Friday, Jun. 01, 2007

Unlimiteds run on the Columbia today (w/ video)

By Victor Graf, tricityherald.com

It's June, and the unlimited hydroplane racing season begins later this month.

The hot weather and calm conditions on the Columbia River prompted training sessions today for the U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing and U-48 Miss Lakeridge Paving.

Click here for links to interview with Bill Schumacher, Greg O'Farrell and David Williams.

A small crowd in Columbia Park milled about the two yellow trucks, looking at two sleek boats -- also yellow -- waiting in the Lampson Pits to be hoisted and lowered into the water.

Some fans snapped pictures. Others watched as crew members made last-minute changes before test runs. The American Boat Racing Association series begins in Evansville, Ind., on June 29-July 1.

The Tri-City Water Follies Atomic Cup will be the fourth spot on the six-race circuit. The races run July 27-29.

For U-37, Schumacher Racing is looking to improve on its fourth-place finish in the season points standings.

For U-48, Miss Lakeridge Paving, it's a whole new game. Today's run was the first time that the crew took its newly purchased and refurbished hull out on the water. Owner Greg O'Farrell has sponsored several teams in the past and recently took the opportunity to purchase this hull, which has won the cup three times in the Tri-Cities.

However, the U-48 team will run only the three West Coast races this season -- Tri-Cities, Seattle (Aug. 3-5) and the series finale in San Diego on Sept. 14-16.

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