HIGHLIGHTS IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE

Note: April and December are mini-issues.

1.  Can't Find This on the Internet, compiled by the UNJ Staff.  Sometimes controversial, but usually on the money, this is the core article that only appears in the mini-issues.  (Readers may recall that this core feature first pointed to problems with Hydro-Prop last April.)  The December article includes an update on ABRA activities:  boat registration news, ABRA staffing, sponsorship challenges, "news and rumors," the sponsor that "got away," TV possibilities, financial straits for boat teams, and much, more.  Must reading.  

2.  HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  What the former Bud crew are doing now, Oberto updates, U-25 details, and more.

3.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy. News from Detroit, Hydroplane Museum news, opinions from Nate Brown, Madison movie update, plus more.

4.  A Letter to the Editor, from Joan Smith.  E.K. Muller's sister writes a note to the UNJ.  Muller was a longtime contributor and editor for the UNJ that recently passed away. 

5.  A Letter from the Editor, from Dick Sanders.  Sander turns over the helm to new editor, Michael Prophet.  He also thanks those that helped in 2004 and places them in the UNJ's 2004 "Hall of Fame."       

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE

1.  Split Season Still Produces Only One Champion, by Brian Anderson.  Photos by James Crisp.  Brian Anderson (aka Swami) reviews the 2004 season.  An annual feature that fans should not miss.  

2.  Isn't it Ironic?  Just What was 2004 all About?  By Brian Anderson.  Photo by James Crisp. Anderson's commentary about all the flaps in the sport this past season, plus an ironic twist "that has nothing to do with all the infighting over control of the series."  Thoughtful reading that only the UNJ provides.

3.  HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month! Sponsorship possibilities for the Leland teams, updated information on the U-3, and much more. 

4.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  Details of the DRRA purchase of the UHT.  Race dates for next year and ABRA information.  Details about the E.K. Muller tribute, and more.

5.  2004 Season Summary Table, compiled by Jeff Meyer.  All the boats and drivers, with all of the season finishes.

6.  Leo Vanden Berg, 1917-2004, by Jon Osterberg.  Osterberg takes a look at Vanden Berg's career and adds personal notes.  A priceless photo is included, taken by Osterberg. 

7.  Carrying On, by Craig Fjarlie.  Fjarlie recalls other times in the history of the sport when there were rocky times, and notes "We haven't seen the last hydro race, not by a long shot."

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE

1.  Ellstrom Wins Season #1 Finale; Budweiser Bluewater International Hydrofest, by Allen Stiles and photos by James Crisp. Statistics compiled by Allen Stiles. "The winners?  Ellstrom, driven by Terry Troxell, and Miss Budweiser, driven by Dave Villwock.  The losers?  Everyone else."  All the details and unusual happenings at the St. Clair race, the final 'Hydro-Prop' race of the season.  Details about the race course and unbelievable photos.

2.  E.K. Muller, 1929-2004, by David Speer.  Former UNJ editor, Speer, reflects back on the Muller's life.  "...he's been the unsung hub in the NewsJournal wheel, working behind the scenes to ensure accuracy and readability."  A special piece.

3.  A Perfect Ending to the Farewell Tour; A Perfect Day for Bud in San Diego, by Mac Clouse with Bill Moore and Niles Mayfield.  Photos by Bill Moore and Stat Box compiled by Allen Stiles.  "As if in recognition of everything that Budweiser has done for hydroplane racing, the tour ended perfectly."  Details and quotes only the UNJ can provide, including the on-the-water tribute to the Bud.  The last race for Miss Bud; need we say more!  Photos include the nearly-submerged LLumar.

4.  HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  Details of the damage done to the U-2 and U-6 in San Diego.  Hopes for the U-100, and more.  

5.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  Hydro Museum news including a spin Bob Hughes took as a driver! Changes in leadership in San Diego, Detroit news and much more.  

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

1.  Budweiser is Best in Field of 10; The "Outlaw" Tri-Cities Race, by Dan Lopez.  Photos by Brian Anderson, Bob Greenhow and Jerry Berg. Statbox by Allen Stiles.  "The independent 2004 Columbia Cup had few apparent differences with most Hydro-Prop races.  A truce of sorts allowed several loyalists to mingle with the rebel entries; 10 teams participated, the best turnout this year."  Complete details of the race that only the UNJ provides.  "ULHRA officials wouldn't use the word "unlimited" to describe the turbine-and allison-powered boats..."

2.  Cousin Ed Talks About Edward Jr. and Cooper's Express; Father and Son.  Text and photo by E. K. Muller. Muller interviewed Ed Cooper Sr. the last time he made the westward swing.  Cooper, now 84, talks about how they got into racing and his son Edward.  Surely this will be a piece to treasure.

3.  HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  U-3 details about how fast "they thought" they ran in Tri-Cities and Ed Cooper's thoughts of where the series should head.  Mark Evans talks about what he'd like to do in the future.  Gossip in the Ellstrom camp and much more.

4.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  Race sponsorship news from Evansville, Seattle and Tri-Cities.  Rumors as to why the U-10 went to San Diego.  Museum news, owner/race site meeting news, D'Eath's relationship to the DRRA and lots more.

5.  "One Last Seafair for Miss Budweiser; Bad Start Puts Ellstrom Out of It," by Bill Osborne and photos by Bob Greenhow, Michael Prophet and Brian Anderson.  Villwock said, "At our reduced fuel, we needed a break.  I tried to put others in a position where they would make a mistake."  All the quotes, all the facts, all of the information fans need to know!  Plus a sidebar about the "Fun and Games" that the Bud team played on the Ellstrom team.  

Next Month:  St. Clair and San Diego

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE AUGUST ISSUE

1.  "Upon Further Review," Miss DYC Wins Gold Cup; Disqualification Costs Bud a Win, by Mac Clouse and Bill Moore.  Photos by James Crisp and Statistics Compiled by Allen Stiles. "This year's Chrysler Jeep Superstores Gold Cup was the 100th anniversary of the competition.  The promoters billed it as "The Race of the Century."  In what has been an unusual season, the race also did its part.  Most of the fans left after watching Dave Villwock and the Miss Budweiser team receive the trophy.  But one hour after the final, while Dave was in a press conference, the cup was removed from the deck of Bud and placed on the deck of Miss DYC."  Comprehensive race details that only the UNJ can provide!  Outstanding photos that include the Terry Troxell flip in the U-16, and more.

2.  HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  Details of the Bud damage in Detroit, Mark Tate's injuries in the U-2, comments from the U-3 team, and much more!

3.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  HP buy out rumors in Detroit and what happened.  Details about the Hydro Museum gala, Oberto's participation in the sport, etc.

4.  Trent Ling Acquires the Unlimited Hydroplane Series, by Chris Tracy.  "According to one hydro insider, when Tom D'Eath learned that Trent Ling had just bought the hydroplane series, D'Eath asked, "Trent who?"  In a conversation with Ling, UNJ found out who he is and what his preliminary plans are for the series."  Ling candidly talks about his plans and decisions he has already made.  Must reading for hydro fans.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JULY ISSUE

1.  Bud, Villwock, Claim World Championship, by Craig Fjarlie and photos by James Crisp.  "Dave Villwock was low key in victory.  He patiently answered questions and signed autographs long after the race was over."  All the details about the Madison race that only the UNJ can provide.  Complete will full statistics complied by Allen Stiles.

2.  Letter to the Editor from David Tremayne.  Tremayne, a subscriber from England gives his take on Hydro-Prop, Budwesier sponsorship, and more.

3.  HydroFile; Race Team News form the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  Details about the off-season modifications to the U-6, Gary Garbrecht is called on about strange comments he made about Bernie Little and the U-3, and much, much more.

4.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  Details about the independent race sites, Hydro Museum news, and more.

5.  Budweiser Wins the First Independent Race; Evansville Goes it Alone, by Joe Rood and photos from James Crisp.  "In a span of three weeks, Tom Sawyer and his Evansville committee put together a race program to rock the hydroplane scene."  All the information, including the prologue to the race!  Full statistics from Allen Stiles, too.

Next Month:  The Controversial Gold Cup; The Coopers, a Father and Son Interview.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JUNE ISSUE

1.  This Won't Even be Close, Says the Swami, by Brain Anderson and photos by E.K. Muller.  The Swami predicts the future season and reviews each team.  An annual tradition, and this year we include photos of the drivers.

2.  Rules and Philosophy for 2004; Mike Noonan Explains Heat Draws, Head Restraints, and the Piston Parameters, in an interview with UNJ reporter Clint Newman.  Photo by E.K. Muller.  "Mike Noonan always has been our "go-to-guy" at boat races.  As chief referee for URC/UHRA, he gave us succinct, reasoned answers to tough questions.  Mike now is director of safety and technology for Hydro-Prop.  Happily for us he still helps the  NewsJournal.  He scolds our bias, but once again he gave his annual interview..."

3.  HydroFile; Race Team News form the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  All the news before the Evansville race.

4.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  All the details about the Bud shop from their recent tour that was led by Bud crew member, Jeff Campbell.  Evansville and Detroit news, some tidbits about auto power, and more. 

5.  UNLIMITED NewsJournal 2004 Hydroplane Roster.  A must resource for hydro fans. 

6.  Adios Augie, by Brian Anderson with an Owen Blauman photo.  Anderson's take on the last year for the Bud team.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MAY ISSUE

1.  Joe Taggart--A Gentleman Who Loved Boat Racing; His Last Interview (Part I), by Steve Nelson.  "The truth is Joe Taggart was much more than an unlimited hydroplane driver.  When he died in May of 2003 at the age of 95, Taggart left a legacy of boat-racing involvement that touched nine decades and covered five classes of boats."  Nelson relays Taggart's early involvement with boat racing through the 1954 Gold Cup in Part I.  This historical piece is must reading.  Treasured pictures are included from the George Trimper collection courtesy of Jim Dunn, the Mel Crook collection, Ken Ollar from the Guy Hoppen collection, and the Seattle P-I courtesy of the Jensen Motor-Boat Company.  Articles and photos such as this are only found the UNJ! 

2.  HydroFile; Race Team News form the UNJ Staff.  UNJ staff contact each team every month for the latest news, and our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives each month!  

3.  Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy.  Club news includes a summary of Budweiser crew member, Dixon "Dax" Smith's, talk at the April UU meeting.  Amazing details about how Miss Budweiser collects information about every run that their boats take.  More details on the kilo run, too.  Madison movie, Hydro Museum news and much more.

4.  Another View on Jensen vs. Jones, by Fred Farley.  A recent article, Look at the Evidence, made the case that Anchor Jensen was more than just the builder of the Slo-mo boats.  Farley rejects this thesis and gives his rational.  

5.  Pit Profile--Kari Gregory, Crewperson, U-10 EMCOR, by Owen Blauman.  Blauman interviews 19-year old Gregory, the daughter of Kim and Debbie Gregory, owners of the U-10. 

6.  Inserts.*****Coming in 2005, edited by Patricia Darling.  Details of the American Challenge Cup series to premier in 2005, organized by the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association.  Also included is a profile of the 2004 Unlimited Light Teams.*****A Letter to UNJ subscribers and UU members from Unlimiteds Unanimous President Christopher Tracy.  Tracy talks about the April UNJ issue and a fair amount of controversy and a wide range of responses it generated.**********

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE APRIL MINI-ISSUE

April and December UNJ issues are mini-issues, compiled by guest staff, giving much of our regular UNJ staff a break two times each year.  

1.  Can't Find This on the Internet, by the UNJ Staff.  This is the core article, found only in the April and December mini-issues.  Sometimes controversial and occasionally hard-hitting, but usually on the money.  This article is jammed packed with hydro news and views from fuel flow data for the 2003 season (including "hidden handicaps"), news about Scott Pierce and automotive power, the new rule book, and much, much more. 

2.  Podium Poverty; What Winners Raced for Then and Race for Today, by the UNJ Staff.  The 1961 prize pay out from the Seattle race that included the World Championship, Seattle Trophy and Queen's Trophy, compared and contrasted with the 2003 podium prize package, and the 1961 podium prize package in dollars adjusted for inflation!  Interesting reading for the hydro fan.

3.  2003 Unlimited NewsJournal Season Summary Table, updated by Jeff Meyer.  UU member Allen Stiles found a few mistakes in our previous SST, and a couple of other pickups are made.  Essential information for hydro fans.

4.  HydroFile, Unlimited Race Team News from the UNJ Staff.  While regular UNJ reporters take a break this month, several old hands at beach racing present a casual tour of the camps.  Hydro news our readers say they turn to first each month when the UNJ arrives.

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