Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

In recent history the The Indiana Governor’s Cup is typically the first race of the H1 schedule. This season the Madison Regatta is the third stop on the elongated eight-race 2013 season. As you well know, Madison’s Bill Cantrell Race Course features some of the tightest turns on the circuit while accommodating just four raceable lanes. For the third consecutive year the racecourse will be shortened to approximately two miles due to ongoing work on the Milton-Madison Bridge that spans the Ohio River. The tight course layout means the racing will be divided into three sections per heat, with three or four boats competing in each heat of racing. More sections with fewer boats per heat will amount to higher point totals across the board. However, a spot on the condensed front line of the final and associated final heat points will be arduous to attain. Also a factor this year will be the weather and the high water levels of the river. H1 has already announced the cancellation of Friday’s events with all testing, qualifying, and racing to take place on Saturday and Sunday. The rain and high water are unfortunately destined to produce debris which may lead to a race of attrition on the Ohio. The same ten-boat fleet that raced in Sacramento is expected to vie for the Indiana Governors Cup in Madison.

HydroDan’s Three 2 Think About:

The Favorite: Heading home to Mad-Town following the Jerky Boat’s Sac-Town Smack-Down, it’s hard to pick against the defending National Champion U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto. Steve David and crew appear to have the field covered. Barring mechanical issues and/or penalties, this will be a home victory for Team Madison.

Improving: A solid fifth place finish in the final heat at Sacramento for N. Mark Evans and his U-57 FEDCO indicates marked improvement over the boats recent and previous performances. The hull and driver may be aging but the competitive spirit is alive and well in the 57 camp. The format and rough water may play in the favor of this team if you are looking for a value pick in Madison.

Threats: The only boats that appeared to have even a slight chance at beating the Oberto in Sacramento were the U-9 Red Dot and the U-5 Graham Trucking. Although the 9 was penalized in Heat 3 and the Final, they showed good speed early in the weekend and the ability to race for inside lanes. The U-5 also exhibited superior speed and was also able to secure inside lanes when required. Look for one of these two boats to give the Oberto a run for their money in Madison.