8/2/01...

Just prior to the race, the team was hard at work at the Best Western Southcenter in Seattle.

8/3/01 ...

The team set up in Seattle and settled in working to improve on last weekend's speeds.  During our first laps on the water, we put in times of 133.963 and 134.589 mph.  In later testing we posted a 138.889, 100.336, 96.644, 106.166, 101.800, 139.241 and 139.376 mph.  It was a mix of timing laps and simple test runs.  In late afternoon qualifying we turned a 135.379 and 135.867.  Our speed for the day was set at 134.589 from our first time out.  Needless to say, work continues on the U-6.

The team welcomed Charley Wiggins, Mitch Moore and Jason Lowery last night.  The three join us from the UL-10 Wiggins Racing Team.  Here's hoping we see them with us in San Diego as well.  They've lent a hand, jumped it to keep us moving forward and been right there when we needed them.  The trio has our thanks!

8/4/01 ...

Today, speeds remained roughly the same as yesterday.  After a bit of testing we reentered the time trials and set our speed for the weekend; 138.600 mph.  Though we've worked with the boat and made several small changes, we have been unable to see the speeds we are seeking from the U-6.  Simply put, the team refused to stand for it.  The lights were set up in the U-6 pit, the gear boxes were pulled our of the boat and the team set-up shop to work into the night.  Gear boxes were torn down and the team worked until almost 2:00 am in an effort to pick up the pace for tomorrow's racing.

8/5/01 ...

It wasn't the best of days for the team.  During the morning test session the U-6 put in times of 116.953, 90.087, 81.444.  In heat 1A and 2A, the U-6 finished fifth.  We improved on our position in heat 3A taking a strong 3rd.  To enter the final this year we would have to win the Provisional Heat.  In the heat, Steve David and the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto took the early lead away from Ken Muscatel (U-25) after Muscatel appeared to go wide into the first turn.  Scott Pierce (U-2) mounted an early challenge, but could not surpass the U-6.  The Oh Boy! Oberto finished first, but it was not to stand.  An encroachment penalty on the U-3 would cost the team the win and end the weekend early.

From here we set our sights on San Diego!

Our coverage will focus on the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison team.  For all the details live from the event, be sure to visit the series website, www.hydroprop.com/hydros/.