Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

Whether you’re an “ace in the hole” or “point early” Deck2Deck player, you may still be struggling to fill the slot opened by the late addition of San Diego Bayfair to the calendar. Selecting the highest-value non-podium boat is no easy task, and the complexion of the fleet changes at each event. If you are going for a bold pick to differentiate yourself from others in your league, the U-13 provides such an opportunity. This boat, with an illustrious history and a winning driver, should not be ignored when trying to divine this weekend’s leader of the mid-pack.

While one of the older hulls on the circuit, the 13 has a history of winning. Its current tally is 23 unlimited wins, the second-highest of all time. Racing as the Circus Circus, the Winston Eagle, the Smokin’ Joe’s, and the Al Deeby Dodge, this hull has its name on the APBA Gold Cup four times.

New driver Cal Phipps, while a rookie in the unlimited ranks, is already a champion on Mission Bay. Chauffeuring the G10 Miss Titeflex-Frazee Paints, Cal took first place in the 2008 Thunderboat Regatta G-class final.

Only the top ten National High Points boats will make the trip to Doha, Qatar for the upcoming UIM World Championship. While it is an option for other mid-pack boats to drive conservatively in San Diego and save their equipment for Doha, do not expect U-13 owner Dave Bartush to ask his team to take it easy this weekend. The 13 sits in ninth place in the National High Points standings, and a mere 32 points ahead of the tenth-place U-22. Expect eleventh-place Dr. Ken Muscatel to bring a boat race to ’em as he attempts to make up ground and get the U-25 loaded into the container. Look for a strong effort all weekend from the Spirit of Detroit camp as they race for pride and passage to Qatar.