap on Dave with a win in DePue and third in Winona.
125 Runabout:
Brian Payn has a small margin of points ahead of Paulie and Michael Ellison. Buddy Tennell also is within striking distance. While Brian remains the favorite, the class points title is absolutely up for grabs still. When you only have 1 cylinder, you never know what might happen.
250 Hydro:
Chris Hellsten and Brandon Thirlby are tied at the top of this very competitive class. Brandon has taken advantage of driving “borrowed” boats and has really done very well. He would have the out right lead except for Beat Gun in the second heat at Inverness. Bruce Summers is in third and has a very realistic opportunity to catch the leaders over the next race or two.
250 Runabout:
Chris Hellsten and Rich Krier have a “race win” cushion over Tim Small, but this class is still very open. Brian Payn abd company will look to close the gap with more consistent performances in the next several races.
350 Hydro:
Gary Buskirk and Ike Yoder have attended all 4 races to date and enjoy the first and second point positions respectively. Jeff Kugler is dominant, but has made only two events. The Kuglers do not typically attend Constantine as they prepare for the Nationals. Look for Gary and Ike to work hard to extend their advantage, as both are from Michigan will race hard for the win at Constantine.
350 Runabout:
Unlike most of our classes, this 350cc Runabout is really a contest between Mike Thrilby and Rich Krier. This class is extremely competitive, but only Mike and Rich have managed consistent finishes in the first 4 events. With Mike and Rich tied in points, you can bet that Constantine will see them throw every trick of the trade in the effort to win.
500 Hydro:
Sean McKean and Brandon Thirlby have been the class of the field to date. While Sean has been frustrated in the 1100 class, he managed to put the venerable Yamato out front in 500cc. Brandon has run well also, but needs solid finishes for the rest of the season to have a chance of overcoming Sean’s point advantage.
500 Runabout:
Mike Thirlby is simply running away with the points chase in this crowd-favorite class. Running fast and along the inside lane, he has been able to hold all challengers with the exception of Tony Walk who grabbed a race win at Winona. Tony on the outside and Mike on the inside, look for another great Duel at Constantine.
1100 Hydro:
Brandon Thirlby is nursing a small lead over Ike Yoder. Ike has not had the speed to lead at all times, but he has been rewarded with consistent finishes. Sean McKean has also run well, but has struggled to get the new Rossi dialed-in. But, you know that will change!! Pat Wright was chasing closely until is mishap at Winona. Look for Pat and is Konny to bounce later in the season.
So, most classes are still up for grabs. Constantine will be a pivotal event in the season long points chase. The story will be made all the more intriguing, as boats racers that typically attend only a few events show-up in preparation for the Nationals. More than a few “spoilers” will give their all to take win against the best competition in the country.
Testing will open the Constantine race weekend on July 20th. The weekend’s racing will kick-off Saturday at 12:30PM and Sunday at 12:30 PM.
The competition through the first half of the USTS season has been fantastic. Given that this is our 25th anniversary season, we should not be surmised that the drivers and their teams are working especially hard to garner as many points as possible. With an expanded schedule spread across many points in the East and Midwest, many drivers have found it necessary to miss some events. This has resulted in an interesting mix of points as we head to Constantine, our 5th race of the season. With the PRO National Championships following the next weekend in DePue, teams must decide whether to husband their best engines or propellers or to shoot for an all important win at one of the most challenging races courses in the country. Last year saw fierce heat at Constantine and many engines (and pistons) fell victim to the conditions.
Let’s visit the point status for each class:
K PRO Hydro:
Wow, Travis Ellsion is guarding a narrow advantage over the Elderege sisters, Amy and Wendy. I know that these girls will be come on strong in the remaining events. Also, Todd Anderson is running very and certainly has the ability to win heats and close the point gap. New comer Zach McGuire is also in the hunt and continues to steadily improve.
125 Hydro:
Dave Jones remains out front after the first four events, despite missing the last two races. Tim Small is in second, although he been concentrating more of his efforts towards the runabouts this season. Ralph Donald has run very steady and lurks in third place.
Paulie Bosnich has closed the gap on Dave with a win in DePue and third in Winona.
125 Runabout:
Brian Payn has a small margin of points ahead of Paulie and Michael Ellison. Buddy Tennell also is within striking distance. While Brian remains the favorite, the class points title is absolutely up for grabs still. When you only have 1 cylinder, you never know what might happen.
250 Hydro:
Chris Hellsten and Brandon Thirlby are tied at the top of this very competitive class. Brandon has taken advantage of driving “borrowed” boats and has really done very well. He would have the out right lead except for Beat Gun in the second heat at Inverness. Bruce Summers is in third and has a very realistic opportunity to catch the leaders over the next race or two.
250 Runabout:
Chris Hellsten and Rich Krier have a “race win” cushion over Tim Small, but this class is still very open. Brian Payn abd company will look to close the gap with more consistent performances in the next several races.
350 Hydro:
Gary Buskirk and Ike Yoder have attended all 4 races to date and enjoy the first and second point positions respectively. Jeff Kugler is dominant, but has made only two events. The Kuglers do not typically attend Constantine as they prepare for the Nationals. Look for Gary and Ike to work hard to extend their advantage, as both are from Michigan will race hard for the win at Constantine.
350 Runabout:
Unlike most of our classes, this 350cc Runabout is really a contest between Mike Thrilby and Rich Krier. This class is extremely competitive, but only Mike and Rich have managed consistent finishes in the first 4 events. With Mike and Rich tied in points, you can bet that Constantine will see them throw every trick of the trade in the effort to win.
500 Hydro:
Sean McKean and Brandon Thirlby have been the class of the field to date. While Sean has been frustrated in the 1100 class, he managed to put the venerable Yamato out front in 500cc. Brandon has run well also, but needs solid finishes for the rest of the season to have a chance of overcoming Sean’s point advantage.
500 Runabout:
Mike Thirlby is simply running away with the points chase in this crowd-favorite class. Running fast and along the inside lane, he has been able to hold all challengers with the exception of Tony Walk who grabbed a race win at Winona. Tony on the outside and Mike on the inside, look for another great Duel at Constantine.
1100 Hydro:
Brandon Thirlby is nursing a small lead over Ike Yoder. Ike has not had the speed to lead at all times, but he has been rewarded with consistent finishes. Sean McKean has also run well, but has struggled to get the new Rossi dialed-in. But, you know that will change!! Pat Wright was chasing closely until is mishap at Winona. Look for Pat and is Konny to bounce later in the season.
So, most classes are still up for grabs. Constantine will be a pivotal event in the season long points chase. The story will be made all the more intriguing, as boats racers that typically attend only a few events show-up in preparation for the Nationals. More than a few “spoilers” will give their all to take win against the best competition in the country.
Testing will open the Constantine race weekend on July 20th. The weekend’s racing will kick-off Saturday at 12:30PM and Sunday at 12:30 PM.
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