KENNEWICK -- Erick Ellstrom, team owner and crew chief for the U-96 Spirit of Qatar, pointed out if his team was to win Sunday's final, it would make the U-96 the winningest hull ever in the sport with 24 victories.

Ellstrom picked up his first career victory here on the Columbia River in 2000.

"It was the most expensive day of my life," Ellstrom said.

Once he won, he had to have more victories. So he spent more money on equipment.