Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

As the H1 unlimiteds head to the Detroit River for the most prestigious race in all of powerboat racing, the APBA Gold Cup, the fleet remains in relatively stout shape coming out of the first race in Madison, IN. With the exception of the mechanical gremlins experienced by the U-37 Beacon Plumbing and the U-13 Spirit of Detroit, the fleet exited the Ohio River Vally unscathed and in proper order. Difficulties presented by extreme weather in Madison on Sunday were insignificant compared to last season’s demolition derby on the river. Several boats required extensive repair, and the Oberto/Madison team had to lease a backup hull prior to the 2011 Gold Cup.

When making your Deck2Deck fantasy pick this week, remember: The Gold Cup features an extra flight of heats, for a total of four elimination heats leading up to the winner-take-all final. With 12 hulls jamming the Horace Dodge Pits, there will likely be three sections per heat. This will open up additional opportunities to score, as fewer boats per heat will improve lane position and water conditions across the board. As always, the H1 fleet will not only be competing against each other, but will also have to survive the three-mile Gold Cup course featuring the famed Roostertail Turn.

HydroDan’s Three to Think About — Detroit

Hot Start:

It’s clear that the Gold Cup is the U-1 Spirit of Qatar 96 or U-6 Oh Boy Oberto’s to lose. However, the solid third-place finish by the U-88 Degree for Men in Madison suggests the three-year hiatus by USA Racing Partners, and the untested boat/driver combination of the T-3 and Scott Liddycoat will not deter this up-and-coming team from competing for wins. The “new” team is off to a hot start and should only gain momentum in the Motor City. Look for Liddycoat and the U-88 to contend all weekend for heat victories and another podium finish in the final.

Speed to Compete:

Jimmy Shane and the U-5 Graham Trucking displayed near-elite level speed at Madison, qualifying in third position behind only the U-1 and U-6 by ~2 mph and ahead of the U-88 by ~3 mph. The T-6 hull proved it still has the beans to compete. If not for a tough day behind the wheel of his new ride for Shane, the U-5 would have made the final.

Geared for Success:

After qualifying mid-pack at Madison at 140.66 mph, the U-17 Miss Red Dot went on to collect a heat win, two second places, and finished fourth in the final. The solid effort was accomplished with gear ratios that were not ideal for the tight two-mile course in Madison. According to driver Kip Brown, the team is geared better for the big 2.5 mile Gold Cup race course. Look out for the 17!