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Rank No. 1
U-6 – Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison
Driver: Steven David – Lighthouse, FL
Home Port:Madison, IN
HydroDan says: With the Ellstrom families 96 likely sidelined for the opener in Doha, the Jerky Boat is most definitely the sled to beat. Will make final with a win likely.
Rank No. 2
U-5 – Graham Trucking
Driver: Jimmy Shane – Harve de Grace, MD
Home Port: Decatur, IN
HydroDan says: This ex-Bud Hull with a young up-and-coming shoe at the wheel just won on Doha Bay a few weeks ago. The 5 is more than capable of doing it again. Will make final and could win.
Rank No. 3
U-9 – Miss Red Dot
Driver: Jon Zimmerman
Homeport: Kent, WA
HydroDan says: This underfunded team just completed a whale of a comeback campaign in 2012. The refreshed hull and maturing driver appear poised for more success. Will make final. With luck, or mistakes by others, could win.
Rank No. 4
U-95 – Spirit of Qatar Racing II (Renumbered U-17)
Drivers: Kip Brown – Preston, WA
Home Port: Preston, WA
HydroDan says: Team Ellstrom’s know-how, and the addition of their top-flight equipment, should boost this already competitive team to nearly elite status in Doha. Will make final. With luck, or mistakes by others, could win.
Rank No. 5
U-96 – Spirit of Qatar
Driver: Dave Villwock – Auburn, WA
Home Port: Ballard
HydroDan says: If not for severe damage suffered at the season ender in Doha, and the likelihood that Dave Villwock will be suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct for at least one race, the 96 would be ranked just below the Oberto. At this time it is unclear if repairs will be completed and the 96 will be ready to hit Doha Bay at all. If in, could win.
Rank No. 6
U-37 – Miss Beacon Plumbing
Driver: J. Michael Kelly – Puyallup, WA
Home Port: Seattle, WA
HydroDan says: The U-37 carves beautiful corners but lacks elite top end speed. JMK is adept at procuring inside lanes. A punchers chance in every heat. Should make final. A win not likely.
Rank No. 7
U-11 – Peters & May
Driver: Tom Thompson – Cambridge, Maryland
Home Port: Edmonds, WA
HydroDan says: Look for the Team, as well as the inexperienced new driver’s performance, to improve over the course of the season. Chance to make final.
Rank No. 8
U-88 – Snoqualmie Casino (Renumbered U-21)
Driver: Brian Perkins – Maple Valley, WA
Home Port: Maple Valley, WA?
HydroDan says: Boat ride looked good in Doha the last time around. May surprise. Chance to make final.
Rank No. 9
U-100 – Leland Unlimited
Driver: Ryan mallow – Enumclaw, WA
Home Port: Kirkland, WA
HydroDan says: Does not appear to have the beans to compete with more modern and advanced hulls. Will not make final.
Rank No. 10
U-57 – FEDCO/Formulaboats.com
Driver: N. Mark Evans – Chelan, WA
Home Port: Chelan, WA
HydroDan says: Does not appear to have the beans to compete with more modern and advanced hulls. Will not make final.
Posted on: Feb 03 2013 12:56 AM UTC
Edited on: Feb 05 2013 11:14 PM UTC
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