Unlimited NewsJournal

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JAN/FEB 2009 ISSUE

In the Beginning: The Oh Boy! Oberto Story is Bob Senior's recollection of Oberto getting into hydroplanes, complete with great photos from the E.K. Muller collection and H&RM. Chris Tracy talks about A Winning Combination: Larry Oberto, Steve David, and Bob Hughes after talking to and listening to David at the R/CU banquet in Richland, Wash. and Oberto at the H&RM Christmas party and annual meeting; photos are from Karl Pearson. HydroFile has all the latest news, including some news of a hydro that may be donated to H&RM. Around the Circuit gives the complete status on races for next year and details of UU's Boat, Boat Driver and Crew Chief of the Year Awards. Quill Shaft, published 4-times each year from H&RM, gives a summary of the Miss Wahoo project, complete with great photos, plus details of the Doug Ford presentation scheduled for the Museum and the H&RM schedule of events. Craig Fjarlie profiles some of the great hydro newspaper writers in his Heritage column titled Writing for the Record; a must read!

March will feature the 2008 Damage Report, Part I

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NOV/DEC 2008 ISSUE

Time Capsule, 30 Years Ago, 1978, by Kirk Pagel reflects on the 1978 Gold Cup winner, Atlas Van Lines and the other boats, like Oh Boy! Oberto, Tempus, Dr. Toyota, Circus Circus, Miss Budweiser, Squire Shop and the Aussie Miss Bud, that competed that year. Wonderful photos from the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. Pagel does double duty and pens a review of David William's book, Hydroplane Racing in the Tri-Cities, complete with Karl Pearson and E.K. Muller photos. The UNJ Staff titled this issue's HydroFile, the Silly Season and lots of the latest info on the race teams is included. Brian Anderson reviews the 2008 season in his annual review titled, 2008 Season Review; Steve David and Oh Boy! Oberto Take it All. Included is a very interesting sponsorship offer! Jeff Meyer completed this year's 2008 Season Summary Table; all the boat names, drivers, hull ID's, owners, races and finishes. Craig Fjarlie talks about future race sites and the Seattle race site in his Heritage Column titled, The Next Seattle? A great issue not to be missed!

Next Month--The Oberto Story

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE OCTOBER 2008 ISSUE

Bernard Leapfrogs to Controversial San Diego Win: A National Championship for Oberto, by Mac Clouse with Niles Mayfield, is our lead story. Photos from Karl Pearson and Unlimiteds.net illustrate the story about the San Diego race. All the details and all the quotes that fans what to read are included. "The 2008 season will be remembered as one of the strangest in history...The 2008 season will also be remembered for the wonderful accomplishment of the Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison team." Complete statistics box from Allen Stiles. Sunday Photos from San Diego's Tribute to Kim Gregory and the full story are included. Kirk Pagel reviews the book, Roostertail: The Miss Supertest Story, complete with a Thompson Team photo. Hurricane IV Launched on Lake Washington includes the story and Michael Prophet photos, plus details of the run in San Diego complete with photos, too.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE SEPTEMBER 2008 ISSUE

Oh Boy! Oberto Wins Their First Columbia Cup: "It was our race," by Ben Keller with Karl Pearson photos. All the details fans want to know about the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup in Tri-Cities, plus sidebars--or "side cars"--by Kirk Pagel. This is a fun and creative new format for a race report. Our editor talks about the passing of Kim Gregory and Matt Devine writes a sentimental piece about the passing of Roger Newton. Dick Sanders writes about the unusual conclusion to the Seattle's Chevrolet Cup race in his race report, Ref's Call Leaves Beacon Freakin'--Villwock 'Walks the Talk' at Seafair, complete with Karl Pearson photos. Stat Boxes for both races from Allen Stiles.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE AUGUST 2008 ISSUE

Madison Regatta: First Win for Bernard, by Craig Fjarlie gives all the details of the Madison race, complete with Ron Harsin and Unlimited.net photos. Gold Minus Orange Equals Zero; A "No Contest" in Detroit, by Mac Clouse, provides all the details of the Gold Cup that was not completed--all the facts, great quotes and a full picture of what happened, complete with Ron Harsin photos. Stat Boxes for both the Madison and Detroit contests from Allen Stiles.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JULY 2008 ISSUE

Evansville 2008; Competition Accomplished, by Clint Newman, is the lead feature. Great photos from Ron Harsin and a complete statistics box from Allen Stiles. All the details in the most comprehensive race report published.

Time Capsule: Twenty Five, and Ten Years Ago, by Kirk Pagel features commentary and photos of the Atlas Van Lines, Miss Budweiser, Miss Renault, Aronow Unlimited and Captran Resorts, T-5 Bud, Close Call, DeWalt and the Pico American Dream. A great trip down memory lane. Great photos from Bill Osborne, Kirk Pagel, Tab 10, and H&RM.

A First at Issaquah's Tastin' & Racin' on Lake Sammamish. The UNJ usually does not cover limited races, but Unlimiteds tested at this race. A review and photos of U-17, U-37 and vintage U-40 tests and a picture of the new U-17 driver, Kip Brown. Photos from Karl Pearson and Bill Cruchon.

Staying Home! U-1 Ellstrom and U-787 Test at Lake Washington on July 10. Yep, the UNJ was there to view the Ellstrom and Boeing/Ellstrom boats test. The story and great photos, too, including one of Bill Boeing, Jr.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JUNE 2008 ISSUE

Wow, this is a full issue. Clint Newman interviews referee Jim Codling, in the article Chief Referee Jim Codling; Up Close and Personal. Codling talks about his background and the rules and rule changes for 2008. Must reading for true fans. HydroFile features all the breaking news from the race teams. Chris Tracy's Around the the Circuit gives details about all the races for this season. The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum's Quill Shaft newsletter is a special insert and includes an article on the 1968 season. The UNJ staff attended the christening of U-50 and test session of the U-50 and U-48, with complete details. The 2008 hydroplane hull roster, compiled by Bob Greenhow, is included with all the boats, drivers, hull numbers, builders/designers, completed date, original name, engine and colors. Coverage only the UNJ resources can deliver!

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MAY 2008 ISSUE

The May issue features Swami's annual column. This year Brian Anderson titled the feature, The Battle Between Two: So says the Swami. Anderson handicaps all the teams. Photos of each boat and career wins for each driver and owner. Michael Prophet pens 2007 Damage Report--the Worst; Part 2, which features the U-10, U-16, and U-37. Included are great photos from James Crisp, Michael Prophet and Unllimiteds.net. Extensive information about each team is in HydroFile, compiled by the UNJ staff, including details about the U-1Ellstrom, U-5/7Formula, U-13 Spirit of Detroit, U-22, U-25, U-28, U-37 Beacon Plumbing, and the U-48/U-50.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE APRIL 2008 ISSUE

The popular Damage Report column is back. There was so much damage in 2007 that it is two parts and covers only the worst part, so the feature by Michael Prophet is titled, 2007 Damage Report--the Worst; Part 1. A rare 1951 photo of the destroyed Quicksilver is included. Prophet profiles the U-1, U-5 and U-9 in part 1. Photos are from Jim Simpson, Carl Trivett, Dave Mabary, Ron Harsin, Unlimiteds.net and Karl Pearson. Only the UNJ resources can provide this! Kirk Pagel has a historical piece called, Time Capsule: Fifty Years Ago. It features the 1957 season with a great Bill Osborne photo of the Hawaii Kai III and a Tab 10 photo of Wildroot Charlie. Test session informtion and photos are provided for recent test sessions of the U-50 and the U-37. Shop photos and information about the U-13, Spirit of Detroit are featured, too. This issue was worth the subscription price for a whole year!

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MARCH 2008 ISSUE

The March issue of the UNJ has a great story from Kirk Pagel about the building of the Red Dot. The story is illustrated with photos of the hull during construction and running last summer. Included is a spy photo of the Mark Evans' American Maid with two outboard motors attached! The latest boat news is in HydroFile and Craig Fjarlie's Heritage column features an article titled Keeping Track, about keeping track of the names of well-used boats.

Included in the March issue is Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. QS features a great story about Hurricane IV, the boat the museum is currently restoring; a letter from the museum director is a fond tribute to Lucile Woods. The museum's event schedule is included, too.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAN/FEB 2008 ISSUE

1. The Lost Treasure of Eileen Crimmin, by Bill Cruchon,Jr. This is a special piece about the Eileen Crimmin who wrote about hydros in the 1960s and her collection of stories and photos.

2. Shirley Mendelson McDonald and Shu Shu, 1965, by Michael Prophet. Historic photos from the Tab 10 Collection, Bob Senior and Eileen Crimmin. In a companion piece with the Crimmin article, Prophet tells all about the Shu Shu. Fans recall that Crimmin did much of the public relations/writing for McDonald.

3. HydroFile, Race Team News from the UNJ Staff. Details about the Boeing boat at last year's Chevrolet Cup, leadership change at the U-5/U-7, and much, much more. Readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives.

4. Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy. Nashville and Phoenix race news. Jeff Neff provides some secret news about the T-1 Bud turbine at ROTT, UU's Boat, Driver, Rookie and Crew Chief of the Year awards, the annual profile of those in Unlimited racing that passed away the previous year, and more.

5. 1967 U-12 Miss Budweiser (5) by the UU staff. Another companion story to our lead article for this issue. This is a former Shu Shu that was restored by the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. All the details and wonderful photos from Kirk Pagel, H&RM, and Michael Prophet.

6. Jumping Through More Hoops?--by Craig Fjarlie. Fjarlie writes about the changes in the pit area at Seafair and past race site changes in Detroit, Lake Tahoe, Kansas City and more.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUE

1. From 1957-2007, by Kirk Pagel with original art from Barb Dahlum and photos from Bob Maziel, Kirk Pagel, Tab 10, H&RM Collection and Bob Carver. "Fifty years ago Seattle hosted the 50th running of the APBA Gold Cup. The race introduced to faithful hydro fans of the Pacific Northwest." Pagel writes about the 1957 race, complete with vintage pictures.

2. 2007 Ellstrom Reclaims Title, by Brian Anderson. The Swami provides views and reviews of the 2007 season. Always opinionated and almost always on target. Must reading.

3. HydroFile, from the UNJ Staff. All the boat camp news. Our readers say they read this column first when the UNJ arrives!

4. 2007 Season Summary Table, compiled by Jeff Myer. All the boat names, drivers, races, points and finishes. All the stats true fans want.

5. Around the Circuit, by Chris Tracy. Tracy looks at the 2007 race sites and the steps forward and back the series made. Tracy pitches the need for all race sites to have a press conference and much more.

6. Family Matters, by Craig Fjarlie. In his Heritage column Fjarlie talks about families that have raced boats and the upcoming Brian and Kayleigh Perkins. The Dodge, Wood, Schoenith, Sterett Walther, Evans, and Weber families are profiled.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE

1. Two in a Row for Steve David and Oh Boy! Oberto; the Wily Veteran Wins in San Diego, by Mac Clouse with Niles Mayfield. Photos from Carl Trivett and Unlimiteds.net and a stat box compiled by Allen Stiles. All the quotes, all the details, all the statistics and much more...yep, the most comprehensive race report in the business!

2. HydroFile from the UNJ staff.All the boat camp news. Our readers say they read this column first when the UNJ arrives! It includes details about Mike Weber leaving the Formula team, improvements for the Oberto next year, new crew at the U-10, and ways Kevin Aylesworth and Mike Weber addressed safety concerns at the San Diego race and much more!

3. Rainbows and Roostertails, by Fred Farley. Classic photos from the Greg Calkins collection. This historical article talks about the Rainbow hulls of the 1920s, campaigned by Harry Greening of Hamilton, Ontario. Photos only the UNJ could provide! Must reading for readers interested in the history of the sport.

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Our webmaster took some time off, but will add summaries of the August and September issues as time permits. Why wait for summaries...join Unlimiteds Unanimous and recieve a year subscription to the UNJ!

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JULY ISSUE

1. Flip, Flip, Flip; Evansville Thunder on the Ohio, by Clint Newman. Photos from Carl Trivett and Owen Blauman; Stat. Box complied by Allen Stiles. All the details about the season opener in Evansville. Only the UNJ delivers such comprehensive coverage and photos of the flips and damage.

2. Book Review. Michael Prophet reviews David Williams new book Turbine Racing in Seattle.

3. HydroFile, from the UNJ Staff. All the boat camp news. Our readers say they read this column first when the UNJ arrives! It includes the scoop on the Boeing Boat!

4. Madison Regatta...Oberto Impresses: Ellstrom Wins, by Craig Fjarlie. Stat. box from Allen Stiles. Photos from Jim Simpson, Carl Trivett and Ron Harsin. The full scoop on the race with all the details. Great photos. Must reading for fans.

5. 2007 Detroit Gold Cup Results. The comprehensive report from ace reporter Mac Clouse will be in the August issue.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE JUNE ISSUE

1. 2007: Short, Tough, and Very Competitive so says the Swami, by Brian Anderson. The annual season preview with the Swami's predictions. Opinionated and usually on the money. Pictures of all the boats, too. Our readers look forward to this feature.

2. Spring Training 2007. Pictures and text about the tests of Miss Beacon Plumbing and Lakeridge Paving at Tri-Cities.

3. Two New Boats Bring Back Old Memories. Michael Prophet gives all the details and photos of the testing of the Miss Thriftway replica, Dixon Smith's Bardahl, plus H&RM's Miss Burien and Oh Boy! Oberto.

4. Quill Shaft, the Official Newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. All the latest news about the vintage boats running at Tri-Cities this year, a letter from the Director, information about the Gala fundraiser on August 2, and much more.

5. HydroFile; Race Team News from the UNJ Staff. All the news. Readers says they turn to this feature first each time the UNJ arrives.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MAY ISSUE

1. Pounding One's Head Against a Wall (To See if it will Stop Hurting), by Phil Cole. This is the last piece that Cole wrote for the UNJ before he passed away. Cole was one of the seven original Madison regatta organizers. He writes about his involvement in 1965 with the unconventional race (or races) at Lake Tahoe. A must read with vintage photos from the Roger Newton collection, Roger Squires, H&RM collection, and Tab 10.

2. HydroFile, Race Team News for the UNJ Staff. Our readers say they turn to this column first when the UNJ arrives. Latest U-1/U-5 news from Mike Weber. Details about Gregory's driver change, Nate Brown's new boat, the U-48 and much, much more!

3. The End of an Era; Jim Harvey Sells Team. The details and the pictures. Photos by Karl Pearson.

4. 1965 Lake Tahoe World Championship Trouble for Notre Dame. A sidebar article to our main feature this month. Complete with photos from Tab 10, Roger Newton and E.K. Muller.

5. The Seafair Pirates and the Miss Beacon Plumbing, complete with Karl Pearson photos.

6.ULHRA 2007 Season Preview, by John Lynch and photos by Mark Sharley. What is becoming a tradition, we feature the news for 2007 with the Lights. Back by popular demand!

Next month...Swami's Season Review, Quillshaft and more!

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE APRIL ISSUE

1. Interview With Jimmy King, Part II. Interview conducted by Craig Fjarlie and photos from Michael Prophet, James Crisp and Ron Harsin. King talks about his days racing since 1998, why he was released from the LLumar team, and all the details about his current U-3 ride. Honest and comprehensive reading.

2. Quillshaft. Surprise, the UNJ will now publish the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum's Quillshaft four times per year. The Muncey Movie, a letter from Museum Director David Williams, info about the new Slo-Mo IV and V pins, the Myd Gypsy Museum Picture Tack, Hydro Fever and more.

3. HydroFile. All the race team news from the UNJ staff. An update on the U-3, U-48, U-17, plus special pictures and exclusive information about the Spirit of Detroit boat shop AND picutres of the piston engines that will be used in the U-100. Readers says this is the column they read first when the UNJ arrives.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MARCH ISSUE

1. The March issue features an in-depth interview with driver, Jimmy King. Veteran reporter, Craig Fjarlie, conducted the interview and part II will be in the April issue. Barbara Dahlum has included an original portrait of King. Complete with Kirk Pagel photos.

2. The 1997 Seattle Texaco Cup--Heat 2A. Yep, that's the heat where the E-Lam hopped on top of the Budweiser. All the details are reviewed.

3. HydroFile. All the news of what is happening during the off-season. Must reading for fans.

4. Around the Circuit features a review of the ABRA banquet, details about the Lam Weston sponsorship of the Tri-Cities race, corrections, and more.

5. Bringing Home the Hurricane talks about how the Hydro Museum acquired the Hurricane IV, the latest restoration project. Story by Kirk Pages and photos from Pagel and Michael Prophet.

6. Bill Stead Acquires Hurricane IV. A sidebar article about why Stead bought the boat in the 50s and its history, including how it caught fire at a Reno casino!

7. Photos that detail Ray Forsman's project with the former U-14 Miss Bell Forklift....aka, Miss Freei.

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THE DEC/JAN ISSUE AND FEBRUARY ISSUE

The two issues featured the two-part 2006 season Damage Report, by Michael Prophet. All the details for each team with great photos. And all the news in HydroFile, too.

Next Month---2005 Damage Report

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For summaries of 2006 UNJ issues please click here.

For summaries of 2005 UNJ issues please click here.

For summaries of 2004 UNJ issues please click here.