U-1 Miss Madison Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Team

Beginning his racing career at the ripe age of 14 years old, Steve David just likes to go fast. With 25 years of racing under his belt, David has more than 500 victories to his credit as well as seventeen world records in limited race boats. His most memorable win by far would be the 2001 Madison Regatta. David had returned to unlimited hydroplane racing after a one year hiatus to drive the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto. During only his second race he piloted the U-6 to the checkered flag. “Winning in Madison was the highlight of my racing career, regardless of the World Championships, records, Hall of Champions,” Steve David said flashing his famous smile on the podium, “Nothing topped that win!”

The Miss Madison team was established in 1961 when industrialist Sam DuPont donated his unlimited hydroplane “Nitrogen” to the people of Madison Indiana. The U-6 has been campaigning on the unlimited circuit ever since – the longest running continuous team at 45 years. The U-6 remains the only community-owned team in the world.

Owners - Citizens/City of Madison, Indiana
Owners’ Representative - Robert D. Hughes

The city of Madison, IN. became an owner of a hydroplane in 1961 when industrialist, Samuel DuPont donated his hydroplane named “Nitrogen” to the city of Madison. When that boat was destroyed in a racing accident a year later, DuPont sold his second boat to the city for $5,000. Madison, IN has been in the hydroplane racing business ever since. The world's only community owned hydroplane is administered by a board of directors appointed by the city’s mayor. Miss Madison is the oldest name in the sport, having competed in 41 consecutive seasons, more than even Bernie Little’s Miss Budweiser. The current boat, which has three victories (1993, 2001, 2005), was built in 1988 and is the 6th Madison, IN. hydroplane. Madison, Indiana…”the most beautiful small town in the Midwest.” Surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, Madison is known for its historic architecture as well as its long tradition as a thriving commercial and industrial center. Visit Madison…located on the Ohio River a short drive from Cincinnati, Louisville or Indianapolis. Madison offers a perfect getaway spot for a weekend, a lifetime…or their boat race held every July.

Over two decades with the team, Charlie Grooms started washing parts when his uncle, Jon Peddie was named the team’s driver back in 1977. Over the years he graduated through the ranks to become team manager. As a volunteer, Grooms' oversees all aspects of the team including: boat set-up, race spotter, sponsorships, logistics, budgeting, personnel and other administrative duties. Grooms, a resident of Madison is married with four children.

Larry Hanson, Cindy Shirley, Richard Dunn, Matt Sontag, Jimmy Gilbert, Eric Bell, Bob Hudson, Randy Gayle, John Ashby, Aubree Hanson, Tyler Hanson, Marc Hills, Rick Corella, Trevor Hanson, Gary Spanner, Travis Johnson, Brian Johnson

Nancy Grooms, Coti Grooms, Cortni Grooms, Cari Barnes, Suzanne Berry, Raeane Lynch

Designer-Builder:
Dale Van Weiringen, Rick Bowles, Mike Hanson, Larry Hanson, Madison crew

Propeller:
13-8-MO Stainless / 3 Blade - 26" Pitch - 16" Diameter (pitch will vary)

Construction Material:
Composite materials (Honeycomb aluminum, Fiberglass, carbon fiber

Engine:
The Lycoming T-55 L-7 engine is a shaft turbine, rated at 2,650 horsepower at the output shaft. This engine was used in the Vietnam era by the twin engine Chinook Helicopter.

Cockpit design:
The Madison Racing hydroplane utilizes a canopy from an F-16 jet fighter to protect the driver. The canopy is attached to a roll cage, which is bolted to a normal core cockpit. The driver sits in a form fitted seat utilizing a five-point harness to hold him in the seat. He also is supplied with compressed air and oxygen mask to facilitate breathing should the cockpit fill with water.

* When the new Miss Madison crashed at San Diego in 1988, the Miss Madison team leased the U-3 Risley's hull from owners Ed Cooper, Sr., and Ed Cooper, Jr., for the final race of the year in Las Vegas. The U-3 was officially the U-6 Miss Madison at this one event.