Monday, May. 21, 2007

Happy Go Lucky needs a little luck for win

By BRANDON JONES HERALD STAFF WRITER

A record 13 Unlimited Lights hydroplanes put on a show for fans at Howard Amon Park on the second day of the first-ever Desert Thunder Regatta.

Many surprises were in store for fans throughout the day.

Kayleigh Perkins, 18, won the second heat of her ultra light career and also placed second in her first heat of the day, making her the point leader going into the final.

Another surprise was the Baker Equipment team reaching the final despite having zero points.

There was no surprise in the number one spot as UL-1 Hopp Racing presents Happy Go Lucky and driver Greg Hopp came away with the season-opening victory. The four-time defending UL champion team scrambled to get to the final and beat UL-929 Xaudaro Racing with driver Vince "X-Man" Xaudaro in a close six-boat race.

"We were having some issues with oil pressure, the starter and spark plugs, but I've got the best crew so it all worked out," Hopp said.

Hopp Racing used its backup boat, because the new one was not ready for racing.

"Hey, I can't argue with the results. It's always good to get that first win," Hopp said

There was a scary moment in what was expected to be one of the most intense races of the day. During the race B main race, driver Joe Turner was going around Turn 2 of the course when his right sponson detached from his boat. This caused a large hole to form near the front of his UL-18 Countrywide-Straitthunder.com..

"I got the canopy open and water was rushing in. Then the boat started to sink and I couldn't see anything. Luckily my oxygen mask was working and divers got me out of there," Turner said.

Turner did not need to go to the hospital and was "just a little wet" after the incident.

Since Turner was unable to compete, a spot opened up, but the next three teams in order of rank declined to fill the position because of boat damage or already being packed up. So the offer fell to the UL-8 Baker Equipment team and driver Michael Flaherty. Going into the B main, the team had zero points.

The B main was again delayed because the UL-83 Power Punch and driver Wil Muncey stalled in the water and presented a hazard to the other drivers.

Hopp wound up winning the race but was unhappy he had to put his boat through extra wear and tear. Earlier in the day, Hopp and two other teams could not get their boats started in time to complete a heat. This put him behind in points and pushed him into the B main instead of the final.

The final consisted of three teams who had already qualified, UL-929 with Xaudaro, UL-72 with Perkins, UL-62 IRS Environmental-Benz Electric with driver Rod Bourke in addition to the teams that qualified through the B main: UL-33 Estes Racing Presents-Miss Graham Trucking and the UL-8 with Michael Flaherty and UL-1 with Gregg Hopp.

Before the final, Xaudaro, a Kennewick native, was excited to put on a good show for his hometown fans.

"When I'm out there I'm thinking, 'Wow this must look really cool, and that's what it's all about, making the fans happy.' "

Xaudaro did just that. He exchanged the lead with Hopp numerous time for the first two laps, but hit some rough water near the middle of the third and finish second.

"This is a great place, I have a great crew and we're going to keep trying to get faster," said Xaudaro.

Perkins and the UL-72 Miss Boat Electric team continued to impress and finished third in the final race. She finished first in total points.

"I could not be happier with this weekend. I have to thank the fans and Richland for making this a great event," Perkins said.

Perkins impressed many veteran drivers and earned their respect.

"I got beat by a girl!" Rod Bourke said jokingly. "She's a great driver and great competitor and I was impressed by all the rookies out here."

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