| |
January 4
Team Canadian Tire CE-5 hull repairs
The team is working hard to rebuild the boat after
the crash in Beauharnois. The hull will be completely redone from the
first layer of fibre. It is already lighter after 2 weekend of work of 4
person on the bottom of the hull. They are almost ready to flip the boat
over .
December 23
Jean-Pierre Morin's new acquisition was loaded in a
semi-truck out west to be delivered in Valleyfield. Wally
Johnston's Agitator E-98 was bought by M. Morin at the end of the racing
season.
Martin Rochon will be out west next week to
take possession of the E-26 bought by Valleyfield
May 25
Pre-season testing in Beauharnois
by Paul Davidson
April 22
To
a dream..with
Martin Rochon
In
the 80’s and 90’s what young man from the
Valleyfield
area didn’t
dream of becoming a hydroplane driver?
Well… I am one of them.
As a teenager I was among the young guys who were getting on their
bicycle the week before the Valleyfield Regatta to go to the marina
to see the first boats that were arriving to compete in the most
prestigious race in the world. I
was also among the curious who ran to the Parc Sauvé as soon as I
heard a noise that was coming out for a private test session.
My love for boat racing has stayed alive ever since, and I
wanted to realize that dream one day.
I must also say that one highlight of my teenage years was to
win a contest in High School for the 50th anniversary of Les
Régates de Valleyfield. I
won the contest in which we had to create a mascot for the event,
and “Vroun-vroum” was born. |
| So,
near my 30th anniversary I told myself I wanted to make my dream
come true. I had
to start somewhere in the racing world.
I remember
one day when I was 15 or 16 Claude Bergeron told me “if you do
nothing and stay in your living room, nobody will come and take you
by the hand to become a driver”.
Then I chose the motorsport that was the easiest to get
access to, and the one where a lot of great names started from--karting. |
 |
 |
I
went to the first race of the most prestigious karting championship
in Quebec--the Montreal Cup. I
met a driver from the Valleyfield area who introduced me to the
sport. I went to the
second race with him and he gave me some advice, and by the third
race I was on the starting line at the 2005 Montreal Cup.
During that first season I worked very hard to become
competitive, and by the second season I got my first podium.
During the 2008 season I became the new champion of the
Montreal Cup Honda Senior Class. |
 |
I
also won the prestigious race in the streets of Trois-Rivieres (the
little Monaco). That
race was in fact my first victory, and the rest of the season was
just perfect with many wins, podiums, and the championship.
I won with a lot of effort and many hours of preparation.
|
|
|
Now
for 2009, I will be defending my title but many “sharks” will
want to get it too. What is also significant is at the beginning of
2009, I contacted the ACHA to step up to the hydroplane world in
2010, but there is still a lot to do at this time.
I am actually putting a team together (mechanic, motorist,
crew) trying to get experienced people around me to ease my learning
process as a hydroplane driver. |
|
| Maybe
it’s still a dream, but I will do everything to make it a reality.
You can follow my 2009 season on my website at http://www.ipublix.com/mr13
Martin Rochon
|
April 1st
Kelly Shane pick up her new 5 litre.
It's
"I
looking forward to racing against some of the best drivers in this sport
and look forward the competitive nature of the 5 litre class. After having
surgery last summer from the skiff accident, I have worked hard over the
winter to get back into physical shape so I could again be able
to drive a hydroplane. I'm looking forward to getting back to driving this
summer" said Kelly to Hydroplanequebec.com. When she pick
up the boat Patrick Haworth told her that she would feel good in that
boat, that the boat handling is great.
The
boat wil have number CE-77 but the name is yet to be determined.
March 27
Scott Liddycoat's new 1 litre mod colors
Scott plans on having
the new 1 litre Team Extreme Staudacher ready for Portsmouth
March 18
Kelly Shane step up into the 5 litre class
After Patrick Haworth's decision 2 weeks ago not
to run in the the 5 liter class next season, the boat that belong to
the Regates de Valleyfield became available for somebody else.
|
| The ACHA choice was to award the boat that has won
the 2008 Championship of it's class to Kelly
Shane. For the organization "She is a good driver, teamed
with her brothers they make good engine, she's good in public and
she's a great assets to the sport". 2005 APBA High Point
Champion and 2008 World Champion at Valleyfield in the
1.5 litre class, this year will be her thirteenth season as an
Hydroplane drive.
This young driver who just turned 26 on March 17, says that
she is very excited to have the opportunity to move up to the 5
Litre Class. "It was one of my goal to eventually move up into
the 5 litre class".
|
|
|
Valleyfield 2008
|
The news comes as a surprises following the accident she had
in the Jersey Speed Skiff at Valleyfield last year, when she suffered
back injuries "I'm very excited. Kelly has
been chomping at the bit to get back to driving." says
Robin, Kelly's mother.
Kelly Shane have already acquired a complete
engine from Sid Johnson but her brother Jimmy will be building the engines.
The number and name for the boat are yet to be decided.
|
March 5
A new Staudacher for the West Coast.
A
brand new Staudacher GP/G class hull was recently built and everything
indicates it is for Rob Hall who currently drives the Marine Dream A-1 in
the 2.5 litre mod class, and is the 2007 APBA High Point champion. Very
different than any other hull we are used to seeing, it will be
interesting to see the performance of this boat. It is the same
design Huey Newport was supposed to have built. Will we see a new
Staudacher hull in the ACHA/GP in 2010?...to be continued...
January 30
A
Staudacher one litre mod hydroplane!!!
YES
you heard right!!! New for 2009 will be Scott Liddycoat’s
radical one litre mod Staudacher, Y-97 Team Extreme which is
currently being built at Scott’s shop in Virginia . The
horsepower will coming from the renowned Joey Cheezum.
In
2007 Scott, along with his brother Todd were crowned Summer National
Champions in the 5 litre class, and were also fastest qualifiers at
Cambridge , Hampton & Clarksville . |
 |
 |
In
2006, they were also the North American Champions in 5-litre.
With their many years of racing experience, look for Team Extreme to
be battling out front in the one litre class in 2009!
And,
keep checking in for more updates on HydroplaneQuebec.com on the
Y-97 Team Extreme one litre hydroplane!
Following
is the Y-97 Team Extreme profile |
|
2008
Staudacher Built by Extreme Race Boats
Owner/Driver Scott Liddycoat
Motors MPS, Joe Cheezum
Sponsors MPS, Extreme Race Boats, Teleflex Marine
|
Crew
Grant Liddycoat
Kim Liddycoat
Chad Winget
Todd Liddycoat
Corky Howell
Johanna Howell |
 |
January 17
CAPSULE
TRAINING
PRESENTED
BY THE
NIAGARA
FRONTIER BOAT RACING
ASSOCIATION (NFBRA)
FEBRUARY
28, 2009
TONAWANDA
HIGH SCHOOL
150 HINDS STREET
TONAWANDA
, N.Y
14150
(use
parking lot entrance off of
Hinds Street
, look for sign on door)
9:00 A.M
$20.00
PLEASE
REGISTER WITH LUANNE MONETTE 716 -693-7117
December 10
I
had dreamed about going to
Valleyfield
since I was 10 years old. It is without doubt, the holy grail of
hydroplane racing. I grew up in a boat racing family with my father
driving a rescue boat. Built my 1st model with electric outboard at age 4
out of balsawood.
There were many model hydroplanes that followed. All inspired by
the legend and my childhood idol, Peter Knight.
Left school at age 16 to become a boat builder and built my 1st race
boat out of composites at the same age. This was a 25 hp outboard powered
veebottom. At 20 I worked on building the Jamie Auld designed GP
hydro for Peter Knight, called Boss Mobil 1.
In 1996 I built the sister ship of Boss Mobil 1, called Thunder
Pumper for Tom Baker out of Queenstown – Maryland. The following
year I fulfilled my dream of coming to
Canada
and attended
Valleyfield
for the 1st time. It was the most amazing experience of my life. Was so
lucky to attend 5 regattas in
North America
in 1997 with Bert Henderson and Jamie Auld. The
following year I crewed again for Bert Henderson who had teamed with
Patrick Haworth in 2.5 stock to win the North American Hi–Points.
Assisted Tom Baker and his GP team with Thunder Pumper, the eventual
GP Hi Points Champion. 1999 was a great year as I was able to attend
Valleyfield
for the 3rd time along with 4 other regattas. Thanks Francois and Bob.
Over the years, I was lucky enough to meet some very good people,
among them were Francois Campeau and Marc Perrier. Marc has to be the most
passionate Hydroplane supporter I have ever seen and Francois is one of
the most dedicated drivers. Francois made the trip down to
New Zealand
for 3 weeks in 2000 for the GP World Champs when Jean Theoret won the
title, we both helped Jean there. I had hoped for Francois to drive Greg
Oranges older Lauterbach GP but engine dramas put an end to that idea.
During Francois stay, he helped lay up the right sponson with Greg and I
on the GP hydro-Warlord.
This was my 1st GP of my own design and has won every championship
in the southern hemisphere.
In 2001/2002 I built the 1st carbon fibre F1 in NZ with Malcolm
Jamieson and we Formed KRB Racing, short for Kiwi Race Boat Racing.
We sponsored the boat to Andy Elliott in
England
and did the whole 2002 UIM F1 World Championship. We had mixed success,
results were good despite having no sponsors apart from ourselves.
This is Malcolms F1 hull in NZ in 2006.
In 2003 I joined the Harrison Racing team in
Australia
with GP101 and started Rebuilding a Jones 2 wing hull into a single wing
for Bob Fisher, called The Wasp.
Warlord was sold to Ron Burton and later taken over by Paul
Burton, Ron’s son.
2004 I started the new hydro for Keith Harrison to replace the
Jones 3 wing hull- Spellbound. This was almost completed when in April
2005 Grant Harrison had a massive crash in GP101 and work stopped on
the new hydro for over 2 ½ years. Late 2007 I was able to resume work on
the GP.
Testing at
Lake
Glenmaggie
Nov ’08
|
Second corner, E.C. Griffith Cup final 2008
Warwick
Lupton on the outside, Grant Harrison inside
|
Unfortunately we lost a good friend in February this year. Paul
Burton, owner and driver of WARLORD lost his battle with a brain tumour.
He had always wanted to get to
Valleyfield
and last year he almost did. Sadly his illness prevented him from getting
there. It makes you think about what you want out of life and for me,
Valleyfield
is the closest thing to heaven. I had made my mind up to return, it
was an easy decision.
In June this year I made the 20 hour flight back to
Canada
. I stayed with Francois Campeau and his lovely partner, Joanne just out
of
Ottawa
. I very much appreciated their hospitality. We travelled to
Brockville
the day after I arrived for my 1st race in ‘08. It was great to catch up
with some of my old friends, Tom Baker, Jamie Auld, Bert Henderson, Derek
Anderson, Pierre Maheu, Patrick and Warren Haworth. The racing was great
and I think I took over 600 photos. The weekend went by too fast, before
you new it, we were on our way home.
Valleyfield
was the next race and I spent a few days prior to the race with Patrick
Haworth. I had a great time catching up with friends and racers across
Valleyfield
. I had trouble with the French language. I had forgotten all that I had
learned 10 years earlier. Simple things like ordering breakfast became a
challenge, but I soon sorted that out.
It was a bit daunting driving Tom Bakers and Huey Newports GP-777
The Crush into the pits, narrow streets, Ford F450 Dually truck with the
steering on the wrong side. I was nervously checking the mirrors while I
followed Patrick into the pits with his 5 litre. Well I made it into
registration unscathed and passed the keys on. Thanks to the ladies at
registration. Wow, what a day. I had so many people to see in the pits.
Caught up with Grant Harrison and we checked the boats out. The racing
right across the weekend was superb, great to see the Grand Prix back as
the premier class. Thanks to Denis Bourbonnais for getting Grant H and
myself into the tower. Had a great time in the Canadian Tire stand,
clocked up many kms running back and fourth to the pits and camp ground.
Shot another 600 photos. I sunk many Molson Canadians. Friday, Sat and Sun
nights were spectacular.
I don’t even remember getting back to the tent Friday night,
but a security officer filled me in the next morning. Apparently, it was
rather funny, say no more. Sat night I had the pleasure to meet Kelly
& Jimmy Shane and friends, we dined in the streets on Subway,
the only food available at the time prior to heading for the stage, bands
and fireworks and more beer. Wow
Valleyfield
sure puts on a great weekend. The racing, the girls, the beer. In that
order. I remember 10 years ago at
midnight
mass, xmas eve, in
Valleyfield
, I was asked “what religion was I?” and I responded
‘HYDROPLANE’
Thanks to everyone that contributed to a great 6 weeks break, special
thanks to Francois Campeau and Joanne Dumais.
Cheers Grant Rollason
December 5
Valleyfield 2009
Tickets
now available
November 21
Elizabeth Down Under #2
The race down...
Boat Racing is excellent preparation for real life...
Having grown up boat racing, I never realized how much it really
prepares you for things in real life. Travelling to Sydney,
Australia brought this home.
Just like in boat racing, the preparation for the trip was last minute,
and the racing gear got thrown in at the last minute, and I am still
hoping that I have all the equipment and tools that I need. I was
further reminded of boat racing travel in the 20 hours that it took to get
to the 'race.'
There are quite a few racers out there that are all too familiar with 20
hour trips. Just like many races that we journey to, it was not that
easy to get to Sydney from Chicago....we had to stop for gas in LA (BIG
truck stop).
During the trip, like many of you I found it very
familiar to sit in my seat, try to find something entertaining on
the radio, and then getting that crick in my neck and drool on my
sweatshirt when the hours on the road got too long. Airplane
food is also pretty similar to what you get in truck
stops across the US and Canada...you're not sure quite what you are
going to
get, how long it has been sitting, or if it is going to make you
sick. |
 |
 |
Unlike boat racing you can drink the whole trip, which
I admit does make it a bit more interesting. But you have to
work on that balance on if it is worth it to have another drink, and
risk another trip to the bathroom (you road warriors know this
dilemma). But in the end, the real fun is entertaining
yourself by either making friends or subtly working to annoy the
people that sit next to you for this long journey (You know you do
this to your travel companions on the way to a race). |
The drivers meeting and registration at a race is
similar to the speech that you get about going through customs and the
forms that you have to fill out when getting to another country. You
are bleary eyed, and not quite sure what they are telling you after a long
night of travel. You aren't sure if
you should mention your carburetor (or the leftover apple in your bag)
that
may or may not be legal ....but, you hope that the officials don't notice.
If no one told you it was illegal, is it illegal (or am I actually
supposed to read those long forms i.e the rule book)? Once you
arrive at your destination, get yourself together (e.g. get the prop on
and the tank fueled), and get off the plane everyone rushes to the 'race'
or baggage claim as they call it here. Much like in the States when
the drivers and crew are all geared up and ready to go just waiting for
the 5 minute gun to go off, it is a hurry up and wait situation; there is
an inexplicable delay and the luggage doesn't come. When the race
finally starts and the first piece of luggage does come, each passenger
takes personal victory in how quickly their luggage comes out and goes
around the circular track, and there are those stragglers that are still
on the course when everyone else has left waiting hoping that their
luggage actually made it through the race. Finally, after this whole
racing journey with victory in sight,
you wait to find out if you have been assessed any 'penalties' at customs.
The Inspectors meticulously inspect your equipment (luggage) to make sure
that it is legal, and if it is not they give penalties called "duty"
and "quarantine."
| So far, the people in Australia are really into boat
racing. In Sydney, maybe not the hydroplane boat racing that
we are used to, but they are huge fans of sailing and jet boats, and
other types of racing. Their enthusiasm for water and racing,
was one of the reasons that has made this trip so great so far.
There are no hydroplane boat races currently run around Sydney. But,
watching Formula One boat racing from Russia on National TV, sitting
down at a bar and getting into conversation with strangers, and
hearing their enthusiasm to learn about the sport is awesome. |
 |
 |
The people of Sydney are serious fans of
hydroplane boats and they don't even know it!
I am really looking forward to travelling the 10 hours down to the
race near Melbourne in two weekends, and some of the people I have
met so far are so excited that they are going to travel and come to
see the race at Lake Mulwalla too! |
 |
 |
November 13
COMMUNIQUÉ
Coffret DVD
saison Grand Prix 2008
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, le mercredi 12 novembre 2008
– Amateurs de courses d’hydroplanes, réjouissez-vous! Un coffret DVD
mettant en vedette les bolides Grand Prix est maintenant disponible au
coût de 25 $.
Partisan invétéré
Vidéaste à ses heures, Jean-Philippe Poulin est un vrai passionné de
régates. L’été dernier, il a suivi avec
grand intérêt l’évolution de la deuxième saison Grand Prix. Il s’est
rendu à Tonawanda (NY), Beauharnois,
Brockville (Ontario), Valleyfield, St-Félicien, Cambridge (MD) et Long
Sault (Ontario) afin de capter des
images de chacune des épreuves.
Tout récemment, il a décidé de partager son amour
pour ce sport en réalisant un coffret DVD intitulé «
ACHA Grand Prix 2008 ».
En vente maintenant
Si vous êtes intéressés à
acheter le coffret DVD « ACHA Grand Prix 2008 », nous vous invitons à
communiquer au 450 371-6144 poste 232 ou par
courriel à info@regates.ca.
November 4
Elizabeth Down Under
 |
Do they race around the course in the opposite
direction?
This is the primary question that I have been
asked by anyone who finds out I will be traveling to Australia to go
drive a hydroplane in the EC Griffith Cup.
As co-Driver and Team Manager of the
Johnson~Wolfe race team (http://www.wolfengines.com/racing),
I have seen a lot of racing but I can’t emphasize how excited I am
to see Australian racing in action. My race team, including my
brother Marty Wolfe driver of GP93, father and Crew Chief Randy
Wolfe, and Dennis Johnson Owner and Sponsor (www.warningpower.com
), has been on the circuit for many years. |
| Partnered with Trafficade /Warning Power and Dennis
Johnson; the team has had some great successes over the years with
their GNH and NM hulls, and we are working to continue that with our
new GP, GP93 Renegade. We had such a great season this
year racing our first season in GP that I just couldn’t let it end,
and had to take the opportunity to extend the season into November
with this trip Down Under.
|
| Fortunately, a chance meeting in Valleyfield this year
with Australian Grant Harrison driver of Australia’s GP1 and New
Zealander Grant Rollason boat builder extraordinaire and several
late night discussions about the differences between Australian and
North American racing resulted in an invitation to drive Paul
Norrisch’s 1.6 litre race boat’Times R Tuff’at the Australian
event in late November (http://www.lakemulwalapower.com.au/).
Since Australian rules do not require capsules, the 1.6 litre
that I will be driving will be quite different from what we are used
to here in North America. It will be a little unusual to drive
an unencapsulated hydroplane, so I have been asking for advice from
the vintage boat drivers, who actually have the most experience with
this type of racing. Their recommendations range from “well,
you need a big rear end to stuff in the seat and that will hold you
in the boat” to “make sure your parachute works.”
Parachute? What parachute….?
|
|
 |
Not only will driving a 1.6 litre be a serious
adventure, I am also fantastically excited to see the Australian and
New Zealand GPs in action. There will be several GPs attending
the race from Australia and New Zealand; including Grant Harrison in
the brand new GP1 built by Grant Rollason, and the famous Warlord
GP3 driven by Brent Niddrie.
The Australian engine rules are different from what we now have in
North America, similar to what they were when Casino de Montreal
dominated the GP circuit, and from what I have heard they are
wickedly fast with 1500-1800 HP, and super exciting to see.
|
|
Finally, the 20 hour plane ride, figuring out
how to drive a car on the wrong side of the road while getting lost
in the Outback and trying not to hit a kangaroo on a road trip from
Sydney to Melbourne, and answering the age old question “What
exactly is Marmite?” will be part of the adventures. There
is a 13 hour time difference between here and there, and it will be
late spring as opposed to the frigid November that we have in
Chicago.
This is a once in a lifetime adventure that I
am grateful to be able to take on. I hope you all want to
share some of the adventures and are interested as I share some of
my experiences on HydroplaneQuebec. I leave the 14th of
Nov, so check back and I will let you know if my racing gear makes
it through customs. |
Griffith Cup Promo Video
September 16
Do-It CE-1 sold
|
|
A group a
businessman from Valleyfield bought Eric Labelle's Do-It.
Discussions have taken place for a while and a concrete offer was on
the table at The Long Sault Regattas and the transaction was
official a couple of days later.
Eric Labelle sold the boat in which he
won 4 consecutive CBF |
| high point
championships. He is actually the leader of the ACHA high point
championship with Patrick Haworth. Labelle will keep the boat until
the last race of the season in Wildwood NJ where he will try to win
a fifth championship in a row.
During a phone
conversation, Eric Labelle told Hydroplanequebec.com that there was
some discussion during the season about selling the boat but the weekend in
Long Sault accelerated things. His comment about that weekend was:
"When you don't
have fun ... and/or... in the 5 litres, then it's time to do
something else."
Presently the
transaction includes the boat, engine and all the 5 litre parts.
Some discussion could take place for the trailer but nothing is
decided at this time. When contacted the new owners told us they
want to let Eric finish his season before they are known. The truck
is also for sale but is not in the discussion.
Eric Labelle doesn't
know what is next for him in the motorsport world. He could move to
modified dirt track racing but is open to offers like the one of
returning behind the wheel of a Grand Prix. Eric drove Daniel
Mercier's GP-1 "Laboratoire ABS" in 1997. |
Brief news
- Donald Leduc had an
experimental engine in his CS-48 in Long Sault. The ACHA is actually
working on an engine program with Roush Engineering who provided the GM
Cobald (Cavalier) engine.
- After winning the 5 litre
final in Long Sault in the CE-20 Sylvain Campeau was disqualified at the
inspection. According to our information it's a technical mistake in the
building of the engine that is not power producing.
August 27
A bad year for the Shane familly
Text and pictures by the Shane familly
We wish to thank everyone who called
with their concerns and offers of help.
It has truly been a different ride the last twelve months.
|
The accident occurred
about
6:00 PM
on interstate 70 about 40 miles east of
Columbus
,
OH
. We
had a caravan consisting of our motor home with Stuart driving and
Kelly riding – towing Kelly’s T-17.
Robin was driving our ¾-ton green van towing the box trailer
with the J boats and motors inside.
Last was our white box – van driven by Jimmy and Ed Garback
riding - towing Sid Johnson’s box trailer with the 2.5 stock boat
inside. |
 |
|
|
We had
moved into the fast lane to pass a row of slower moving
tractor-trailers. A
Dodge minivan was about 100’ in front of Stuart.
The driver of the minivan suddenly locked his brakes and came
to a complete stop in the fast lane.
The driver was a young male with two older female passengers.
He stated he has missed his exist and was going to see if he
could make a U-turn over the medium to go eastbound.
There was not a shoulder.
It was the medium strip with a grade.
Stuart hit the back of the mini van.
Robin hit the back of Kelly’s trailer.
Jimmy hit the back of the J Stock trailer.
Robin ended in the medium strip upside down with minimal
injuries. Everyone else
is uninjured.
| The driver of
the mini van was cited.
What did we get out of this happening
to us? It brought
us even closer to one another. The
look of happiness, relief, and love on all of our eyes was
amazing. |
 |
|
| The amount of
phone calls and offers of help was unbelievable.
We want to especially thank Tony Black for traveling from
Columbus
to pick of the J Trailer and hauling it to
Celina so the J kids could race.
We thank Scott and Kim Liddycoat for bringing the J trailer
back from Celina.
You never know when an
expected hazard will occur.
With this in mind always, be aware of the people in front
and along side of you. Even
if you think, you have enough room to stop give yourself more.
Look to always give yourself an escape route.
Always do the speed limit.
In addition, always wear your seat belt.
We truly think this could have been far worse had we been
speeding or traveling too close to one another.
We did not have a shoulder.
The ground to our left was rocky and had a grade.
There were tractor-trailers to our right.
Kelly was lying in the bedroom of the motor home because of
her back. However, we
had stopped just a couple miles prior to this to get fuel and food.
This is when she moved to the front seat and wore her seat
belt. Had we not
stopped who knows what her condition would have been? |
 |
|
|
This had the potential
for much worse including fatalities.
We had just installed new tires and brakes on both the white
truck and motor home. Maintaining
your vehicles and equipment is essential when traveling.
We have had our share of
highs and lows these past twelve months, Kelly and Stuart in
particular. Stuart
nearly lost his mom three times.
We had to put our dog (16 years) Irish down.
Everybody knows what has happened to Kelly.
With this thought, we would like to publicly thank everyone
who called. We would
like to thank the entire Valleyfield Regatta group and especially
Ron O’Neill, Anna Marie LeBoeuf, Patrick, and Sonia Cheff.
They opened their homes, cars, and food for us.
It has been an amazing year that even with the good and bad,
we do not want to forget any of it.
We have learned who our true friends are and for the bad, it
has made us better, stronger, and more forgiving.
|
Missing the nationals is not a
big thing to what could have happened.
We are glad to hear that the nationals went well.
Congratulations to the winners.
We wish a speedy recovery to Buster.
Again, many thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
Everyone of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Stuart, Robin, Kelly and Jimmy
Shane
August 12
Update from Kelly Shane a month after her Jersey Speed Skif
accident in Valleyfield
"I'm able to walk around now with
the help of a back brace. I've been going to physical therapy three
times a week. They have me working all my muscles to take pressure off
the muscles they had to cut through during surgery. My back is
still very sore but I'm very motivated to heal as quickly as possible. I
will be getting x-rays in a week to make sure the bones are healing
properly. If all goes well with the healing process I will be able to
have the screws removed in a year to two years. I really appreciate all
the love and support I have gotten from the racing community it really
has given me a positive outlook through the recovery
process. I look forward to healing completely and getting back to
driving."
Thanks,
Kelly Shane
August 7
Become an Unlimited owner Driver
join the UHL
For info clic here
See a race video of the UHL
August 6
A champion is back in the Jersey Skiffs
JS-11
"Indian Summer" owned and driven by Rob Garrantano of
Oceanport
,
NJ
regularly tours on the
Vintage Circuit and is one of the most decorated Speed Skiffs ever to
enter APBA competition. 15 World Records; 3 National Hi-Points Championships;
5 National Championships; 7 Eastern Divisional Championships; and placed
Rob as owner/driver & builder in the APBA Hall of Champions 3 times.
While browsing
through the 2008 entries list on the Celina, OH racers
information page (celinaevents.com), HydroplaneQuebec.com noticed entry
#11 as JS-62 "Smoke on the Water" with owner/driver Rob
Garrantano of
Oceanport
, NJ. Could this
former champion be making a comeback to APBA competition?
Inside
sources have indicated that Rob's new skiff is a state of the
art hull, and that there may be some big sponsors backing him. Could
Rob be heading down to
Hampton
,
Virginia
prior to the Celina
event? Stay tuned..."
August 1
A girl from Valleyfied driving an outboard in Long
Sault
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Nathalie Bourdeau from
Valleyfield will live a dream in Long Sault, Ontario on September
6-7. She will be at the wheel, not of an Inboard hydroplane like the
ones she's been around for so many years but a small ASH outboard.
It's on her first visit in Long Sault near Cornwall a couple of
years ago that she got hooked by those little boat.
During the summer of 2007, Hydroplanequebec racing team offered
Nathalie to try their boat but it didn't happen. Seeing that the
passion was still there, we offered her to drive the #65 boat for
the weekend in Long Sault. |
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So
she will not only try it but she will have a chance to live the
excitement of the competition. In those little boats, in which the
driver is kneeled down and very close to the water, the feeling of
speed is very different. To see the water flow only few inches from
you in the turn is very exciting. |
| For the last
few days you can really feel that Nathalie Bourdeau is very nervous
and her boyfriend Serge (Leroux) is the one that will have to live
with that until September 6. |
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July 29
An other Pigeon/Bergeron 5 litre boat in the tight
canadian battle
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Richard Haineault
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Actual co-owner of the FBL
Special CE-17 Richard Haineault bought the Mama Jama E-39 from Mark
Orechwo. In a conversation in Cambridge last weekend, Orechwo from
Jackson New Jersey confirmed to HQ.com that the boat was sold.
During that same weekend the E-39 was registered with Richard
Haineault's name.
Here is one more
Pigeon/Bergeron's hull that will raise the level of competition a
little bit more in the 5 litres class. The class can actually count
on a 12 boats fleet in Quebec.
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