Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

After the 6 boat appetizer in Guntersville, followed by the seven boat salad in Madison, the H1 Unlimited fleet heads west to Tri-Cities, Washington for what very likely will be a 10 boat main course of the 2019 season. The running of Columbia Cup this weekend will be the first of two races requiring TWO BOAT SELECTIONS. As in recent years, the Water Follies will also provide race fans with four flights of heats prior to the final, matching the Gold Cup for boat racing action. Fantasy players should take note of this point-earning opportunity and load for bear in TC. Boats scheduled to appear in Tri-Cities are as follows:

U-1 Delta RealTrac (Andrew Tate)
U-3 Griggs Ace Hardware (Jimmy King)
U-6 Miss HomeStreet (Jimmy Shane)
U-7 Boitano Homes/ Spirit of Detroit (Bert Henderson)
U-11 Reliable Diamond Tool presents J&D’s (Jamie Nilsen *Will need to requalify)
U-12 Graham Trucking (J Michael Kelly)
U-98 Graham Trucking American Dream (Corey Peabody)
U-99.9 PayneWest Insurance (Brian Perkins)
U-440 Bucket List Racing (Dustin Echols)
U-1918 Oberto Specialty Meats (Jeff Bernard)

HydroDan’s Three 2 Think About:

Finally out of Drydock: H1’s only piston-powered boat has not seen racing action in 2019 after declining to appear at the Southern Cup and skipping their home-state Governor’s Gold Cup, the Evansville based camp has again secured the backing of TC-based Griggs Ace Hardware and will make its debut on the Columbia. Expect long-time driver Jimmy King to bring his heavy foot to Hydro Town.

Oh Boy! Bernard: The previous Miss Madison hull, last run in Tri-Cities, Washington as the HomeStreet Bank, will return to the circuit as the Oberto Specialty Meats and will be chauffeured by veteran shoe Jeff Bernard. The boat has been rechristened the U-1918 for the last three races of the season, a tribute to the Oberto company’s founding in 1918. Bernard is currently qualified and will be allowed to race from the get-go this weekend.

New Hull Alert! PayneWest Insurance is a long standing and recognizable sponsorship in the sport of hydroplane racing, however, 2019 will mark the first time it’s livery will be on the decks of a brand new Go Fast Turn Left race boat. The new GFTL hull has been in the works for many years and it is finally ready to see the water this weekend. The new U-99.9 is untested and unproven. Pay close attention on Friday during testing and qualifying to Brian Perkins in his new ride prior to selecting the 99.9 for this weekend. We hope she floats!