If there are some words you would like to say, you can mention them here.
2004 News
12/31/2004 - Registration Renewals Due Feb 1, 2005
Don't get caught paying late fees or losing your registration! The 2005 Registration renewal dues are due 2/1/05 and the first set of tri-annuals are due 2/1/05. Go to the Members section if you'd like to see the registration renewal page. Send your renewal check in to Chet Lepinski today!
12/30/2004 - All registration payments go to Chet Lepinski
This is a reminder that from now on there is a new place to send your dues. We now need to send all registration dues to Chet Lepinski. Whether your dues are for your annual registration renewal or if it's for your Development Tri-annuals, all registration payments go to our treasurer, Chet Lepinski
Please make your check out to "R/C Unlimiteds" and send with your registration information directly to Chet at:
R/C Unlimiteds
c/o Chet Lepinski
172 Tamarisk Lane
Richland, WA 99352
12/28/2004 - Updated Master Hull Roster
The Master Hull Roster has been updated on the Information page.
12/25/2004 - Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to one and all.
12/22/2004 - Chip Hanauer and Don Mock on guitar offer some Christmas cheer
Chip Hanauer and Don Mock have been recording some Christmas tunes and thought they would offer them to you to share the Christmas cheer. Click on the links below to download them.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
We Three Kings
12/21/2004 - Boat Registration Forms
Our boat registration form has been added to the Information page. You can use it to sign up for an available boat registration today!
12/19/2004 - Updated Master Hull Roster & Registration Status
The Master Hull Roster has been updated on the Information page. The Registration Status has also been updated in the Members section.
12/18/2004 - Check out some high-end pleasure boats and possibly win a ride in the 1968 Miss Budweiser
SEATTLE, WA - Sport Boat Northwest partners Billy Schumacher, Rick English and Melinda Wade are completing a move to new offices, showroom and service facility and expansion of the company's sales and marketing staff.
SBNW's new 8000 square foot facility is at 1123 Valley Street at the South end of Lake Union, and includes 1500 square feet of office space as well as an indoor showroom capable of displaying up to 16 boats from the company's inventory of Pro-Line and Crownline boats.
English, a veteran of marine industry sales and management, and Schumacher, a hall-of-fame hydroplane racer, opened Sport Boat Northwest at the North end of Lake Union in 2003 when they acquired the franchise for Donzi's #1 selling line of fishing and recreation boats with the Pro-Line brand. Wade joined the company in April of 2004, and recently, Crownline Boats, Inc. selected Sport Boat Northwest to represent their multi-award winning line of quality performance runabouts and cruisers.
In January of 2005, another hydroplane champion, Mark Evans, will join SBNW's sales staff. Evans, in addition to being one of America's best known boat racers and personalities, grew up in the marine industry. His father, also a legendary racer, owned a marina on Lake Chelan which Evans later operated himself.
Sport Boat Northwest's advertising, marketing, public relations and promotional effort will be handled in-house by Steve Montgomery, who will locate his company, Montgomery Marketing and Communications, in the new facility. MMC has handled retail advertising campaigns and marketing and public relations for a number of Western Washington businesses since 1988. Montgomery has also been involved in unlimited hydroplane racing, having anchored coverage of the sport on ESPN and the SPEED Channel for over a decade. He will also continue as the voice of Seattle's Seafair coverage on Infinity radio.
Sport Boat Northwest has also acquired the 1968 Miss Budweiser, a historic two seat hydro, which will be featured in the company's space at the Seattle Boat Show in January. Attendees will have the opportunity to win a ride in the vintage race boat, with Schumacher or Evans driving.
"It's a lot of fun, especially for a guy who pulled little wooden hydros behind his bicycle," said English. "But seriously, these guys really know boating performance in addition to being great to work with. With a great team, two of America's top boat lines, and this beautiful new facility, we are looking forward to a great new year."
12/17/2004 - Unlimiteds get Television Package for 2005
I am pleased to inform you that the Outdoor Life Network and Focused TV Productions have agreed to a seven show series that will add the ABRA to the network in 2005. Outdoor Life is the home of the Tour De France and continues to grow in popularity, reaching more than 65 million households across the county.
While we work out details with Focused TV, our producer, I will pass along some basic information that will be forthcoming, hopefully at our Board meeting tomorrow:
1. We will produce six one-half hour shows and one one-hour program. We should be able to add any additional events, should they transpire.
2. Each show will get a "prime time" airing at a consistent time slot on OLN. Each show will also be aired a second time at OLN's choosing of the air time.
3. We will create the "series" to run consecutively.
4. There will be 10 spots to "sell" in each show which belong to the ABRA.
5. Since this will be a "time buy" we will have much more latitude to feature our sponsors, participants and sell the sport, our events and our race site cities.
The one thing that we will be doing in 2005 is creating a new image for television a requirement for us to create more of a fan base and a more loyal viewership. This is a significant step in the ability of the ABRA to move forward. Having lost the support and strength of Anheuser Busch, which has underwritten the TV package for many years, the ability of a seasoned production company like Focus TV to obtain this package speaks highly of Mike McKown and also, our new organization.
We have much to do in the weeks ahead. I would encourage you to visit the Outdoor Life Network and its web site to learn more, as well as checking out the work of Focus TV at its web site- www.focused.tv.
We are going to bring this sport "Alive in 2005". with your support, commitment and passion.
Sam Cole
12/16/2004 - New Photo Gallery on UHT/DRRA site
An updated Gallery with photos of the 2004 Seattle Seafair race has been added to the old UHT/New DRRA website. You can check the site out here.
12/9/2004 - Thank you
Thanks for the wonderful support from everyone! It has meant so much to all of us. It really shows how much everyone cares and has really really helped us get through this tough time. We have had dozens of cards, bunches of flowers, lots of calls and e-mails, and visitors. Just knowing that all of you are there, helps more than you know. Thanks also for the thoughts and prayers, keep them up! The healing will take a long time for the Newton family, but it will be easier thanks to all of you. Many Thanks, Roger, David, Jessica and Debbie.
12/3/2004 - Marti's Memorial
There will be a memorial for Marti Newton this coming Tuesday, December 7, at 2:00pm. It will be held at the Highlands Community Church 3031 NE 10th St. Renton, Wash. 98056. If anyone would like to share their thoughts or prayers with the Newton family please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com and click on online memorials. Thanks so much for all of the support, it means so much. Everyone asks if there is anything they can do to help. Knowing that you are there and having visitors, is what is helping us get through this hard time. Thanks again. Sincerely, Roger, David, Jessica, Debbie and Dan
12/2/2004 - Sad News
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I'm sad to report that Marti Newton, RCU racer and wife of club founder Roger and mother of David, passed away yesterday of a heart attack. Chet Lepinski will be sending flowers on behalf of the club. A memorial service is planned for next Tuesday December 7th at 2pm. The address of where the service will be held will be posted once we receive it. Until then, if you wish to send your regards to the Newton family, their address is:
The Newton Family
14518 167th Place SE
Renton, WA 98059
12/2/2004 - Hydroplane Museum movie night postponed
The movie night at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum previously scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3rd, has been postponed. As of now, there is no set 'rescheduled' date that it has been changed to. We will keep you updated once it becomes rescheduled.
11/29/2004 - Updated Master Hull Roster & Registration Status
The Master Hull Roster has been updated on the Information page. The Registration Status has also been updated in the Members section.
11/28/2004 - Movie Night at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
This coming Friday, Dec. 3rd, will be another video night at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. This time we will be showing the 1953 Gold Cup from the King TV broadcast that was called by Bill O'Mara. Entry fee is a $5.00 donation to the museum. Movie starts at 7pm. Popcorn and refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!
11/26/2004 - Organizers, Owners keep hydro's alive
The immediate future of unlimited hydroplane racing is beginning to take shape.
In meetings over the last several weeks, the organizers of five race sites on the tour, as well as boat owners, have banded together to form the American Race Boat Association (ABRA).
ABRA will conduct races next summer in Seattle, Tri-Cities, Evansville, Ind., Madison, Ind., and San Diego. Seafair will be Aug. 5-7. The Tri-Cities race will be July 29-30.
Nine racing teams — basically, everybody on the tour — have agreed to compete in the events.
ABRA was formed by race site organizers, in conjunction with team owners, after the controversy of last season when several races conducted by Hydro-Prop — which had been the organizing body of the sport — were boycotted by several boats. Three race sites also decided to run their events independently of Hydro-Prop in part because of the boycotts, specifically that of the piston-powered U-3.
After the season, Hydro-Prop announced it had sold its assets to Trent Ling, a Florida attorney. But Ling recently sold those assets to the Detroit River Regatta Association, which runs the Gold Cup.
ABRA is negotiating with the DRRA to add the Gold Cup. If so, it would mean ABRA would be the organizing body for all six of the traditional stops on the hydroplane tour and essentially unify the tour.
ABRA's board of directors consists of four site representatives — including Eric Radovich, vice president of Seafair — and four team owners.
ABRA has designed a logo, drafted a budget, adopted by-laws and is attempting to secure a national TV deal.
It is also working on organizing a six-boat exhibition race next season in Montreal and attempting to finalize races in Nashville and St. Clair, Mich.
Still uncertain is the fate of the former Miss Budweiser team after Anheuser-Busch pulled its sponsorship.
By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
Original article link
11/19/2004 - December Newsletter
The December newsletter is now available online and in color in the Members section of this site.
11/18/2004 - 2005 Registration Renewals
The 2005 Registration renewal dues are due 1/31/05 and the first set of tri-annuals are due 2/1/05. Go to the Members section to see the registration renewal page.
Please make your check out to "R/C Unlimiteds" and mail with your registration information directly to Chet at:
R/C Unlimiteds
c/o Chet Lepinski
172 Tamarisk Lane
Richland, WA 99352
11/17/2004 - 2005 Boat Draw
The 2005 Boat Draw is now available. You must have your boat draw entry postmarked no later than November 30 to be considered for the draw.
11/17/2004 - Phone list update
We are in the process of updating our phone and address list. Please take a look at our phone list on our Members Page and if any of your information (address, phone or email) is incorrect, changed or missing, please send your updated information to Troy McIntire. Please take care of this today, thank you!
11/16/2004 - Statistics Page Update
The Statistics page has been updated with results from this year and there was an addition of an article on Drivers Points.
11/15/2004 - Registration
The Registration Information page has been updated in the Members section. Please take a look at the Nov. Registration Renewal page make sure your hull registration status information is correct. If updates are needed, please contact Troy McIntire with your updated information.
11/14/2004 - Newly Updated Master Hull Roster
The Master Hull Roster has been updated with the latest registration status. If you haven't already taken a look at the Master Hull Roster, please look it over and make sure your hull registration status information is correct. If updates are needed, please contact Troy McIntire with your updated information.
11/13/2004 - Hydroplane Racing DRRA acquires UHT
The Detroit River Regatta Association announced Friday that it has acquired the assets of Trent Ling's Unlimited Hydroplane Tour, Inc. See full story here
11/12/2004 - Updated Master Hull Roster
The Master Hull Roster with the latest registration information has been added to the Information page. Please look it over and make sure your hull registration status information is correct. If your hull registration status isn't correct, please send the correct information to Troy McIntire so he can update the Master Hull Roster with the correct information.
11/11/2004 - Chip Hanauer inducted into Hall of Fame
By The Associated Press
TALLADEGA, Ala. — Chip Hanauer, the Seattle-area native who won seven unlimited hydroplane national and world titles and 61 national events, will be inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Hanauer won a record 11 Gold Cups and seven Seafair Trophy races. His career victories trail only Bill Muncey with 62.
The five-member class also includes three-time NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip, drag racing stars Joe Amato and Bob Glidden, and Formula One and CART champion Nigel Mansell. It will be inducted on April 28, 2005.
"This is a powerful class, one in which each member had a significant impact on the history of his particular form of racing," Jim Freemand, executive director of the Hall of Fame, said yesterday. "All five of them have won multiple championships. It is quite a group."
Waltrip won Winston Cup titles in 1981, 1982 and 1985. He also had 84 wins — tied for third all-time with former inductee Bobby Allison — 54 poles, and was Driver of the Year three times.
Amato had 54 NHRA Top Fuel wins and five division championships, both records. He also finished in the top 10 in points in each of his 19 seasons.
Glidden captured 10 NHRA Pro Stock titles and another one in the IHRA. When he retired, Glidden was the NHRA's winningest driver in any class with 85 career victories.
See Seattle Times article here
11/7/2004 - Awards Banquet
The 2004 Awards Banquet is now over and a great time was had. If you missed out on the event, you can get a snapshot view of the events by going to the Awards Banquet link on the Driver Standings page.
11/5/2004 - November Newsletter
The November newsletter is now available online and in color in the Members section of this site.
10/29/2004 - Movie Night at the Museum
On Friday, November 5th at 7:00pm, Roger Newton will be hosting a movie night at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. Roger will be presenting some fantastic historic hydroplane footage. Popcorn and sodas will be available. This is an opportunity to bring the family or introduce a friend to the excitement of unlimited hydroplane racing. Be sure to mark this date on your calendar!
10/28/2004 - Race programs available at discount rates
In 2004, R/C Unlimiteds turned out a 32-page, full color race program. The program includes several feature articles, profiles and photos of 56 boats of the club's boats - including the six Oberto boats in competition status, the R/CU Hall of Fame, all-time race winners and profiles of each of the 15 race sites for the 2004 Oh Boy! Oberto Championship Series. Programs are now available for just $2 a piece on the "For Sale" page. If ordering a program online, please include $2 for postage and handling, in the form of a personal check or money order to: R/C Unlimiteds. Quantities are limited.
Mail your check and your order to:
R/C Unlimiteds
c/o Chet Lepinski
172 Tamarisk Lane
Richland, WA 99352
10/15/2004 - Gold Cup Fun
Ron Hartley let Quinton Miller (age 9) and his brother Nicholas (age 7) drive his 1/8th scale 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto on Sunday after the Gold Cup race.
10/7/2004 - Banquet Flier
Get your banquet flier/sign-up form here. The hotel said today that there are plenty of rooms and they’ve added to the block of rooms we have. For reservation, please call the DoubleTree at (503) 283-4466. The phone number is also available on the flier as well as all of the banquet details. Please send in your Banquet Registration no later than November 1, 2004.
10/6/2004 - Stats Update
The Statistics page has been updated. Check out the the latest updates.
10/5/2004 - NW Scale Hydroplane Championship Race Update
Don't miss your chance to race for all the marbles... Race Registration cut off will be Saturday 10am at the race site. We are also pleased to announce that each driver can now enter 2 boats in heat racing.... Please bring any boat that you would like to enter into the concourse judging (boats entered into the concourse judging do not need to be entered into the race to participate.) See you Saturday! -Marty
Please follow this link for more information...... http://stubbersmedia.com/nwshc/
10/4/2004 - Gold Cup - Norm Evans Memorial
The Gold Cup - Norm Evans Memorial has been completed, rounding out our 2004 Race Schedule. The Gold Cup - Norm Evans Memorial page and Driver Standings have been updated.
9/29/2004 - Points Update
The 'Drivers Standings' points have been updated.
9/28/2004 - Sept-Oct Newsletter
The Sept-Oct newsletter is now available online and in color in the Members section of this site.
9/27/2004 - For Sale items wanted
A 'wanted' item has been added to the For Sale page.
9/26/2004 - Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Congratulations to Paul Jackson for winning his first RCU race! Details and photos are on the "Champion Spark Plug Regatta" page on the Race Schedule. (Drivers Points will be updated when received).
9/24/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 1959 Nitrogen boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
9/16/2004 - New Site for the NW Scale Hydroplane Championship
The NW Scale Hydroplane Championship has a new website. You can visit it by clicking here. The new site will have all details needed for that race. Please refer to it for any questions you may have or to get the registration form.
| 9/14/2004 - Great Fans | |||||
| While professional bowler Hugh Miller was in Japan this weekend for a tournament, his wife Donna brought their sons Quinton 9 and Nicholas 7 to our race in Woodland this weekend. They had seen us race at the Columbia Cup in the Tri-Cities in July. Since then they have been following our club on the web site and wait for Jeff's updates. What impressed me about the boys was their knowledge of our boats. As the boats were arriving on Saturday they would say the name of the boat and the year it raced. Their mother purchased each of them a 2004 RCU race program and had me sign it for them. They showed up at 11:00am on Sunday and spend the whole day there. They got some other kids to purchase programs as well and were able to get some RCU drivers to sign them. After the race was over Donna Miller came over to me and thank us for the great time we had with her boys. They will try to make the Gold Cup as there dad has a tournament in Wenatchee that weekend. Oh by the way, the boys want their dad to get into this sport. I want to thank the Miller's for being such great fans. - Chet the Jet |
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On a very rainy Friday, the 1982 Atlas Van Lines, 1980 Miss Budweiser, 1960 Miss Burien and the 1956 Hawaii Kai III were scheduled to all go out for a few test laps at 11:50am. The 1982 Atlas Van Lines went out first and ran into some difficulties staying on plane. The boat stalled in the right hand corner (closest to the pits) but started again and died on the backstretch before it could make a complete lap. As the Atlas was coming to a stop on the backstretch, the 1980 Miss Budweiser went out and made a couple laps without a hitch. Next out was the 1960 Miss Burien and the 1956 Hawaii Kai III. They both went out together and made a couple laps. after they came in the 1982 Atlas Van Lines was towed back in to shore. The crew went over the boat and after another rain downpour, sent Chip Hanauer back out to go for another run. This time - Success! The Atlas charged around the course in anticipation of its match with the 1980 Budweiser this weekend between breaks in heat racing of the Turbine Unlimiteds. More to come later....
8/6/2004 - New Boat bio
Added the 1977 Esquire Products boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
8/5/2004 - Boat bio Update
Updated the 1977 Squire Shop boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
8/4/2004 - More Shake-Ups in Big Boat news
Hydro-Prop just announced today a new race for 2004 - The President's Cup. The President's Cup is scheduled to be held in Detroit on September 18th and 19th and news says that "a good possibility that President Bush will attend the event". While in and of itself this new race is great news for hydroplane fans, this also poses a problem. This also happens to be the exact same weekend as the planned "outlaw" Thunderboat Regatta in San Diego's Mission Bay - to benefit Children's Hospital. The Thunderboat Regatta had been previously planned for September 17th-19th for quite some time now. I guess the real question is, where will the Big Boats go? Will all of them go to one event over the other or will the Big Boating ranks split to go to separate races? Will one of these races get re-scheduled? Is Hydro-Prop sending a message to other race sites? If San Diego's Thunderboat Regatta is forced to reschedule, it will undoubtedly cost them many dollars to do so, after printing all of their promotions with their original race date on them. If this becomes the case, one would think that in turn, it would mean fewer funds available to go to Children's Hospital.
8/3/2004 - New Boat bio
Added the 1984 Oh Boy! Oberto boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
8/2/2004 - Dave Villwock provides air show Dave Villwock showed up at the UNW Gold Cup race and entertained all with a half time air show. Dave, who is very proficient with his R/C Airplane, dazzled the crowd with his sport stunt flying. The video above displays how close Dave came to the water with his airplane at the event. |
8/1/2004 - Northwest Scale Hydroplane Championships
The NW Scale Hydroplane Championship being put together by Marty Shallenberger and Al Waters will be held on October 9th and 10th at Irene Reinhardt Park in Ellensburg, WA. Click here to download the registration form.
7/31/2004 - Congratulations! We've reached 125!
With the addition of the 1973 Miss Budweiser's boat bio, we've reached a total of 125 boat bio's. Boat bio's continue to be added to the "Our Boats" section of the site as the information is sent in from RCU members. If you do not have your boat bio listed please send the information in to the webmaster and it will be posted as soon as possible. Also, if you already have a boat bio, but would like to update the information, or provide missing information, please send that in as well.
7/30/2004 - Boat bio updates
Updated the following boat bios: 2000 York International, 2000 Miss Elam Plus, 2002 Miss Budweiser T3, 2002 Miss Budweiser T6, 1995 PICO American Dream, 1994 Miss Budweiser T3, 1994 Miss Exide, 1993 American Spirit, 1993 Miss Budweiser, 1991 American Spirit, 1986 Frank Kenney Toyota, 1986 Mr. Pringles, 1984 Atlas Van Lines, 1983 American Speedy Printing(blue), 1983 Miss Houston, 1983 Miss Rock, 1981 Captran Resorts, 1979 Miss Tri-Cities, 1978 Miss Budweiser, 1978 U-64 Squire Shop, 1978 U-65 Squire Shop, 1974 Lincoln Thrift, 1973 Miss Budweiser, 1971 Hallmark Homes and 1969 Notre Dame. Check the "Our Boats" section of the site to view these updates.
7/30/2004 - Display for Big Boat Drivers Each year the local R/CU members bring some of their boats to the drivers and owners lunchen that is held on Thursday before the Columbia Cup. This gives us a chance to promote our race and be part of the Water Follies. This year we had six scale boats, three of the little Oberto battery boats, the first place plaque of our Columbia Cup and the Hall of Fame plaque. We also were able to sell some of our 2004 programs. Fun was had by all there and we are glad to be part of it. |
7/29/2004 - Boat bio update
Updated the 1973 Miss Budweiser boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
7/29/2004 - New boat bio
Added the 1978 Miss Budweiser to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
7/29/2004 - For Sale item added
A couple items have been added to the For Sale page.
7/28/2004 - Points Update
The Driver Standings have been updated with points earned at the Columbia Cup.
7/28/2004 - Columbia Cup
The Columbia Cup results have been posted. Go to the Race Schedule for the latest details. (Season Points will be updated when the info becomes available.)
7/22/2004 - Newsletter delivery can be customized!
Now that the RCU News is online every month, we'd like to know if you find yourself reading it online, or printing it from the website to read it, then throwing away the black and white copy you find in your mailbox (often mangled by the Postal Service), now is your chance to Opt Out of the snail mail delivery. If you would like to receive the newsletter by e-mail (in the same format as it is online), or just go get it yourself from the website every month, let the editor know. It's as simple as sending an e-mail to nelson@noslencommunication.com, and let me know your preference. If you choose electronic delivery, you'll be taken off the list for Snail Mail. Also please indicate your preference for direct e-mail delivery (and the specific e-mail address you'd like it sent to), or that you'll get it yourself off the website. If I don't hear anything from you, I'll assume you still want to stay on the regular mail cycle.
7/21/2004 - August Newsletter
The August newsletter is now available online and in color in the Members section of this site.
7/20/2004 - Automotive powered Unlimited Hydros in '05?
The Detroit Free Press has an article about Tom D'Eath's plan for automotive powered Unlimited Hydroplanes to compete as soon as 2005. click here for the article.
7/18/2004 - Possible buyout of Hydro-Prop
The Madison Courier has an interesting article on the topic. A possible 12-13 boat appearance at Tri-Cities.
7/16/2004 - Stats Update
The statistics page has been updated. Check out the the latest updates.
7/13/2004 - Updated Points
See the Driver Standings section of this site for the latest up to date Drivers Season Points standings.
7/11/2004 - New Winner!
Congratulations to Greg Ross for winning his first final! Go to the Race Schedule section for all the details. (Season Points will be updated when the info becomes available.)
7/10/2004 - Afternoon with the Kids
Some RCU members were at the Columbia Center Mall in
6/30/2004 - Governor's Cup details
A new race format and qualification times have been listed for the upcoming Governor's Cup. Check out the new details on the Race Schedule page.
6/29/2004 - July Newsletter
The July newsletter is now available online and in color in the Members section of this site.
6/28/2004 - Stats Update
The statistics page has been updated. Check out the the latest updates.
6/28/2004 - Bernie Little Memorial
The very first Bernie Little Memorial race has been completed. Check Race Schedule page for all the details.
6/25/2004 - New boat bio
Added the 1986 Mr. Pringles to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
6/24/2004 - One of our own gets mention in the Morrison County Record
The Morrison County Record - a free weekly legal newspaper for the Morrison County, Minnesota area, has focused an article on our very own Chet "the Jet" Lepinski. Click here to read the article.
6/21/2004 - BREAKING NEWS: Bernie Little Memorial to include "Bottom Five Final"
Bernie Little was the most successful owner in the history of unlimited hydroplane racing, yet many times, he or his team did what they could to help some of the slower guys. In recognition of this, we'll be holding a "Bottom Five Final" at the Bernie Little Memorial this weekend. We don't think Bernie would want boats with no points in the four preliminary heats, so the five boats that score the fewest points during the prelims will race in the "Bottom Five Final". It's just a little something for some additional fun. It'll be a five-lap heat, just like a connie. The heat will be run immediately after the prelims, and is sponsored by Northwest Public Power Association, which has provided prizes for first, second and third place. No points will be awarded in the "Bottom Five Final".
6/16/2004 - Stats Update
The statistics page has been updated. Check out the the latest updates.
6/13/2004 - President's Cup
The Presidents Cup has been completed. Check Race Schedule page for all the details.
6/9/2004 - Hanauer calls for changes to the Big Boat racing circuit
The Tri-Cities Herald has an article with Hanauer voicing his concerns to the Tri-Cities Water Follies Board. Click here to read the article.
6/8/2004 - Stats Update
The statistics page has been updated. Check out the latest updates.
6/7/2004 - June Newsletter online
The June newsletter is available online in the members section.
6/6/2004 - Gar Wood Memorial
The Gar Wood Memorial is in the books and we have another different winner this year. Check Race Schedule page for all the details.
5/28/2004 - Stats Update
The statistics page has been updated. Check out the latest updates.
5/24/2004 - Rose Cup
The Brandt's give the ol' 1-2 knockout punch. See the Race Schedule for the results of the Rose Cup race.
5/21/2004 - Chet 'The Jet's' Birthday Last weekend was a special weekend, not only because it was the Dean Chenoweth Memorial race for RCU, but because it was Chet 'The Jet's' 65th Birthday. 'The Jet' was surprised with a birthday cake that had a picture of his boat, the 1979 Miss Tri-Cities, emblazened across the top. Once again, as in the 2003 Gold Cup (see photo at bottom of that page), The 1979 Miss Tri-Cities tastes sweet, sweet victory. ...or rather, perhaps this time, the 1979 Miss Tri-Cities WAS the taste of Sweet Sweet victory. |
5/18/2004 - RCU gets mention in local paper
The Columbian, a local Clark County newspaper, gives mention of the Rose Cup this upcoming weekend May 22-23 in todays newspaper. To view the article click here, then scroll down to the bottom of the page.
5/16/2004 - 4th race complete
The fourth race has been completed in the 2004 Oh Boy! Oberto Championship Series. Do we have a new winner for this race? Has Dave Brandt's winning streak been ended? Check the Race Schedule for the results.
5/13/2004 - Stats Revision
The statistics page has been updated. Statistics that have been previously divided into many different PDF's are now condensed into one "Stats" PDF for ease of use. Check out the "Statistics Page" for the latest updates.
5/12/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 1971 Hallmark Homes boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/11/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 1994 Miss Exide boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/10/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 1983 American Speedy Printing (blue) in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/7/2004 - Columbia Cup info
Again as in the past you will have to have tickets and parking passes to get into the race site. Chet Lepinski will be selling them as of now and there will be a form in the next R/CU newsletter. They must be sent to Chet by July 7 so that he can get them to us for the race on July 24th. This year a three day pit pass will cost you $20.00(regular price $45.00). This will get you into the Columbia Cup for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you are only going to race on Saturday and not attend the Columbia Cup, Chet will have a free Saturday pass (which will be required). Chet will also have vehicle parking passes for west pit parking and early entrance. The early entrance pass will get you into the park from
5/6/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 1982 Miss Budweiser Light boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/5/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 1986 Miss Budweiser boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/4/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 2004 Miss Budweiser T-5 to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/3/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 1985 Miss Rock to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
5/2/2004 - Three in a Row!
To see all the details on the Bill Muncey Memorial, go to the Race Schedule section of this site.
4/29/2004 - Mufflers and Engine parts for sale
Check the "For Sale" page for a new manufacturer of stinger mufflers and parts for your engines. Not only does Dave Fox offer stinger mufflers, but also offers Needle Bearings as well as Water Jacket and Carb O-rings for CMB Green Heads & MAC Blue Head engines.
4/27/2004 - May Newsletter online
The May newsletter is available online in the members section.
4/24/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 2002 Oh Boy! Oberto boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
4/23/2004 - Boat Bio Update
Updated the 1971 Pride of Pay 'N Pak boat bio in the "Our Boats" section of the site.
4/21/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 1991 American Spirit boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
4/20/2004 - Statistic Updates
The Statistics page has been updated with the latest stats.
4/19/2004 - Brandt wins Again
To see all the details on the Apple Blossom Regatta, go to the Race Schedule section of this site.
4/16/2004 - New Boat Bio
Added the 1973 Miss Budweiser boat bio to the "Our Boats" section of this site.
4/15/2004 - Updated Registrations
The updated owner registration status is listed in the Members section. Please ensure that your status is correct and if you still owe money on your registration, please send it to Marc Connelly, our registrar ASAP. However, if you do not plan to re-register your boat please inform Marc of your intentions so that the hull may become available to others and it can be removed from the list.
4/15/2004 - Message/Photo site
If you would like to visit a page where you can post messages and look at some photos taken during our races, you can go to this webpage that Bill Brandt set up: http://www.msnusers.com/RCUnlimitedsFriends.
Thanks Bill!
4/14/2004 - Racing Day Events
The "Atomic Cup Story" has been posted on the Race Schedule's "Atomic Cup" page.
4/14/2004 - Updated Statistics
The Statistics page has been updated with the latest stats. Also there is a new offering of 'Winners of Discontinued Races' that has been added to the Statistics page.
4/13/2004 - Boat Bio Update
The 1979 Miss Tri-Cities boat bio has been updated. See the "Our Boats" section to check it out.
4/12/2004 - Condolences
Our condolences to Don Mock who's mother passed away yesterday morning.
4/7/2004 - RCU Owner Registration Status
The current owner registration status is listed in the Members section. Please ensure that your status is correct and if you still owe money on your registration, please send it to Marc Connelly, our registrar ASAP. Conversely, if you do not plan to re-register your boat please inform Marc of your intentions so that the hull may become available to others who would like to run that boat.
4/5/2004 - Food Drive thanks
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the food drive. Troy brought all the donations, plus some additional items that he personally purchased to help supplement the donation to the Union Gospel Mission. The Union Gospel Mission was very appreciative of our clubs donation. Let's try to make next year's donation even better than this year. Many thanks to Troy McIntire for volunteering his time to do this charitable event.
4/4/2004 - Brandt wins Season Opener
To see all the details on the Atomic Cup, go to the Race Schedule section of this site.
4/2/2004 - Don't forget the Food Drive
Don't forget to bring some non-perishable food to our first race this weekend. All proceeds collected at the Atomic Cup will go to the Union Gospel Mission. This is a great RCU tradition, lets try to donate more this year!
4/2/2004 - Boat Bio Update
The 1969 Notre Dame boat bio has been updated. See the "Our Boats" section to check it out.
4/1/2004 - Budweiser Sponsorship Continues
Budweiser Continues on in Unlimited Hydroplane Racing 
Click here to read full details.
3/30/2004 - April Newsletter online
The April newsletter is available online in the members section.
3/22/2004 - Practice a success
The 2004 Pre-Season test went well. We had several people come out to dust off their old boats and others came to test their new setups. With the new information gained and a few more tweaks here and there it looks like several camps will be ready for the season opener, which is less than 2 weeks away! It seemed like just last month we finished the season and now we are ready to start it all over again. The difference this season is that we have 15 races! It's sure to be an exciting year. Good luck to each and every racer. Let's all have a fun and safe racing season.
3/21/2004 - Boat Bio Update
The 2000 Elam Plus boat bio has been updated.
3/18/2004 - 90db Enforcement Notice
The Board will be strictly enforcing the noise rule again this year. Anyone found to be over 90db will be notified in writing and will be given until the next race they attend to correct the problem.
3/17/2004 - Ultimate Hobbies Offers Fuel Discount
Ultimate Hobbies in Portland is offering a 10 percent discount on Powermaster boat fuel to R/CU members again this year. If you missed out on one of the group fuel orders that Harry Gatjens or Bill Brandt put together earlier this year, either head over to Ultimate Hobbies at Jantzen Beach (if you live in the Portland area) and mention you're an R/C Unlimiteds member to get the discount. The authorizing person at the store is Dave. If you're not from the Portland area and still need fuel, contact Nelson Holmberg by e-mail at nelson@micknellieracing.com, and he'll arrange for getting your fuel. The store's regular price for 50% is $32.69. If they don't have it in stock, they can get it from the warehouse on a next-day basis or have it shipped in from the factory within less than a week. To contact Ultimate Hobbies at Jantzen Beach directly, call (503) 247-8194.
3/15/2004 - Race program to be on sale at all 2004 R/CU races and online
In 2004, R/C Unlimiteds turned out a 32-page, full color race program, which will go on sale April 3 at the Atomic Cup, and will continue to be sold throughout the entire season. The program includes several feature articles, profiles and photos of 56 boats of the club's boats - including the six Oberto boats in competition status, the R/CU Hall of Fame, all-time race winners and profiles of each of the 15 race sites for the 2004 Oh Boy! Oberto Championship Series. Programs will sell for $3 a piece at race sites and online at http://rcunlimiteds.org/ If ordering a program online, please include $2 for postage and handling, in the form of a personal check or money order to: R/C Unlimiteds. Quantities are limited.
Mail your check and your order to:
R/C Unlimiteds
c/o Chet Lepinski
172 Tamarisk Lane
Richland, WA 99352
3/15/2004 - Testing Update
The test session in Ellensburg will get started around 10am. The gate will be unlocked at 9am. We need to keep the gate closed and unlocked. If the gate is closed when you arrive, just swing it open and drive through, then close it again. The park is not open to the public this time of year.
3/15/2004 - Race Schedules complete
All race schedules and testing times have been completed. If you are interested in any race format or testing times for a particular race, all you have to do is click on the name of that race on the Race Schedule page.
3/12/2004 - Food Drive at first race
Troy McIntire has graciously offered to head up a food drive for the Union Gospel Mission at the Atomic Cup (April 3rd-4th) this year. We can accept anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated. Please bring your non-perishable items to this racing event. It was a great success last time and our club would like to carry on the tradition of giving back to the community.
3/12/2004 - Upcoming Test Session reminder
There will be a test session this coming weekend for those interested in dusting off their boats, or perhaps getting your new boat wet for the first time on Saturday, March 20th from 10:30am - 3:30pm.
3/4/2004 - March Newsletter available
The latest newsletter is in the Members section for those of you who would perfer to read it online.
2/26/2004 - New boat bio
The 1985 Tempus boat bio has been added to the "Our Boats" section of the site.
2/24/2004 - Some Good News from Ron
After some discussions and the time mileage thing, my doctors at Harbor View decided that it should be ok for me to get out of town, so to speak. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE PRAYERS, Calls and visits. Every thing looks good for a recovery, IF I DO what they say to do!!!! Thanks all, Ron.
2/20/2004 - Fellow Racer in Hospital
Ron Hartley is in Harborview Medical Center after having his right hand seriously injured on his job late last week in Moses Lake. Ron was repairing a conveyor when something got caught and his hand was trapped in the machinery. Aparently he did not have any broken bones, but much of his skin was damaged or gone, and he underwent 12 hours of surgery on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to basically sort out, clean and place ligaments, tendons, nerve endings, skin etc back where it's all supposed to be. The doctors and plastic surgeons strongly believe that he will, in time, regain full use of his right hand! His hand is currently in a large cast to keep everything in order and he is receiving pain medication and fluids to keep him from dehydrating. Ron is in good spirits and optimistic that he'll be racing again. It sounds like he'll be in the hospital at least until early next week. He can be reached directly in his hospital room at (206) 731-5985. I'm sure he'd appreciate calls (and even visits) from the guys.
2/19/2004 - Newsletter available.
The latest newsletter is in the Members section, for those of you who would perfer to read it on the web rather than the hard copy.
2/13/2004 - Schedule Update.
The Willamette Cup has changed Weekends, and will be held at Horseshoe Lake in Woodland, WA. See the Race Schedule for the changes.
2/2/2004 - Race Formats Added.
Race formats and testing time information has been added for the following races; Bill Muncey Memorial; Dean Chenoweth Memorial; President's Cup; Bernie Little Memorial; Columbia Cup; Silver Cup; Diamond Cup; Champion Spark Plug Regatta and the Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial. For those CD's that have not sent in your race formats please do so ASAP. On an interest note, several races have adopted the 30 second no-cut rule. Check the Race Schedule to get the appropriate information.
1/31/2004 - Upcoming Test Session.
For those who would like to dust your boats off or test your new boat to get is setup just right, there will be a test session in Ellensburg on March 20th.
1/31/2004 - Race Schedule Update.
There has been some rearranging of upcoming races this season. Some races have been moved up in our schedule and some have been moved back a weekend or two. For the latest, see the Race Schedule for all the details.
1/27/2004 - Bernie Little Memorial race.
The details of Testing times, and Race Format for the Bernie Little Memorial have been added to the Race Schedule. This will be the 2nd leg in the 3 part Triple Crown race. Also included with this Triple Crown race will be 2 "shootouts". One for 8255 hulls, and one for 7025/7207/7474/7612 hulls.
1/26/2004 - Puyallup R/C Fair.
Remember the NW Model Exposition is this weekend at the Puyallup Fair Grounds. The times are Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm & Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Admission is $7.00 - 12 & under are Free.
1/23/2004 - No tipping required, though...
Remember- annual registration is $15.00 per boat- not $10.00. Marc is reporting that he is receiving a fair number of $10 checks for registrations- a problem resulting, in part, from his own miscommunication of the annual fees to a few R/C U members. (Hey, he had never paid them before himself, so it was a rookie Registrar mistake, okay?.) If you sent $10.00 for your registration instead of $15.00, you still need to pay that 5 bucks more to register for the 2004 racing season- or you must race all season long with a brick duct taped to the bow of your boat as a penalty. Everyone who sends a check to the Registrar will receive a receipt in the mail confirmng that your payment was received. Thanks for your help!
1/20/2004 - 2004 Boat Registrations Are Due.
Remember, your boat registration is due by the first of February. Protect your registration and your sterling reputation as a stand up guy and mail in your check today! And please don't forget that we have a new Registrar - so if you are confused about where to send your registration check, just go to the Information section and all that you need to know is right there.
1/20/2004 - Trivia answered.
Check link below for the answer to the trivia question.
1/16/2004 - Schedule Update.
The Governor's Cup and President Cup have switched weekends. Also the Governor's Cup will now be held in Ellensburg, not Olympia.
1/13/2004 - Trivia.
Do you recognize this RCU member?
Click here for the Answer.
1/6/2004 - 2nd Annual Grand Prix Classic.
The NAMBA District 9's 2nd Annual Grand Prix Classic is being held Feb 7-8. All are invited to come race. Entry forms are available on their new site at www.namba9.net.
1/3/2004 - New Boat Bio's Added.
Added paint codes to the 1984 Atlas Van Lines, 1982 Atlas Van Lines and 1980 Atlas Van Lines boat Bio's.
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