Steve David gave Art Oberto a victory at Seafair two years ago for his 80th birthday present.

KENNEWICK -- Unlimited hydroplane racing has had its share of controversy over the years, and Saturday's Lamb Weston Columbia Cup added to that legacy with another chapter of the soap opera called As the Turbine Turns.

KENNEWICK -- It was the same old story on the unlimited hydroplane circuit Friday at Lampson Pits.

KENNEWICK -- Dave Villwock looked so out of place Thursday afternoon as he stood next to the unlimited hydroplane he drives, the U-16 Miss Elam Plus.

KENNEWICK -- Steve David looked around the pits at the APBA Detroit Gold Cup a few weeks ago and laughed.

KENNEWICK -- The economic chill that's been running up the spines of consumers and business owners in recent months seems to have melted away with the Tri-Cities' July heat, at least when it comes to the area's signature summer event: hydroplane racing.

Hull No.: U-1

KENNEWICK -- When it comes to racing unlimited hydroplanes, the Columbia River is known as a superspeedway.

The 44th version of the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup gets under way this Friday.

DETROIT -- Dave Villwock has found many different ways to earn his 58 career unlimited hydroplane victories.

At the age of 55, Steve David has to be considered the senior statesman of the unlimited hydroplane circuit.