UHRA THUNDER LETTER VOL. 2, NO. 97

[J MICHAEL]

UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE THUNDER TOUR '96
presented by LAS VEGAS

THUNDER LETTER Vol. 2, No. 97

Complimentary to All Fans of This Great Sport
Published Frequently -- Subscribe
Now by E-Mail to <thu...@uhra.com>
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THE ***UHRA*** SALUTES ITS LOYAL SPONSORS...

LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS

FRUIT OF THE LOOM...BUDWEISER... O'DOUL'S...
ZODIAC SPORTS WATCHES...RANCHO RACING...
COMPETITION CAMS...KEY BANK...SMOKIN' JOE'S
RACING...RACING RADIOS...LABATT USA...UNIDIAL...
CIRCUS CIRCUS...THUNDERHEAD WATER ..and a special
thanks to DIAMOND P SPORTS of St. Petersburg, Florida...
the world's greatest producer of televised motorsports!!!!!!

LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS...LAS VEGAS

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ON RACE DAYS . . .

DON'T FORGET JIM HENDRICK, CHIEF
SPIELER FOR ONE OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST AND
MOST TALKED ABOUT RADIO NETWORKS . . .

THE UNLIMITED RADIO NETWORK

(MOSTLY) LIVE, 30-MINUTE RADIOCASTS OF
THE WINNER-TAKE-ALL HEATS FROM EVANSVILLE,
MADISON, TRI-CITIES, SEATTLE, KELOWNA, SAN
DIEGO, LAS VEGAS AND HONOLULU....

CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS FOR SHADES
OF LAST YEAR!!!!!

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NOW, WITH DAILY UPDATES OF THE NEWS LINE...

THE UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE THUNDER 900 LINE...

$1.29 a minute (kids under 18 need parents' permission)
by calling 1-900-336-5313 . . .

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE TECH TALK, NOSTALGIA
AND PERSONALITY LINES (they change each Friday)...

TWO AND THREE UPDATES DAILY (OF THE NEWS LINE)
DURING RACE WEEKENDS . . . BE SURE AND FOLLOW
EVANSVILLE AND MADISON ACTION ON THE THUNDER
900 LINE, THE OFFICIAL "HOT" LINE OF THE UNLIMITED
HYDROPLANE RACING ASSOCIATION...
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UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE THUNDER TOUR '96

PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS.........................

May 5, Phoenix, Gila River Casino Unlimited Cup
Winner: DAVE VILLWOCK, PICO AMERICAN DREAM

June 1-2, Detroit, Chrysler Jeep APBA Gold
Winner: DAVE VILLWOCK, PICO AMERICAN DREAM

June 9, Kansas City, Kansas City Hydrofair
Winner: MARK TATE, SMOKIN' JOE'S

June 30, Evansville, Pontiac Thunder On the Ohio

July 7, Madison, Budweiser Indiana Governor's Cup

July 28, Tri-Cities, Budweiser Columbia Cup with Wings

Aug. 4, Seattle, Texaco Cup at SEAFAIR

Aug. 11, Kelowna, Molson Thunderfest

Sept. 15, San Diego, Bayfair Bill Muncey Cup

Sept. 22, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Cup Shootout

Oct. 13, Honolulu, JN Automotive Hydrofest
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AS THE TURBINE TURNS by J Michael Kenyon

SEATTLE -- Now, we're getting "unsigned" letters from
"angry" Unlimited Light owners...probably some of the same
UL owners who were also "unregistered" at recent
Competition Cams Unlimited Lights Racing Series events
in Phoenix, Detroit and Kansas City. The "unsigned" can't
understand why Tri-Cities and San Diego, and now Madison,
have thrown over the Lights in favor of other class boats or,
in the case of Tri-Cities, for no other form of boat aside from
the Unlimiteds themselves; the theory being that the
Budweiser Columbia Cup WITH WINGS AIR SHOW will
fill the gaps between Unlimited sessions over the three-day
spectacular on the Columbia River, July 26-27-28....Alas
and alack, the principal reason the Lights have failed to
gain consistent regard from race promoters is that they
have been unable to field enough boats to provide at least
two -- and, optimally, three -- sections/heats of good, solid
racing. So, now in jeopardy is the support series which
was designed to become a proving ground and a launching
pad for potential Unlimited owners, drivers and crews. Note:
There are barely enough qualified Unlimited drivers to handle
the piloting chores for this summer's forthcoming events at
Tri-Cities and Seattle. Yet, Tri-Cities is among those race
sites unable to see the sense in a support class of 7-litre
hydros...let alone their crowd-appealing, big-block Detroit
engine noises...Something is wrong with this picture....
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"THUNDER ON THE WATER" TRADING CARDS

Reviewed by Fred Farley - APBA Unlimited Historian

Since 1991, Jim Price of J & W Productions in Seattle has been
publishing a first-rate series of sports cards, "THUNDER ON
THE WATER," devoted to the Unlimited hydroplanes. From
1991 to 1995, the series featured some truly eye-popping
photography and informed commentary. This year's set
continues the same high standard of previous editions.

Price, together with photographer Jim Dunn and writer Jeff
Meyer, has come up with an intriguing assortment for 1996. The
selection includes a cross section of the hydroplane sport: new
boats, old boats, winners, losers, boats that achieved fame, and
others that never escaped obscurity. Price includes some
individuals, including Dave Villwock, Roy Duby, George Simon,
Joe Taggart, and a personal favorite of mine, Don Wilson.

The set also includes a card on the "Dubinhauser" engine, an
Allison/Rolls hybrid of the 1960s, developed by Duby for the
MISS U.S. and SMIRNOFF racing teams.

The single most significant card of the group is a color photo of
the GUIDED MISSILE, a step hydroplane of the early 1950s that
ranks as one of the most mysterious Unlimiteds of all time. Even
in her day, GUIDED MISSILE was largely unknown.
Photographs of her are virtually non-existent. Only the
most knowledgeable hydrophiles were even aware of GUIDED
MISSILE. Only in recent years have a few photos of her been
found.

Now, thanks to "THUNDER ON THE WATER," GUIDED
MISSILE--which never started in a heat of competition--is
an obscurity no longer.

Other storied old-timers of the group include MISS CANADA III,
MISS CANADA IV, the first MISS PEPSI, MISS GREAT LAKES
II, the first MISS U.S., GALE IV, the original MISS
THRIFTWAY, SHANTY I, WAYFARERS CLUB LADY,
SAVAIR'S PROBE, and the two automotive-powered
experiments of 1970: the PRIDE OF PAY 'n PAK
and the ATLAS VAN LINES. Of more recent vintage are the
1979 Griffon MISS BUDWEISER, ARONOW UNLIMITED, the
Jim Sedam PIETRO'S PIZZA, JASPER ENGINES, DEWALT
TOOLS, PIZZA TIME/EXIDE, MISS STROH LIGHT, the Jerry
Schoenith MISS TRI-CITIES, APPIAN RENEGADE, the 1992
KISW MISS ROCK, the 1995 MISS E-LAM PLUS, and a special
promotional card (for the Starlight Foundation) of the Gold Cup-
winning PICO AMERICAN DREAM.

On the back of each card is a detailed synopsis of the boat's (or
individual's) career, penned by Meyer who is the Editor of the
Seattle-based UNLIMITED NEWSJOURNAL.

When I was a kid, most of what I first learned about major
league baseball I learned from the sports cards that came with
Topps Bubble Gum. "THUNDER ON THE WATER" now serves
the same function for hydro fans. I just wish that someone had
published Unlimited hydroplane cards such as these back when I
was young.

"THUNDER ON THE WATER" is a worthy addition to the
collection of any serious hydro fan--young or old. The current set
sells for $16.00. The address is: J&W Productions, P.O. Box
68223, Seattle, WA 98188. To order by telephone, call (206)
939-3561.
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AT LONG LAST, A MOLSON THUNDERFEST WEB SITE

To: powe...@lists1.best.com
From: dlho...@isomedia.com (David and Lisa Holmer)
Subject: Molson Thunderfest online
Date: Fri, 14 Jun 1996 23:38:19 -0700

FYI, an interesting web page covering the Molson Thunderfest
to be held on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna B.C., August 9-11 can
be found at:

http://www.ok.bc.ca/ONE/hydro/boat.html

Dave H.
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FAITH NO MORE

(reprinted from Sports Illustrated, June 17, 1996)

The following notice appeared on monthly bills sent to
TCI of Illinois cable-TV subscribers: "Due to popular
demand, starting June 1, ESPN2 will be on Channel
60 replacing the Faith and Values Channel."
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SAY IT AIN'T SO, KISW!!!! ROCK BOAT MINUS SPONSOR

To: jmic...@uhra.com
From: SCM...@aol.com
Subject: Miss Rock
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 21:07:11 -0400

I heard today (from an insider) that a memo was circulated
yesterday at KISW announcing the end of the Miss Rock
sponsorship. As you may know, ownership of the station is
changing from Nationwide Communications to Entercom,
owners of KMTT and soon KBSG & KNDD. The station has
been through a series of budget cutbacks, including the
elimination of the Station Manager's job and several others.

This will indeed mark the end of an era, and one of the
longest running sponsorships in the sport.

I believe it was 1980, the Monday before the Seafair Race,
when we decided to pursue the idea of campaigning a station-
sponsored boat. I got on the phone and found Doug McIntosh,
who had campaigned the "Elliot Dog Ration" (formerly the
Whatcom Lady) which was sitting outside a Warehouse in Kent
in a state of semi disrepair.

The next day, we (the KISW sales department) evicted
several familes of small animals from the hull and painted the
boat black. It looked great until the dew settled and gave it a
rather velveteen finish. Our promotion department and a sign
painter added some red and yellow stripes and the Rock
Logo. Meanwhile, Doug and his sons set about building an
Allison Engine.

It was a wild week, culminating in several failed attempts to
qualify with Brian Keough (turned out he was part owner and
wanted to drive) at the wheel.

The following year, we stepped up to Bob Miller's U-29. I
believe we were with Bob for two seasons. We qualified, ran
some laps in competition, and set a new standard for pulchritude
in the Seafair Parade.

Then, in about our fourth year, we hooked up with Fred
Leland who was still driving. Fred won the consolation race at
Seafair for us, and messed up our whole marketing program. I
talked Fred into adding a wing the year Mitch Evans drove the
Merlin-powered boat. Fred didn't really think it needed one. I
thought it would be a good place for a logo.

I copied the paint scheme from Don Prudhome's funny car in
about 1985, and it was used through the Jack Barrie boats,
including the attempts to run the big Packards.

Over the years, we brought 7-Eleven and Miller Brewing on
as associate sponsors. Both companys ran their own teams the
following season. Fred eventually graduated to Turbines and
began winning races...displaying a very un-Rocklike image.

If I have the years correct, it was a 15 year
sponsorship....certainly the longest ever in the radio station
category, and probably one of the sport's more enduring. It
survived the sale of KISW by Les Smith to Nationwide in the
late 80's, but apparently didn't make it through this one.

As with most things, it was never more fun than in the early
days.

Steve Montgomery
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Unlimited Hydro Thunder Tour '96
presented by LAS VEGAS

EVENT/DATE NETWORK DAY AIR DATE TIME (Eastern)

Gila River Casino espn2 Sat May 18 4-5 p.m.
Unlimited Cup espn2 Sun May 19 2-3 a.m.
Sunday, May 5 ESPN Wed July 3 2:30-3:30 p.m.
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Chrysler Jeep espn2 Sun June 2 3-4 p.m. LIVE
APBA Gold Cup espn2 Sun June 16 2-3 a.m.
Sunday, June 2 ESPN Wed July 10 5-6 p.m.
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Kansas City espn2 Sun June 23 4-5 p.m.
Hydrofair espn2 Fri June 25 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 9 ESPN Thu July 25 4-5 p.m.
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Pontiac Thunder espn2 Sat July 13 1:30-2:30 p.m.
On the Ohio espn2 Wed July 17 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 30 ESPN Tue July30 2:30-3:30 p.m.
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Budw'ser Indiana espn2 Sat July 20 12-1 p.m.
Governors Cup espn2 Sun July 28 12:30-1:30 a.m.
Sunday, July 7 ESPN Thu Aug. 8 2-3 p.m.
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Budweiser espn2 Sun Aug. 11 1-2 p.m.
Columbia Cup espn2 Mon Aug. 12 1:30-2:30 a.m.
Sunday, July 28 ESPN Tue Sept. 3 4-5 p.m.
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1996 UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE THUNDER
TOUR '96, PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS (cont.)
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Texaco Cup espn2 Sat Aug. 17 5:30-6:30 p.m.
At SEAFAIR espn2 Tue Aug. 20 1-2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 4 ESPN Fri Sept. 6 1-2 p.m.
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Canadian Cup espn2 Sat Aug. 24 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Kelowna, B.C. espn2 Tue Aug. 27 12-1 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11 ESPN Wed Sept. 18 4-5 p.m.
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S.D. Bayfair espn2 Sun Sept. 29 4-5 p.m.
Muncey Cup espn2 Mon Sept. 30 1:30-2:30 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 15 ESPN Tue Oct. 15 2-3 p.m.
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JN Automotive espn2 Sat Oct. 26 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Hydrofest espn2 Sun Oct. 27 3-4 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 13 ESPN Wed Nov. 13 4-5 p.m.
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'96 Highlights espn2 Sun Dec. 1 5-6 p.m.
"REAR VIEW
MIRROR" espn2 Wed Dec. 4 12:30-1:30 a.m.
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For updates and changes, stay tuned to the UHRA's
"Thunder 900" hotline................1-900-336-5313

Or subscribe (free) to the UHRA Hydroletter, issued at
least thrice-weekly via e-mail. Ask for it by e-mail to...
<thu...@uhra.com>

Also, stay on top of everything involving the
UNLIMITEDS and Unlimited Lights by dialing The
Hydroplane Page at...
<http://www.uhra.com>
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BUDWEISER/O'DOUL'S HIGH POINTS

Boats

PICO American Dream 4101
Miss Budweiser 3525
Smokin' Joe's 2928
DeWALT Tools 2663
Miss Wellness Plan 2162
Harvey Motorsports 2080
Miss Exide 1761
Chelan's Mill Bay Casino 1342
Miss Wellness Plan Too 676
Computers & Applications 391

Drivers

Dave Villwock, PICO American Dream 4101
Mark Evans, Miss Budweiser 3019
Mark Tate, Smokin' Joe's 2928
Mike Hanson, DeWALT Tools 2663
Steve David, Harvey Motorsports 2080
Chip Hanauer, Miss Budweiser 1570
Jimmy King, Miss Wellness Plan 1379
Mitch Evans, Chelan's Mill Bay Casino 1342
Mike Jones, Miss Exide 1001
Rick Christensen, Wellness Plan Too 676
Ken Dryden, Miss Wellness Plan 469
Ken Muscatel, Computers & Applications 391
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GEORGE ELLIOTT RECEIVES JOURNALISM AWARD

ST. PETERSBURG (special) -- Diamond P Sports Executive
Vice-President/General Manager George Elliott was recently
honored with the 1996 George Hurst Drag Racing Journalism
Award. He is only the second recipient of the award, presented
by Super Stock Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

George received the award at the Drag Racing Hall of Fame
Induction Banquet on May 31, 1996, in Richmond, Virginia.
Unlike the Hall of Fame, whose inductees are chosen by the
magazine readers, the winner of the George Hurst Award is
selected by a panel nomination. George Elliott was chosen for
the award based on his "hands-on approach to journalism"
during a career spanning over 30 years.

"He was one of the few journalists who actually tested and raced
cards," said Frank Spittle, Hall of Fame organizer. He is also the
original builder of a project car known as Project X, upon which
work continues to this day.

"That era of hot rodding was exciting and I was lucky to be a
part of it," George stated upon being informed of his selection.
"It is nice to know that my work meant something in its time, but
it feels even better to know that it is still meaningful two decades
later."

George began his career in journalism during a stint in the Naval
Air Force. After leaving the Navy, he joined Argus Publishing as
an advertising sales representative and did freelance writing for
Popular Hot Rodding magazine. He remained with Argus for 30
years, working his way up through the ranks to editor, editorial
director, publisher and executive vice-president. Under his
leadership, Argus launched several successful magazines,
including Off-Road, Super Chevy, and Fabulous Mustangs, as
well as many other publications. George turned his career
interests from publishing to television when he joined Diamond
P Sports in 1993.
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FOR A GOOD TIME . . .

CALL 1-900-336-5313

THUNDER 900 HOT LINE, NOW WITH DAILY NEWS LINE
UPDATES AND . . . STILL . . . NO COMMERCIALS!!!!!!!!!
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