Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

The H1 fleet is set to mix it up in San Diego this weekend for the Air National Guard Championship on Mission Bay. The fleet, after more than a month to retune and make adjustments should be in fine shape to put on a great show for the many thousand sun drenched southern California hydroplane fans. San Diego will see a change of the starting procedure rules. *Out is the fight for lanes *that has produced fine racing to date, but apparently too much damaged equipment for H1’s liking. *In is a blind draw *for lane choice for each heat of racing. This will likely cost those like J. Michael Kelly, Jeff Bernard and Steve David the most as they have proven to be proficient at garnering the desired inside lanes.

Heavy Favorite: The Bullet from Ballard U-96 Spirit of Qatar is no doubt the best boat on the circuit. If not for hooking the boat in Madison and an amazing pre-race maneuver in Seattle by Steve David to grab lane one, it would likely be a series sweep to date for the U-96.

Big Gains: If the U-88 Degree For Men did not have bad luck in Seattle they would not have had any luck at all. The slick looking black boat was chopped, fouled, and suffered boat damage that kept them out of the hunt for a Seafair trophy. When J. Michael Kelly was able to find clean water he displayed deft capability in his new craft. Look for a big rebound in San Diego for the U-88.

Take Caution: the U-17 showed well at the first three races before appearing to loose speed in Seattle. A driving error by Kip Brown in which he fouled the U-88 cost the Team as well. The underfunded Our Gang Team has run conservatively in the corrosive salt water in San Diego.