Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

HydroDan recently spoke with Brian Perkins, driver of the U-21 Lakeridge Paving/ Albert Lee Appliance

Can you describe for us the off-season maintenance and upgrades for the
U-21?

This past off-season we went through the boat, tore it all down, cleaned
everything, reinstalled everything and performed all the maintenance
needed after a full season of racing. As it sits now, it’s practically a
brand new boat. It’s a gorgeous piece right now. We have some new gear
ratios and new props that should make us a stronger team this season. The
motors have all been gone through and should be stronger as well. With
only a year and half of racing on the current boat, it still feels like a
new race boat.

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

I would like to think Seattle. Seattle is my home course and I’ve watched
races on Lake Washington for as long as I can remember. I’ve run a lot on
the Lake so yeah, I have a comfort level in Seattle.

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

Mr. O’Farrell’s equipment always seems to run well in Madison for
whatever reason. We’ve run well the past few years there, but now with the
course modifications — the short course — that will probably all
change.

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

Obviously to win a Gold Cup would be wonderful. It’s the most prestigious
trophy in boat racing. For me though, to win in Seattle, where I grew up
and watched all my heroes race would top my list. To win Seafair would be
amazing.

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

I think the guys with the smaller budget teams with maybe a bit lesser
equipment are going to benefit the most. It gives everybody a chance to go
out and race and puts it back in the driver’s hands. It will be
interesting to see how it all goes at the first race.

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

Well, all the guys that make it to this level are good starters in their
own right. Really everybody is pretty good, but Jeff Bernard and Mike
Kelly come to mind. They are pretty good at getting the inside, but
sometimes the inside is not always the place to be. Dave Villwock is
another one that is pretty good at it.

Thanks Brian, best of luck!