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In this four-part series, Deck2Deck introduces you to the 2017 H1 Fleet and looks ahead at the upcoming fantasy season.
The three boats that D2D identifies as "fast yet infrequent" are those boats that have solid driver/equipment combinations, but are not likely to run the full circuit this season. These boats have the potential to beat anyone in the fleet, given the right opportunity.
HydroDan’s Preseason Rank: No. 6
U-3 – Go3 Cooper’s Express
Driver: Jimmy King – Wales, MI
Home Port: Evansville, IN
After running four fifths of the 2015 season, the 2016 season witnessed the return of Mr. Cooper’s big red turbinator (0203) for just two races in the State of Washington. The U-3 finished on the podium in Tri-Cities and showed it still can run with the Lycoming crowd. Although the team’s plans are still in flux for the season, we certainly hope the 3 gets wet at every stop on the circuit, as fans still enthusiastically root for the WWII Allison powerplant of the Cooper Team.
HydroDan’s Preseason Rank: No. 5
U-27 – Wiggins Racing
Driver: Cal Phipps – Detroit, MI
Home Port: Gadsden, AL
After a successful maiden campaign for Milt and Charlie Wiggins in 2015, the 2016 season got off to a disastrous start with a catastrophic flip in Madison, IN. The former Our Gang racing hull (0717) returned to race in the season finale on Mission Bay but only garnered 60 points that weekend. Wiggins Racing has put the finishing touches on offseason repairs and tested the boat in Guntersville, AL. The Alabama-based team also participated in the non-points exhibition in Madison, IN with relief driver JW Meyers at the controls. The Motor City’s own Cal Phipps will again assume regular-season driver duties for Wiggins Racing. Team Wiggins will strive to recapture the magic of their 2015 season, although it appears the team will not travel out west this season.
HydroDan’s Preseason Rank: No. 4
U-16 – Ellstrom Racing
Driver: J.W. Myers – Burien, WA
Home Port: Ballard, WA
Last season the Ellstrom team participated at the Washington races under the Oh Boy! Oberto banner. It appears that will be the case again this season. Back in the saddle is veteran racer JW Meyers. Out is veteran racer Jean Theoret. The boat showed plenty of speed in 2016 but mistakes, primarily driver error, cost the team a potential victory in Tri Cities. The U-16 (1496) will look to improve on the raw luck of last season as the teams boasts a depth of knowledge and equipment that most other teams covet.
Posted on: Jul 24 2017 10:12 PM UTC
Edited on: Jul 24 2017 10:24 PM UTC
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