Phil Lampman's Posts - Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum2024-03-19T01:55:18ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampmanhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/66498347?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=25065p999bh37&xn_auth=noHow's the Sport Doing?tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2015-10-15:6315479:BlogPost:929152015-10-15T22:47:56.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
<p>With reference to a blog posted over 3 years ago by Tim Maytn, together with several responses I wanted to bring this up again for discussion, especially since we've acquired a lot of new members.</p>
<p><a href="http://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/blogs/well-whadda-think-about-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-lately">http://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/blogs/well-whadda-think-about-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-lately</a>.</p>
<p>We didn't have a lot of response to the original blog, but we…</p>
<p>With reference to a blog posted over 3 years ago by Tim Maytn, together with several responses I wanted to bring this up again for discussion, especially since we've acquired a lot of new members.</p>
<p><a href="http://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/blogs/well-whadda-think-about-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-lately">http://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/blogs/well-whadda-think-about-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-lately</a>.</p>
<p>We didn't have a lot of response to the original blog, but we did get some thoughtful ones and I hope Steve David and his group at H1 read them. I think Tim's original question still stands though.</p>
<p>So, to my mind, I still think the sport has a lot of challenges to growth. This past season has had some of most competitive racing I've seen in many years. J. Michael Kelly continues to get better and better and has some formidable competition with Jesse Robertson, and the usual suspects - less Steve David.. In addition I was pleased to see Ed Cooper and the U-3 emerge once again, with Allison power and was a viable competitor in some of the races.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the Gold Cup was in Tri-Cities this year (which was great for those of us who live, ahem, nearby) but then it was Detroit's loss, but hopefully not a portent of things to come. Doha is no longer on the schedule, which is unfortunate because it was a small foothold into becoming a truly international sport again.</p>
<p>So, to my mind, there were some positive signs ad a few disappointments (Madison)</p>
<p>Those are my observations and I confess to expending most of my energy working on the old boats at the Museum so let's hear from y'all again on this subject. </p>
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<p>Chime in...</p>
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<p></p>Indulge me here. I'm trying to prove a point I made the other day to some friends.tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2014-09-14:6315479:BlogPost:824562014-09-14T03:02:49.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
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<p>Okay, here's a question:</p>
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<p>When you think about Unlimited Hydroplane Racing during the period from, say 1955 to 1970, what comes first to mind?</p>
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<p>1. A Driver </p>
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<p>2. A Boat</p>
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<p>3. An Event</p>
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<p>No essay answers, please. Just tell me which of the 3 choices comes immediately to mind. It's easy to pick all 3 I realize, but I just want to know what you think of first.</p>
<p>Just curious. Thanks for indulging…</p>
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<p>Okay, here's a question:</p>
<p></p>
<p>When you think about Unlimited Hydroplane Racing during the period from, say 1955 to 1970, what comes first to mind?</p>
<p></p>
<p>1. A Driver </p>
<p></p>
<p>2. A Boat</p>
<p></p>
<p>3. An Event</p>
<p></p>
<p>No essay answers, please. Just tell me which of the 3 choices comes immediately to mind. It's easy to pick all 3 I realize, but I just want to know what you think of first.</p>
<p>Just curious. Thanks for indulging me</p>
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<p></p>This is Important, Updated From Original Blog Post - August 12, 2012.tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2014-01-23:6315479:BlogPost:707952014-01-23T22:00:30.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #339966;">I'm sure many of you read the original post which I submitted over a year ago. We've acquired a great many new Website Members since that time and I think the message is still relevant and important. Perhaps even more so with the projects and activities we have planned. Please Join Us!</span></p>
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<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I was at the Museum this morning helping Don Mock work on the horizontal…</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #339966;">I'm sure many of you read the original post which I submitted over a year ago. We've acquired a great many new Website Members since that time and I think the message is still relevant and important. Perhaps even more so with the projects and activities we have planned. Please Join Us!</span></p>
<p></p>
<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I was at the Museum this morning helping Don Mock work on the horizontal wing for the Blue Blaster when fellow member, Bob Senior, came over to say hello and to check on our progress. Bob is a very special person having been involved in Unlimited Hydroplane racing in one form or another for over 50 years. I always look forward to a visit from Bob. Among the things we discussed during his visit was the growth of (this) Museum Website to over 700 members. That’s nearly a three-fold increase since the website went on line nearly 4 years ago and continues to grow. Bob pointed out that our paid membership – that is, full members of the Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum and not just the website - has not kept pace. It’s growing, but not at 300%. As museum board member Steve Compton, pointed out in his blog 3 years ago,</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">“ We are approaching 250 members on the new site. You can read about, and participate, in Museum events, post and/or enjoy many hydroplane racing photos and videos, create a blog, start a discussion on the Forum or join the group for your favorite hydro. But please understand that by registering on the site, you have only become a member/participant of the web site, it does NOT include membership in the Museum itself. Museum membership involves a financial participation. You can find more information, benefits and dues structure, by clicking on the Museum Store button (in the Menu bar above) and then clicking on Museum Membership in the left-hand column. The Museum Store is also a great place to do some Christmas shopping for that certain hydroplane fan on your gift list. Thank you!”</span></p>
<p>My initial response to Bob noted that many of you were not local residents thus were not able to frequently enjoy all the benefits of paid membership, like free admission to the Museum. You pretty much enjoy and share your passion for our sport and its wonderful history with this (no cost) website. The stories, the amazing never-before seen photos and recollections from all around the globe have been terrific. Still, it seemed like a no-brainer to me. Why should you spend money when you get the website for free?</p>
<p>I began thinking more about this on my way home, when it suddenly struck me: I am a long-time listener and viewer to Public Television and NPR Radio and I support both with annual cash contributions. I am a member of local PBR affiliate KPLU and PBS channel 9, KCTS. I can listen and watch both without cost. But I choose to be a member.I am getting value for my money. Okay, I confess that my annual contributions are tax deductible when I file my tax return, and I do the same with my museum dues, since it qualifies as a 501 (C) (3) organization. Despite the tax savings I am simply delighted to be a member of all 3 organizations, which serve to provide me with entertainment and information not available anywhere else. Besides, it also gives me discounts from the museum store, which I don’t get from PBS and NPR. No big deal, I’d rather wear my Miss Wahoo jacket than one that says, “I Love Sesame Street” (even though I do)</p>
<p>Membership dues to the Museum make it possible to not only keep the doors open, but help fund the restoration of some magnificent and historically significant race craft that might otherwise be lost forever. The work being done by an unpaid team of volunteers bringing the famous Atlas van Lines “Blue Blaster” is mostly funded by museum memberships.</p>
<p>I’ve rambled on far too long, but I have a passion for what I’m doing for nothing more than the joy of playing a part in the restoration of one of the great icons of my formative years. Even if you can’t be at the museum nearly every day, like me and Don and the rest of the restoration team, you are no less important with your full membership. By the way, one of the ‘Blaster team members flies out from the East coast 2 or 3 times every year just to help us with the project.</p>
<p>Or, would you prefer that we call you during dinner every 6 months asking for your pledge? Just joking, but please consider becoming a full member of the Hydroplane and race Boat Museum, won’t you?. It is so important to all of us who cherish and honor the sport. I’d love to have the Blue Blaster back in the water next year. Heaven knows I’ve spent the better part of 3 years of volunteer work just to help bring her back to life. I do so because I love what I’m doing. I even pay for the privilege. I sense from the website activity that a lot of you feel as I do.</p>
<p>I appreciate every one of you who follow our activities from a distance and provide so many stories, photos and anecdotal histories, but why not join us in “The Pits” and help continue the museum's growth? I think you’ll find some of the activities and projects “in the wings” to be very exciting. Please be a part of it with your full membership.</p>
<p>Oh, and at the risk of further rambling, if you’re reading my diatribe this far, I would personally appreciate hearing from those of you who haven’t joined, simply to understand why not? Be sure to include your phone number and usual dinner time. (Smile)</p>
<p>Actually feel free to make use of the museum's website to send us your comments and ideas. Besides, with all the events and projects - not to mention some great new products for the gift store - your (paid) membership is more important than ever and the benefits you'll receive are too.</p>
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<p>Thanks for indulging me... (again)</p>
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</div>Seafair - Damned if they do and damned if they do....tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2013-08-05:6315479:BlogPost:665082013-08-05T23:30:00.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
<p>I just logged on to the museum website just to see how many members had something to say about last weekend's event. I have thus far seen no criticism or whining about anything. I suspect all of you have some opinion about what might reasonably be considered one of the least attended and most criticized events ever. Your restraint, at least on this forum is pretty classy. forgive my poor spelling and punctuation, but my broken fingrs from falling off the truck on Thursday have yet to heal or…</p>
<p>I just logged on to the museum website just to see how many members had something to say about last weekend's event. I have thus far seen no criticism or whining about anything. I suspect all of you have some opinion about what might reasonably be considered one of the least attended and most criticized events ever. Your restraint, at least on this forum is pretty classy. forgive my poor spelling and punctuation, but my broken fingrs from falling off the truck on Thursday have yet to heal or be properly set. </p>
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<p>I just wanted to say something about what went right and provided what to my mind was a terrific event.</p>
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<p>Thank you David Williams, Chip Hanauer, John Goodman, Don Mock Eric Mann and their crews for the Thunder and a look back at what once was,</p>
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<p>Thank you, H1 Teams for some really good racing.</p>
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<p>Thank you, EMT's and many others for your concerns and quick action in patching me up after my embarrassing fall from the truck.</p>
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<p>Thank you, Ken and Denise Strong - not to forget Parke Schneider - for those tireless hours you spend promoting the museum and everything it represents.</p>
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<p>Thank you, Don Mock,Chip and the Atlas van Lines crew for allowing my daughter, Shelby, feel a part of the team,\ as you always do</p>
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<p>Thank you Glenn Raymond for tracking me down to give me a special gift.</p>
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<p>Thank you Shelby, for figuring out how to dismantle the fence in parking lot G and get us back on road home without running over anybody in the beer garden and amusement park rides.</p>
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<p>Thank You Uncle Bob Burd for finding me and showing off your fabulous new Team Shirt. Nothing better to bring a smile thrortgh the pain</p>
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<p>Thank you KIRO TV for hanging on to the tradtiotion of the Seafair races. Now what?</p>
<p></p>The Sammamish Slough Races - a Rememberance and Showtag:thunderboats.ning.com,2013-03-13:6315479:BlogPost:585122013-03-13T21:44:21.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
<p>Among the most popular outboard-hydroplane events during Seattle area summers were the races from Redmond to Kenmore by way of the Sammamish Slough, now considered to be a "river" since Microsoft moved into town and property values reached the point where the term is no longer acceptable to local real estate agents.</p>
<p>But to most of us hanging out on this website, it was always "The Slough". This annual event was a thrill to watch, especially near the Bothell Bridge. Though the races…</p>
<p>Among the most popular outboard-hydroplane events during Seattle area summers were the races from Redmond to Kenmore by way of the Sammamish Slough, now considered to be a "river" since Microsoft moved into town and property values reached the point where the term is no longer acceptable to local real estate agents.</p>
<p>But to most of us hanging out on this website, it was always "The Slough". This annual event was a thrill to watch, especially near the Bothell Bridge. Though the races are no more, there is a retrospective, including a display of boats to commemorate to the event, scheduled for April 7th at the Kenmore City Hall.</p>
<p>Here's the details: <a href="http://www.kenmorewa.gov/Page.aspx?nid=115">http://www.kenmorewa.gov/Page.aspx?nid=115</a></p>
<p>Hope to see you there...</p>
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<p></p>Ferrari Hydroplane, ARNO XItag:thunderboats.ning.com,2013-02-24:6315479:BlogPost:563202013-02-24T22:50:00.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
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<p>As a Ferrari enthusiast and former seller/broker of Ferraris, I've been acquainted with this famous boat for several years. I've been looking for a scale model of it for some time. the only ones I've seen are a 1:43 scale resin model kit produced by FDS about 20 years ago and a large scale kit by Amati which can be built as either a static or R/C model. Not cheap however. (but I am) There also seems to be a number of built versions coming out of Asia of varying degrees of…</p>
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<p>As a Ferrari enthusiast and former seller/broker of Ferraris, I've been acquainted with this famous boat for several years. I've been looking for a scale model of it for some time. the only ones I've seen are a 1:43 scale resin model kit produced by FDS about 20 years ago and a large scale kit by Amati which can be built as either a static or R/C model. Not cheap however. (but I am) There also seems to be a number of built versions coming out of Asia of varying degrees of quality.</p>
<p>What I had not seen before was a video of the actual boat under power. I was perusing You Tube this morning looking for some information on a similar boat, also out of Italy, but with Alfa Romeo Tipo 159 power. The MOSCHETTIERE (Musketeer) V when I ran across this video and related history on the subject ARNO XI. This historic race boat was sold at RM's Monaco Auction last year for $1.3 million.<br/></p>
<p>I just thought I'd share the video and history of this old Hydroplane. If there's anything that comes close to the music of the Merlins and Allisons, it must be the song of a V-12 Ferrari engine.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1049320">http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1049320</a></p>
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<p></p>What a Wonderful Sight This Morning...tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2013-02-14:6315479:BlogPost:561712013-02-14T23:30:00.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
<p>What a wonderful sight this morning when I drove into the Museum parking lot to see that familiar big Lincoln Town "art" Car sitting in its customary parking spot. Just seeing that big car, festooned with hydroplanes on the roof and hood, paintings on the flanks and roostertails everywhere, both painted and in relief, brightened my whole day.Lenny is back!.</p>
<p>Leonard Ellis is well known to us regulars and a great friend and long-time supporter of the Museum. Most of you might know of…</p>
<p>What a wonderful sight this morning when I drove into the Museum parking lot to see that familiar big Lincoln Town "art" Car sitting in its customary parking spot. Just seeing that big car, festooned with hydroplanes on the roof and hood, paintings on the flanks and roostertails everywhere, both painted and in relief, brightened my whole day.Lenny is back!.</p>
<p>Leonard Ellis is well known to us regulars and a great friend and long-time supporter of the Museum. Most of you might know of him when you receive your Christmas catalog from the Gift Shop. Lenny is our traditional Santa and has been featured on the cover of every holiday catalog since I've been a member. He knows more about hydroplanes than I ever will and if just love for the tradition and history of the sport were gold, Lenny would "buy" us the Gold Cup and finance every restoration project that might be waiting in the wings.</p>
<p>And he's my friend... And I've missed him. So have many others.</p>
<p>Apparently Lenny has been through some serious health issues that precluded his usual weekly visits. He told me today his first visit to the museum since September. What a nice surprise to start my morning. I hope we'll see him and that big Art Car in the parking lot for many weeks and years to come. Every great endeavor or project ought to have a "Lenny" on their team. </p>
<p>We just got ours back...</p>
<p></p>I Hope I don't get "fired" over this unauthorized appeal.tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2012-08-19:6315479:BlogPost:517812012-08-19T01:07:42.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
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<p>I was at the Museum this morning helping Don Mock work on the horizontal wing for the Blue Blaster when fellow member, Bob Senior, came over to say hello and to check on our progress. Bob is a very special person having been involved in Unlimited Hydroplane racing in one form or another for nearly 50 years. I always look forward to a visit from Bob. Among the things we discussed during his visit was the growth of (this) Museum Website to over 700 members. That’s nearly a three-fold…</p>
<p></p>
<p>I was at the Museum this morning helping Don Mock work on the horizontal wing for the Blue Blaster when fellow member, Bob Senior, came over to say hello and to check on our progress. Bob is a very special person having been involved in Unlimited Hydroplane racing in one form or another for nearly 50 years. I always look forward to a visit from Bob. Among the things we discussed during his visit was the growth of (this) Museum Website to over 700 members. That’s nearly a three-fold increase since the website went on line nearly 2 years ago. Bob pointed out that our paid membership – that is, full members of the Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum and not just the website - has not kept pace. It’s growing, but not at 300%. As museum board member Steve Compton, pointed out in his blog 2 years ago,</p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; color: #3366ff;" class="font-size-3">“ We are approaching 250 members on the new site. You can read about, and participate, in Museum events, post and/or enjoy many hydroplane racing photos and videos, create a blog, start a discussion on the Forum or join the group for your favorite hydro. But please understand that by registering on the site, you have only become a member/participant of the web site, it does NOT include membership in the Museum itself. Museum membership involves a financial participation. You can find more information, benefits and dues structure, by clicking on the Museum Store button (in the Menu bar above) and then clicking on Museum Membership in the left-hand column. The Museum Store is also a great place to do some Christmas shopping for that certain hydroplane fan on your gift list. Thank you!”</span></p>
<p>My initial response to Bob noted that many of you were not local residents thus were not able to frequently enjoy all the benefits of paid membership, like free admission to the Museum. You pretty much enjoy and share your passion for our sport and its wonderful history with this (no cost) website. The stories, the amazing never-before seen photos and recollections from all around the globe have been terrific. Still, it seemed like a no-brainer to me. Why should you spend money when you get the website for free?</p>
<p>I began thinking more about this on my way home, when it suddenly struck me: I am a long-time listener and viewer to Public Television and NPR Radio and I support both with annual cash contributions. I am a member of local PBR affiliate KPLU and PBS channel 9, KCTS. I can listen and watch both without cost. But I choose to be a member.I am getting value for my money. Okay, I confess that my annual contributions are tax deductible when I file my tax return, and I do the same with my museum dues, since it qualifies as a 501 (C) (3) organization. Despite the tax savings I am simply delighted to be a member of all 3 organizations, which serve to provide me with entertainment and information not available anywhere else. Besides, it also gives me discounts from the museum store, which I don’t get from PBS and NPR. No big deal, I’d rather wear my Miss Wahoo jacket than one that says, “I Love Sesame Street” (even though I do)</p>
<p>Membership dues to the Museum make it possible to not only keep the doors open, but help fund the restoration of some magnificent and historically significant race craft that might otherwise be lost forever. The work being done by an unpaid team of volunteers bringing the famous Atlas van Lines “Blue Blaster” is mostly funded by museum memberships.</p>
<p>I’ve rambled on far too long, but I have a passion for what I’m doing for nothing more than the joy of playing a part in the restoration of one of the great icons of my formative years. Even if you can’t be at the museum nearly every day, like me and Don and the rest of the restoration team, you are no less important with your full membership. By the way, one of the ‘Blaster team members flies out from the East coast 2 or 3 times every year just to help us with the project.</p>
<p>Or, would you prefer that we call you during dinner every 6 months asking for your pledge? Just joking, but please consider becoming a full member of the Hydroplane and race Boat Museum, won’t you?. It is so important to all of us who cherish and honor the sport. I’d love to have the Blue Blaster back in the water next year. Heaven knows I’ve spent the better part of 3 years of volunteer work just to help bring her back to life. I do so because I love what I’m doing. I even pay for the privilege. I sense from the website activity that a lot of you feel as I do.</p>
<p>I appreciate every one of you who follow our activities from a distance and provide so many stories, photos and anecdotal histories, but why not join us in “The Pits” and help continue the museum's growth? I think you’ll find some of the activities and projects “in the wings” to be very exciting. Please be a part of it with your full membership.</p>
<p>Oh, and at the risk of further rambling, if you’re reading my diatribe this far, I would personally appreciate hearing from those of you who haven’t joined, simply to understand why not? Be sure to include your phone number and usual dinner time. (Smile)</p>
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<p>Thanks for indulging me...</p>Well, Whadda' Think About Unlimited Hydroplane Racing lately?tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2012-08-08:6315479:BlogPost:511372012-08-08T23:58:44.000ZPhil Lampmanhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/PhilipLampman
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<p>I was trying to find Tim Maitlans (sp?) original post about what needs to be done to further the sport of (Unlimited) hydroplane racing. Actually I think Tim's original question posed to us was what needs to be done to attract new fans to the sport. I was hoping to bring it back up to the top of this forum to try to gage how you all feel about the progress, if any, since Tim first posted his blog?</p>
<p>So, in the absence of the informational technology skills that allows me to find…</p>
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<p>I was trying to find Tim Maitlans (sp?) original post about what needs to be done to further the sport of (Unlimited) hydroplane racing. Actually I think Tim's original question posed to us was what needs to be done to attract new fans to the sport. I was hoping to bring it back up to the top of this forum to try to gage how you all feel about the progress, if any, since Tim first posted his blog?</p>
<p>So, in the absence of the informational technology skills that allows me to find it, I'll simply pose the same question with an observation suggesting that the latest races have been more competitive than ever and add that it's becoming apparent that the talented young drivers improving their prowess in the sport and that the talented and amazing David Villwock can be beaten, even by some real estate guy from Florida in a boat out of Madison, Indiana - the formidable Miss Madison/Oh, Boy Oberto! So is the sport the better for it? </p>
<p>Following most of the races this season - and last - it occurs to me that the races are not always overwhelmed by just two teams. there are some young drivers, like J. Michael Kelly, Brian Perkins, and Scott Liddycoat just to mention a few, who not only add an element of competition, but tell me that in terms of talent, the sport is getting a lot more interesting</p>
<p>So, how do you all think things are going, after another season or two since Tim's original Blog Post. Is H1, with the support of the Air National Guard's support, gaining more interest in the sport? Is the addition of the San Diego event evidence that more people are coming back/attracted to the sport? I can't tell, but I can't help but recall the Gold Cup was almost cancelled a year or so back for lack of support - I think - and may have even had some difficulty this year.</p>
<p>I have no insight into the strategies, plans, visions or expenses for H1 activities and their goals. Based on some additional TV coverage and a couple of other things, I sense that whatever interest in the sport seems to be increasing, but at about the same velocity of the national econony. Hmmm, is their a direct correlation there?</p>
<p>Personally, I don't think so. What I do think, vis-a-vis the economy, is that NASCAR has become the favored motorsports activity by most TV viewers. Ah, is TV the solution? Could be, I mean, say World of Outlaws sprint car racing - a really fun to watch sport - has seemed to drag themselves out of mostly midwest interest into the national spotlight, but seems to be below the radar of TV promoters save for Speed channel and VS or Velocity.</p>
<p>Why is this? Is it perhaps because Unlimited Hydroplane races require some, well, water? It's surely more simple to buy a few acres of farmland to create a venue for stock car or sprint car racing. Yet, in my opinion (again with no statistics at hand) they seem to be of more interest to the specialty networks than Hydroplane Racing.</p>
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<p>Tim, if you're reading this, chime in. While I'm older than many of the rocks in my back yard and still love the Thunderboats, mostly as touchstones to my youth in Seattle. Are we chasing windmills? Are the international events, vis-a-vis Qatar and the rumored events in China or Brazil... maybe even Mars the solution to allowing our sport to grow?</p>
<p>I don't think so, personally, but then this is a blog and, as such, I'm inviting comment and criticism. I don't have the solution, but I do know I still love the unlimiteds and still watch them every year in Seattle at Seafair.</p>
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<p>Maybe that's enough for most. After all as a volunteer at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum I can relive my formative years simply be helping to restore the icons of my youth. But, in my opinion, "Our" sport is not growing. at least enough. On the positive side of the argument, we still have the races every August on Lake Washington. The boats may be sponsored and, accordingly, named after Pizza parlors, Plumbing companies and Trucking firms. And rightfully so. Yet, at the next race in the H1 series, they may be named after local auto body shops and roofing companies. It's not unusual these days for the boats to be referred to, among enthusiasts, by their "U" numbers. Like the "37 Boat", the "88" and so on.</p>
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<p>I really miss the days of the "ladies", like Miss Thriftway, Miss Wahoo, Miss Bardahl and Slo-mo-Shun, but as has been said, you can't go home again. Really...</p>
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<p>Then, for the sake of discussion, how do you explain the enduring popularity of, say, The Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby, Daytona 500, even the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplono, Spain. Is the Super Bowl more popular than the Gold Cup? Apparently so. Why do you suppose that is and what do you suppose H1 or APBA for that matter intend to address that? </p>
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<p>Perhaps none of us care that much about our favorite sport to see it rise to NASCAR levels. I wonder if that's what Tim had in mind when he broached the question in the first place? </p>
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<p>I miss that discussion.</p>
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<p>Indulge me, will you. This is a blog. Not an editorial. Editorials usually offer solutions. I'm just rambling.</p>
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<p>Phil </p>
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<p> </p>
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