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If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to operate the club’s heat draw and scoring software, or are willing to give it a shot, we’ve set up a Zoom meeting to do exactly that.
Please join the meeting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 to learn how to use our program, which is a Microsoft Excel workbook using macros (little programs that run in the background; you don’t need to know anything about those) to accomplish the important bits of club business at the scorer’s table. We will be sharing the screen so you can see how a simulated race would work in the scoring application. Because of this, there will not be a phone-in option for this meeting. Join the meeting by clicking the link below: https://us02web.zoom.uszj/8464189312?pwd=dTZNdDFXSmozZTBTN0xMVHBkc0I1Zz09 Meeting ID: 846 418 9312 Passcode: ERCU2022  The third race of the 2022 ERCU Pentair Championship Series is the Seafair Trophy Race, set for Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Woodland Creek Park in Lacey. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the third event of the year.
Location Woodland Creek Park 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Contest Directors Rick Evans & Paxton Reunanen Context In August 1951, the feature event of Seafair in Seattle was the Gold Cup. For the first time, Seattle had a major league sport; unlimited hydroplane racing! Stan Sayers Slo-Mo-Shun IV had won the 1950 Gold Cup in Detroit and earned for the Seattle Yacht Club the right to put on the race for 1951. So let us hearken back to a Seafair 70 years ago when the grass was green, the skies were blue, the Gold Cup was now in Seattle and Slo-Mo-Shun IV was defending. A time when the boats roared and thundered, the Seafair Pirates were not politically correct and the Buicks, well they were two tone. Please join Contest Directors Rick Evans & Paxton Reunanen at Woodland Creek Park Park in Lacey on Saturday, May 7 and relive those golden days of yesteryear if only in 1/10 & 1/7 scale form. What to Expect (All times approximate, and subject to change)
Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Seafair Trophy Race is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/seafair-trophy-race.html, where you will find the pre-registration link in a blue box just under the race site map. You may also pre-pay your entry fees online by following the PayPal directions at the bottom of the page. Pre-registration will close at 10 p.m., Friday, May 6. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. You can also find pre-registration by going to www.ercu-hydros.com, then selecting “Schedule” from the main menu, and “Seafair Trophy Race” from the schedule itself. Schedule It is our intent to have the course open by 8 a.m., so that testing can commence once boats are registered for the event. Boat owners should prepare to have time so that they can get inspections that are needed, and be ready to race. The water will be open for testing until approximately 9 a.m. A mandatory driver’s meeting will start no less than 5 minutes after the water closes. Drivers who do not attend the meeting will not be allowed to participate in the first round of heats. 1/10-scale modern heat 1A will begin no less than 10 minutes after the conclusion of the drivers meeting. Starting Clock A 1-minute 30-second clock will start as soon as all drivers are in the driving area and will not be stopped for any reason other than health or safety (including stubborn waterfowl). Please plan ahead for your upcoming heats, including getting your own spotter, and be ready when the chase boat comes back. When all drivers are at the driving area and boats launched/ready to launch drivers the 1:30 clock will be started. A trailer boat shall not cross the start line less than five seconds after the start gun. Rookie drivers who have not yet earned 1,200 career points must start from the trailer position. Drivers Meeting The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes and will begin immediately upon the closing of time trials at the scoring table. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat – regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. Heat Draws Heat draws will be completed with the randomizer in our Excel workbook that’s used for scoring races. Every effort will be made to avoid preferred driver/spotter heat conflicts, but sometimes those cannot be avoided. The first heat draw will be conducted at approximately 9 a.m. and will be read verbally at the drivers meeting as a roll call. Succeeding heat draws will be conducted between flights. All heat draws will be printed and posted, and displayed on the TV screen, whenever possible. No re-draws of heats will be done after the draws are finalized. Race Officials
Rookie/Guest Drivers ERCU always welcomes new members to the club and visiting racers from other clubs. Rookie driver testing will be offered during the open water period as needed. The course will be closed for rookie driver tests. Visiting racers may not take home ERCU perpetual trophies, in the event they win the race. 2022 Rules There have been several changes to the rules for the 2022 season, so please review the rulebook as is posted on the ERCU website, available under the Resources tab (or by clicking here). Changes to the rulebook are noted in green bold italics, but it’s always good to read the whole thing just to refresh your own memory. The Contest Director/Chief Referee will make every effort to be sure that officiating is consistent with the rules as published on the website, and that every effort is made to assure consistency in officiating. Inspections As noted above, it is possible that there will be new boats in the pits that need to be inspected. We ask that you print out the 2022 Hull Inspection Form, found on the Resources tab of the club website (www.ercu-hydros.com), and complete the member information at the top of page one prior to arriving at the race site. Please also remember to bring a photo of the real boat (a photo on your phone or tablet is acceptable) that your boat models. Reminder: Boats that have not been altered significantly since last season do not need to be inspected. Only new boats, or those that have had significant repair or refurbishment must be inspected. By rule, a boat may also be inspected, at random, any time, for any reason, by one or both of the club’s inspectors. Seafair Trophy Race Defending Champions
Race Format
Post Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Following the conclusion of the final heat of the day, awards will be presented. Awards will be given to the podium (first, second and third place). After the awards are presented, please remember to stick around to help cleanup and re-pack the club trailer. Weather Forecast As of this writing, weather.com predicts 57 degrees weather with partly cloudy conditions. Covid Accomodations Following local, state and federal guidance, face coverings, social distancing and vaccination proof will not be required at ERCU events in 2022. Those who would like to take any precautions to their own comfort level are certainly welcome and encouraged to do so. ERCU reserves the right to change the Covid accomodations, in accordance with local, state or federal guidelines, should that need arise. ERCU will give as much notice as possible if changes are made. Restrooms There are two public restrooms available on site, and they are expected to be open. Electricity There is limited access to electricity in the pits. It would be wise to bring a generator or other power source to charge your batteries if you need to charge during the day. LONGVIEW, Wash. - David Heilbrunn finished first in the 1/7 scale modern final and second in the race.
One run later, he was a race winner in ERCU for the first time. Because the Diamond Cup was a points race, Heilbrunn won the 1/7 scale modern final and was second in the race with a total of 1,300 points. But by maintaining consistency and driving his 1984 Executone to a win in the 1/10-scale classic final, Heilbrunn came from behind and won the race with 1,225 points. Other winners at the Diamond Cup were Nelson Holmberg who won both the 1/10 and 1/7 scale modern races with his 2018 Oberto Beef Jerky and 2021 Graham Trucking, respectively. In 1/10 scale vintage, Paxton Reunanen posted the only perfect day of the Diamond Cup driving Kerry Kjos' 1960 Miss Thriftway. Gerry Bordon brought out his 1/7 scale 1969 Parco's O-Ring Miss for the first time in three years and won the vintage class championship. The final 1/10 scale modern points standings at the Diamond Cup:
Final 1/7 scale modern points standings:
Final 1/10 scale classic points standings:
Final 1/10 scale vintage points standings:
Final 1/7 scale vintage points standings:
The second race of the 2022 ERCU Pentair Championship Series is the Diamond Cup, set for Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the second event of the year.
Location Lake Sacajawea Park Closest address (for GPS) 1701 Nichols Blvd., Longview, WA Contest Directors Nelson Holmberg & Tom Markos Context For a decade, the North Idaho resort town of Coeur d’Alene, played host to “Water Racing’s Greatest Show” - the Unlimited hydroplanes – starting in 1958. The Coeur d’Alene race always attracted a large crowd of spectators. And a lot of people from Seattle could be counted upon to line the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene for the annual Diamond Cup. In the 1950s and early ‘60s, Unlimited racing was a distinctly regional sport. Unlike today, West Coast teams attended mainly western races, while East Coast teams patronized mainly eastern races. There were very few crossovers. Never more than one or two eastern boats ever showed up for the first few Diamond Cups. But that changed in 1962 when a fleet of five Detroit Unlimiteds (GALE V, GALE VII, MISS U.S. I, SUCH CRUST IV, and NOTRE DAME) challenged the western fleet. Be that as it may, no hydroplane based east of the Mississippi River ever won at Coeur d’Alene. In 2013, the race was reborn for another go with teams based in Madison, Indiana; Decatur, Indiana; Reading, Pennsylvania and Seattle. Unfortunately, it lasted just one season. That race, over Labor Day Weekend, was won by the Indiana-based U-5 Graham Trucking which enjoyed its only perfect weekend of the season, on its way to the 2013 national championship with Jimmy Shane at the helm. It was also our own Nelson Holmberg’s first full season on the Graham Trucking crew. When it comes to ERCU, the Diamond Cup has been run every year but three across the 20 year history of ERCU. The Diamond Cup is one of the club’s “nomad” races, having been run in numerous locations from Longview to Friday Harbor. Rick Lentz purchased and donated perpetual trophies years ago with the lucite at the head of the trophy engraved with an image of the original Diamond Cup that was awarded in Coeur d’Alene in its early years. What to Expect (All times approximate, and subject to change)
Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Diamond Cup is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/diamond-cup.html, where you will find the pre-registration link in a blue box just under the race site map. You may also pre-pay your entry fees online by following the PayPal directions at the bottom of the page. Pre-registration will close at 10 p.m., Friday, April 15. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. You can also find pre-registration by going to www.ercu-hydros.com, then selecting “Schedule” from the main menu, and “Diamond Cup” from the schedule itself. Schedule It is our intent to have the course open by 8 a.m., so that testing can commence once boats are registered for the event. Boat owners should prepare to have time so that they can get inspections that are needed, and be ready to race. The water will be open for testing until approximately 9 a.m. A mandatory driver’s meeting will start no less than 5 minutes after the water closes. Drivers who do not attend the meeting will not be allowed to participate in the first round of heats. 1/10-scale modern heat 1A will begin no less than 10 minutes after the conclusion of the drivers meeting. Starting Clock A 1-minute 30-second clock will start as soon as all drivers are in the driving area and will not be stopped for any reason other than health or safety (including stubborn “traffic”). Please plan ahead for your upcoming heats and be ready when the chase boat comes back. When all drivers are at the driving area and boats launched/ready to launch drivers the 1:30 clock will be started. A trailer boat shall not cross the start line less than five seconds after the start gun. Rookie drivers who have not yet earned 1,200 career points must start from the trailer position. Drivers Meeting The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes and will begin immediately upon the closing of time trials at the scoring table. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat – regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. Heat Draws Heat draws will be completed with the randomizer in our Excel workbook that’s used for scoring races. Every effort will be made to avoid preferred driver/spotter heat conflicts, but sometimes those cannot be avoided. The first heat draw will be conducted at approximately 9 a.m. and will be read verbally at the drivers meeting as a roll call. Succeeding heat draws will be conducted between flights. All heat draws will be printed and posted, and displayed on the TV screen, whenever possible. No re-draws of heats will be done after the draws are finalized. Race Officials
Rookie/Guest Drivers ERCU always welcomes new members to the club and visiting racers from other clubs. Rookie driver testing will be offered during the open water period as needed. The course will be closed for rookie driver tests. Visiting racers may not take home ERCU perpetual trophies, in the event they win the race. 2022 Rules There have been several changes to the rules for the 2022 season, so please review the rulebook as is posted on the ERCU website, available under the Resources tab (or by clicking here). Changes to the rulebook are noted in green bold italics, but it’s always good to read the whole thing just to refresh your own memory. The Contest Director/Chief Referee will make every effort to be sure that officiating is consistent with the rules as published on the website, and that every effort is made to assure consistency in officiating. Inspections As noted above, it is possible that there will be new boats in the pits that need to be inspected. We ask that you print out the 2022 Hull Inspection Form, found on the Resources tab of the club website (www.ercu-hydros.com), and complete the member information at the top of page one prior to arriving at the race site. Please also remember to bring a photo of the real boat (a photo on your phone or tablet is acceptable) that your boat models. Reminder: Boats that have not been altered significantly since last season do not need to be inspected. Only new boats, or those that have had significant repair or refurbishment must be inspected. By rule, a boat may also be inspected, at random, any time, for any reason, by one or both of the club’s inspectors. Diamond Cup Defending Champions
Race Format
Post Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Following the conclusion of the final heat of the day, awards will be presented. Awards will be given to the podium (first, second and third place). After the awards are presented, please remember to stick around to help cleanup and re-pack the club trailer. Weather Forecast As of this writing, weather.com predicts 59 degrees weather with “a few showers” (43 percent chance of rain) and 8 mph winds out of the SSW. Covid Accomodations Following local, state and federal guidance, face coverings, social distancing and vaccination proof will not be required at ERCU events in 2022. Those who would like to take any precautions to their own comfort level are certainly welcome and encouraged to do so. ERCU reserves the right to change the Covid accomodations, in accordance with local, state or federal guidelines, should that need arise. ERCU will give as much notice as possible if changes are made. Restrooms There are public restrooms available, approximately 150 yards east of the pits, but we will also provide a portable restroom in the pits. Electricity There is no access to electricity in the pits. It would be wise to bring a generator or other power source to charge your batteries if you need to charge during the day. LACEY, Wash. – Five different drivers won final heats at the 2022 season opening Champion Spark Plug Regatta at Woodland Creek Park on Saturday.
And three of the five posted perfect days. Mike Hughes started the final heat action completing the first of those three 1,600 point days. His blistering fast 1991 Winston Eagle wasn’t seriously challenged by Nelson Holmberg’s reinvigorated 2018 Oberto Beef Jerky, which finished second, in the 1/10 scale modern final. Third place went to Ron Daum’s 2004 Llumar Window Films while fourth went to rookie Tom Markos with the 2015 Graham Trucking U-7. Markos made the final in his first-ever race. David Heilbrunn’s new 2021 Goodman Real Estate was unable to start the final. Hughes was the first to finish the day with an unblemished record. In 1/7-scale modern, Holmberg had won all three preliminaries with his 2021 Graham Trucking and his boat was fast. By the time the checkered flag flew on the final, it was clear that David Newton and his 1970 Pride of Pay ‘n Pak (hemi) was even faster. Had Newton not been required to start as a trailer as a new 1/7-scale racer, chances are good he would have won the race. As it turned out, Newton was second by half a straightaway. Third place went to David Heilbrunn with his brand new, handbuilt 2021 Goodman Real Estate. Denise Sjostrom with her 1974 Miss U.S. was unable to start. The 1/10 scale classic final was one for the ages, when Jay Fonville showed that every now and then the trailer boat CAN win a final heat. Fonville, who was still excited after passing and beating Newton’s 1982 Miss Prodelco in the connie, dueled with Heilbrunn’s defending points champion 1984 Executone. Fonville’s 1976 Spirit of Dayton Walther turned out to be the faster boat on this day and took the checkered flag first. Heilbrunn was second and finished the day with 1,125 points – most in the class. DNFs in the classic final went to Rick Evans’ 1973 Red Man Too (800 points), Paxton Reunanen’s 1979 Squire Shop (800 points), and Gentleman Jim Latimer’s 1985 U-33 (1,025 points). As the day begun to wind down during the 4 o’clock hour, the 1/10 scale vintage drivers and crews began to bring boats to the water. It promised to be a fast, and competitive heat with the 1960 Miss Thriftway, 1963 Tahoe Miss, 1962 $ Bill and 1964 Miss Exide had scored at least 925 points over the course of the day. Newton earned his spot in the final by winning the vintage first connie with the Exide. Bill Mowatt’s 1968 Miss Bardahl, which took second in the vintage first connie also made the final when Reunanen pulled his Coe-Z-Miss out of the final so he could drive the Miss Thriftway. Bill’s Bardahl started as the trailer in the final. When the roostertails settled on the 1/10-scale vintage final, Reunanen had claimed the checkered flag, followed by Geoffry Grembowski in the $ Bill. Third went to Mowatt in the 1968 Miss Bardahl. DNFs went to Fonville in the Tahoe Miss, which blew over while trying to overtake the Thriftway, and Newton in the Exide, which rolled in turn one of the first lap. Reunanen also claimed top honors in the first leg of the vintage Triple Crown, posting a perfect 1,600-point day with the Miss Thriftway. The 1960 Miss Thriftway was well represented in scale proportions at the Champion Spark Plug Regatta, as John Sjostrom drove his 1/7 scale version of the hull to victory in the 1/7 scale vintage final. With just three boats registered for the race in this class, it was an abbreviated final after John’s wife Denise saw her 1980 Evergreen Roofing unable to finish. Jim McKeon’s 1957 Maverick (the day’s 1/7-scale Triple Crown winner with 869 points) was unable to start the final, so John had to just run three clean laps and the victory was his. Only one major accident marred the day, when the 2015 Dalton Industries spun out in front of the 2018 Oberto and the collision was reminiscent of the 2011 running of the H1 Unlimited Indiana Governor’s Cup in Madison when the Ellstrom U-16 hit a hole and spun out coming out of turn one and the Oberto ran over it. In Saturday’s case, just like in Madison, it was ruled a racing incident as nothing could be done to avoid the collision. While both boats sustained damage, Oberto was able to continue racing and eventually won the heat. The Dalton was retired for the day and Oberto was taped up to continue racing. Many thanks need to be spread around for the running of a fantastic event on April 2. Co-Contest Directors Jerry and Paul Dunlap put on a terrific race, keeping things going while also keeping it positive and fun. Paul, Daum, and Grembowski kept the computer going and did a bang-up job in scoring the race. Hughes, Mowatt, Paul and Jerry spent much of their day between the heats they ran in officiating heats which was much appreciated. The whole group chipped in to help with cleanup and getting the boat back on top of the trailer. And finally, it must be stated in our race recap that it was great to have Evans back in the pits for the first time after a two-year Covid-forced absence. Always nice to have Rick in the pits! |
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