Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

Deck2Deck recently spoke with N. Mark Evans, driver of the U-57 Formulaboats.com.

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Can you describe for us the off-season upgrades made to the U-57?

Well, the boat was really a handful last year as far as handling. It was hard to set into the turns and control. This past off-season my GP crew came out and helped us with the 57. We installed a new rudder and realigned the skidfin. The rudder and skidfin were out of alignment last season and really made it difficult to race. I think it should be a big improvement over last season as far as handing. I am excited too for brother Mitch to be my radio man all season. I don’t like much chatter on the radios. I’m used to running with no radios, but to hear his calm voice is great. Really looking forward to having him with us all season.

What course do you think is best suited to your driving abilities?

Prior to my big crash in Detroit in 2003 I would say the really rough courses like Seattle and Detroit. I liked the physical courses, because I considered myself a physical guy and could take the pounding. I thought the rough courses would maybe wear down some of the other guys. Now, at this point in my life, a nice smooth San Diego from the outside is just fine with me.

What course do you think is best suited to your hull and your equipment?

We have one of the widest and flightiest hulls in the fleet, so I think the short course in Madison should be pretty good for us.

What race is most significant for you to win at and why?

I’ve won in a lot of places: Seattle, Tri-Cities, Madison, San Diego. But I’ve never won in Detroit, never won the Gold Cup. I would really like to win a Gold Cup, that’s the big one.

Who do you think benefits the most from the race for lanes and the new starting procedure?

I think it benefits the guys who are used to going slow. I hate that trolling crap, but that’s where we are at. I’m more of a believer these days in finding some smooth water outside and really winding it up. I’ve won races in the past doing just that.

As a follow up, who stands out as a great dicer for lanes other than yourself?

Jeff Bernard has been great in the smaller classes at going slow and getting inside lanes. Villwock and Greg Hopp are up there. Believe it or not, Muscatel is good at sneaking in there on the inside too from time to time.

What do you consider your biggest achievement of your long and successful career?

I would have to say the flip and win in Seattle in ’97. It was just great to be a part of the first flip and win in history. To see the team come together, with help from even some of my competitors, and put the thing back on the water after turning it over out by the log boom… it was incredible to be a part of.