Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

The H1 fleet, after having three weeks to recuperate from the opening two stanzas of the season, heads to Tri-Cities, Washington and the 2.5 mile aqua super-speedway that is the Columbia Cup Race Course. It appears the previously-wounded H1 fleet will be near full strength as the primary U-1 Oh Boy Oberto returns with Steven David at the controls following major repairs in the Madison, Indiana boat shop. Several other wadded hulls (i.e, U-21, U-57, U-96) have also been afforded the time to properly repair damages. The fleet will reportedly swell from 12 to 14 boats for races in the great state of Washington as Fred Leland’s U-99 joins the ranks. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s go Deck2Deck boat racing!

HydroDan’s Three to Think About — Tri-Cities:

New Points Leader: After Kip Brown ran a whale of a race at Madison, Indiana, Cal Phipps did the U-17 Miss Red Dot nothing but justice at the Gold Cup and kept the speedy hull from Preston, Washington out front for a surprising national points lead through two races (82 point lead over the U-96). Kip Brown returns to the cockpit for this weekend’s rumble on the river. You may recall during our exclusive interview with Kip earlier this season, he voiced his comfort level with the Columbia River when asked what course was best suited to his driving abilities: “Tri-Cities is maybe the most driver-friendly course, as the straights follow the beach and it is symmetrical.” Look for the U-17 to stay near the point lead with another solid weekend in Tri-Cities.

Most Intriguing: The U-88 Degree Men, following a lackluster debut in Madison, Indiana, displayed flashes of brilliance in Detroit, Michigan during the running for Gold. It is worth noting that the U-88, in its first competitive heat in its history was victorious, outlasting the U-7 during a Deck2Deck duel in which the U-88 shared a roostertail with the other black boat. On the heels of its impressive Gold Cup performance J. Michael Kelly and the 88 should be considered a factor this weekend, not to mention the rest of the season!

Shark Attack Is Back: The primary U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto hull returns after expert surgery by crew chief Mike “Boat Doctor” Hanson. Steve David in the U1 is a three-time defending champ in Tri-Cities and may once again be a player depending on how the repairs hold. It is difficult to recommend a U-1 selection following such major repairs, however, it is easy to recommend a second look after Friday testing and qualifying are completed. Carefully analyze these results prior to finalizing your D2D fantasy selections, but get your pick locked in by Saturday morning at 9 AM local race time.