Degree Men and Peters & May Teams Will Churn up Columbia in Pre-Season Test

Kennewick, WA May 14, 2012 – Two H1 Unlimited Air National Guard Series Hydroplanes will be conducting extensive test runs on the Columbia River.

The 88 Degree Men^®  and the U-11 Peters & May boats are due to start testing sessions at 10 AM on May 18, off the shores of Columbia Park.  The public is encouraged to visit the Lampson Pits area for a rare opportunity to see these 6,000 lb, 3000 HP machines up close.

Drivers Scott Liddycoat and JW Myers will be in the Tri Cities on May 17 doing personal appearances while the boat teams prepare their equipment for the high speed shake-down laps.  The teams will be collecting valuable data and refining component combinations prior to the H1 Unlimited Air National Guard Series kick off in Madison, Indiana on July 6-8.

This will be the first time on the water for USA Racing Partners’ 88 Degree Men^® hydro since the team’s hiatus from the sport 3 years ago, and they will be demonstrating more than just hydro hardware.  Liddycoat is looking forward to getting the best from the Degree Men^® Adrenaline Series new Motion Sense^®  technology while charging around the Columbia River course at speeds near 200 MPH.

The U-11 Peters & May team, along with scrutinizing changes made to the boat this winter will be testing a new GPS program for the H1 Air National Guard Hydroplane Series. The U-11 along with Craig Kairis of GPS Flight has been developing the new program since late in the 2011 season to get the boats back to the exciting fight for lanes before the start of the race. This new technology will be used to track the boats’ speed on the race course. The idea behind the GPS program and a minimum speed is to keep the boats from driving up to the starting line at 5mph and parking until the start flag drops. H1 will track the boats in real time and bring back the popular and thrilling fight for lanes during the run-up to the race. This is exciting new technology for the H1 Air National Guard Hydroplane Series and Peters & May is very eager to help test this system for the advancement of the sport.

The Tri-Cities Water Follies would like to remind boaters to use caution around the race course and avoid interfering with any operations associated with the testing.

The 2012 Tri-City Water Follies Lamb Weston Columbia Cup will be held July 27 – 29.  Log on to www.waterfollies.com   for more information about the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup.

About Unilever North America

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 180.  With products that are used over two billion times a day around the world, we work to create a better future every day and help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others.  In the United States and Canada the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, fds, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Ragu, Simple, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Soft & Beautiful, St. Ives, Suave, tcb, TIGI, TRESemmé, Vaseline, and Wish-Bone. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 13,000 people across North America – generating over $9 billion in sales in 2011.  For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com or www.unilever.ca.

About Peters & May USA

Peters & May USA, a leader in international boat transport, specializes in shipping boats from 16′ to 150′ for manufacturers, dealers, private clients and race teams. The company repeatedly demonstrates flexibility, cost-effectiveness and total reliability in all phases of shipping and logistics.  With a truly global alliance of offices, Peters & May USA offers customized, turn-key shipping solutions–port to port or door to door.

About USA Racing

Formed in 1998 by the late Kim Gregory and his wife Debbie, USA Racing Partners burst onto the scene after purchasing the racing assets of Competition Specialties with a win at their third race entered.  USA Racing quickly ascended to one of the premier H1 Unlimited teams, and in 2000 campaigned a two-hull team finishing second and third in National high Points.  After capturing the prestigious Gold Cup in 2004, the team upgraded its fleet by purchasing one of the winningest hulls in H1 Unlimited history, the Hydroplanes, Inc. T-3.  After the devastating loss of USA Racing’s founder Kim Gregory in 2008, USA Racing stepped away from the sport.  Tragedy struck again in 2010 with the loss of their driver 2007 Rookie of the Year David Bryant in an unrelated racing accident.  With heavy hearts, USA Racing Partners picked up the pieces, enlisting the expertise of Hydroplanes Inc.  Now operating out of the famed Tukwila location, USA Racing has assembled the necessary tools to compete for championship in today’s ultra competitive Air National Guard H1 Unlimited field, led by President /Owner Debbie Gregory, VP of Operations Adam Gregory, and Director of Competition Matt Gregory.

About Unlimited Racing Group

2012 will be Unlimited Racing Group’s second season in the Air National Guard Hydroplane series.  The Edmonds, Wa. based team was formed in 2011 by long time crew chief Scott Raney and his wife Shannon along with driver JW Myers.  .JW began his hydroplane career at the young age of 9 and is an 11 time world record holder in various competitive classes.  This season will be Myers 30^th year racing boats and is the winner of the 2005 Madison Regatta.  Highlights of 2011 include heat wins at the Gold Cup in Detroit and Bayfair in San Diego and URG being awarded Owners of the Year by H1 Unlimited.

Grand Prix Hydroplanes, Other Race Boats to Test on the Columbia May 12

 Roostertails will fly and engine noise will fill the Lampson Pits this Saturday, May 12 when Grand Prix and 1 liter hydroplanes, as well as a smaller “flat bottom” boat, will be in the Tri-Cities to test their boats for the upcoming season.

The Columbia River testing will give race fans the chance to see some other classes of boats besides the familiar unlimiteds. In the case of the Grand Prix boats, only close followers of the sport will notice the difference between those boats and the unlimiteds. Nearly everyone, however, will notice that the Grand Prix’s are much louder than the unlimiteds, due to their automotive engines, which “growl,” where turbines (which power the unlimiteds) “purr”.

The 1-litre and flat-bottom boats are much smaller than the unlimited and Grand Prix boats, but are just as fun to watch, reaching speeds of 110mph.

Testing will begin at 10:00AM and go until 4:00PM. There is no charge to attend.

NOTE: The Tri-Cities Water Follies would like to remind boaters to use caution around the race course and avoid interfering with any operations associated with the testing.

The 2012 Tri-City Water Follies Lamb Weston Columbia Cup will be held July 27 – 29.  Log on to www.waterfollies.com   for more information about the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup, HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show, the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 598 Grand Prix West Regatta and the Legends Casino, Legends of Thunder Vintage Hydroplanes.

Evans Brothers Join Air National Guard Series as Team Owners

Pasco, Wash., April 30, 2012— Veteran Air National Guard Hydroplane Series driver Mark Evans and his brother, Mitch, can add another title to their résumés—team owners.

The Evans brothers announced Monday they have purchased the U57 Unlimited Hydroplane from Ted Porter of Precision Performance LLC of Decatur, Ind., along with the truck, trailer, engines, gearbox and propellers. They took possession of the race boat this weekend in their hometown of Lake Chelan, Wash.

“I just love the sport and I love driving this boat,” said Mark Evans, who has 10 career race victories. “I was shocked when my brother (Mitch) wanted to be part of this. That sealed the deal for me.”

The purchase price was not disclosed but Mark said the team will race under the Formula Boats banner for the foreseeable future. The team plans to run the entire United States circuit with the goal of qualifying for the season-ending Oryx Cup UIM World Championships in Doha, Qatar. The U57 hull is the same boat Mark campaigned for Ted Porter in 2011.

Mark is the primary driver with his brother, Mitch, serving as the crew chief. John Walcker of Chelan is acting as team manager. Crew members will include Tony Scharf of Wenatchee, Wash., Paul LaMarre and Bill Guckian of Detroit, Josh Culver from the Tri-Cities, Wash., and Dave Lemon and Bianca Bononcini from the Seattle area.

Mark Evans has driven numerous Unlimiteds in his long career and likes the hull, which is why he decided to acquire it. Porter announced in January he was putting his team’s three boats up for sale.

“It’s a good fit for me,” Evans said of the hull. “I like the way it handles and I am confident we can get another 5 to 10 percent out of the performance and be a little more competitive.”

“I didn’t want to get too excited until the boat actually got here,” he added. “But when I saw it coming up the driveway it was a real rush. Mitch and John and I are very excited about making the circuit with the 57 and the great team we have put together.”

For more information on the Air National Guard Series, visit www.h1unlimited.com

As the Official Sponsor of Summer^® , HAPO Community Credit Union is excited to present the following entertainment acts for the 2012 Over-the-River Air Show:

• Misty Blues, All Woman Skydiving Team
• Lucas Oil Bi-Plane
• Acemaker, T-33 Shooting Star
• John Klatt, ANG Aerobatic Team
• “Firecat” Stunt Jet
• USCG Helo, Coast Guard Rescue demo
• USAF Heritage Flight, featuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon and P-51 Mustang

The HAPO Community Credit Union Over-the-River Airshow is part of the annual entertainment event organized by the Tri-City Water Follies.  The event also includes:

• The Lamb Weston Columbia Cup
• Grand Prix West Hydroplanes, presented by UA Local 598 and Signatory Contractors
• Vintage Hydroplanes, presented by Legends Casino

Tri-City Water Follies Announces Local 598 and Signatory Contractors as Title Sponsors for the Grand Prix West Regatta

For Immediate Release
April 3, 2012

The Tri- Cities Water Follies Board of Directors is proud to announce that the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 598 and Signatory Contractors have generously increased their sponsorship from race heat sponsors to Title Sponsors of the Grand Prix West Hydroplane Regatta. The Grand Prix West Regatta is run in conjunction with the Columbia Cup unlimited hydroplane races July 27-29.

“Our members and contractors are very proud of the communities we live and work in,” said Pete Nicacio, UA Local 598 Business Manager.  “Water Follies weekend is an asset for the quality of life in our community and we want to support that.”

The Grand Prix West Hydroplanes made their debut appearance at last year’s event. This smaller hydroplane class features supercharged, “big-block” engines, which produce as much as 1,500 horsepower.  The 24-to-26 foot craft routinely attain speeds in excess of 160 miles-per-hour in the straight-aways.  Long a premier class on the east coast of North America, ‘Grand Prix West’ is the first club to organize Grand Prix racing on the west coast.

Water Follies President Calvin Dudney noted last year’s enthusiasm for the Grand Prix boats showed by the Tri-Cities, saying, “We are thrilled to have them back for another year and we love that our sponsors have taken a liking to them as well. A big thanks goes to both the Plumbers and Steamfitters 598 and to Signatory Contractors for their support.”

The members of the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 598 and Signatory Contractors form a team that serves twenty one counties in Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon. They work together to build everything from residential projects to nuclear facilities. Log on to ua598.com for additional information.

Tri-City Water Follies Receives Excellence Award

Seattle, WA — H1 Unlimited’s Air National Guard Hydroplane Series honored its teams, drivers, and stakeholders Saturday night at The Westin Seattle with the Tri-City Water Follies receiving the first ever, Award of Excellence.

“It’s time to reward excellence; recognize the individuals or organizations that go above and beyond” said H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole. “From the day you get there to the time you leave, they are organized.” Speaking of course about the Tri-Cities Water Follies and their volunteers that give 110% to support the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing.

Water Follies Vice-President Michael Denslow and Event Director Kathy Powell were present to receive the award. “We have a really good thing going” said Denslow. “We are one big family.”

Powell acknowledged the Water Follies volunteers by calling them the best on the circuit. “They work tirelessly each year to produce the Tri-Cities’ signature event, and it’s clear it’s a labor of love for them, we love them back for that.”

She added, “If you can only make it to one event this summer, come to the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup. You’ll be treated well for sure.”

Also receiving an award from the Tri-Cities was KONA 610AM for Best Radio Coverage.

The 2012 Tri-City Water Follies Lamb Weston Columbia Cup will be held July 27 – 29.  Log on to www.waterfollies.com   for more information about the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup, HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show, Legends Casino presents the ‘Legends of Thunder’ Vintage Hydro Exhibition and the Grand Prix West Racing Series.

 
Watch the H1 Awards Banquet Broadcast Below:


Video streaming by Ustream

14 Boats – We’re Going to Need a Bigger Pit Area!

HAPO Community Credit Union Sponsors U-99 Hydroplane

Richland, WA – July 27, 2011 – HAPO Community Credit Union will sponsor the U-99 Unlimited Hydroplane during the 46^th Running of the Columbia Cup this weekend.

The U-99 is the black and maroon hydroplane that was driven by Greg Hopp in 2010.  This year it is being driven by Ryan Mallow of Tacoma.  Mallow drives the GP-19 Miss Everett on the Grand Prix Circuit.  The Miss Everett is owned by Tom Eckenberg.

This is the first year that HAPO will sponsor a hydroplane.  HAPO is the sponsor of the HAPO Over the River Air Show for the 4^th year.  The U-99 will feature HAPO’s logo during the races, and will be known as the Miss HAPO.

“Between the outstanding air show line-up this year and our sponsorship of the U-99 Miss HAPO, we are really excited and looking forward to a great weekend of fun.  See you at the races!” exclaimed Steve Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for HAPO.

HAPO’s sponsorship of the air show and the U-99 is part of their “Official Sponsor of Summer” program.  HAPO sponsors a variety of local community events throughout the summer.

It’s only Tuesday, but hydroplanes have all ready started to arrive for the 2011 Lamb Weston Columbia Cup.  The National Guard display boat has been spotted at the Kennewick Comfort Inn.  Last night the U-5 Graham Trucking and U-7 Valken.com arrived at the Shilo Inn in Richland.   Also, the F-15 Strike Eagle Demo team for the Hapo Over The River Airshow flew into town today.

Keep checking Facebook and the web for more updates as boats & planes continue to arrive.

Windermere Group One and the Tri-Cities Water Follies team up for Kids Zone at the hydro races

Windermere Group One is this year’s sponsor of the Kids Zone at the hydroplane races on the Columbia River, July 29-31.

The Kids Zone will operate on both the Kennewick and Pasco sides of the river, Saturday 9 a.m. to 4p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3p.m.

Inflatable bounce houses will be donated by Bouncing Around.

The Kennewick Kid’s Zone is located at the Columbia Center Rotary Stage. The Pasco Kids Zone is just east of the Bulldog Beach Club.

The Kennewick Kids Zone will feature Big Top the Clown and Walter Chimal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a meet and greet from 10 to 11 a.m. Spiderman will appear at the Kennewick Kids Zone on Saturday only, from  12 to 3 p.m.  Both Kids Zones will also have face painting and arts & crafts.  Appearance schedules subject to change.

About Windereme Group One:
Your Windermere Group One/Tri-Cities Realtors are committed to our communities, serving on boards, committees, participating in fundraisers, even selling newspapers on street corners for the annual Kids Day event.  We invest our time and money in the Tri-Cities and we are dedicated to helping build a great community and a great place to live.  Windermere is about building relationships.  We believe in the ability of our agents, staff, and management to create relationships that go beyond the ordinary and that make a difference in people’s lives.

About Bouncing Around:
BOUNCING AROUND will make your next event a memorable one.  Inflatable games are always a crowd pleaser, whether the occasion is a Birthday Party, Grad Night, Company Picnic, Corporate Team-building Event, or just plain old fun.  If you’ve never experienced the howls that these inflatables generate, you’re in for a treat!

Water Follies and New Traditions Homes team up to offer free Columbia Cup  tickets for kids

The Tri-Cities Water Follies is happy to announce a partnership with New Traditions Homes. New Traditions has generously agreed to be the Kids Ticket Sponsor for this year’s Lamb Weston Columbia Cup and HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show July 29-31.

Thanks to New Tradition Homes, Free race tickets for kids will be available at New Traditions’ model home locations in Pasco and Richland. They are located at Broadmoor Estates 9003 Durham Court in Pasco and The Heights 1595 Manchester St. in Richland. Business hours are: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Kid’s tickets must be presented for children 6- 12 years of age. They are normally priced at $10.00.

Directions to Broadmoor Estates:
To Broadmoor Estates from I-182: Take the Broadmoor Blvd. exit. Go north on Broadmoor Blvd. to Sandifur Parkway, and turn right (east). Turn left (north) on Road 90 and enter Broadmoor Estates. The Model Home is straight ahead.

Directions to The Heights:
To The Heights from I-82: Take the Queensgate South exit, Exit 3A. Turn slight right onto Queensgate Drive, left on Keene Road, and right on Brantingham Road. To The Heights from WA-240 W: Take the Columbia Center Blvd exit, left on N Columbia Center Blvd, right on Quinalt Ave, right on Center Parkway, left on Gage Blvd, right on Keene Road and left on Brantingham Road.

About New Traditions Homes

New Tradition Homes began in 1987 with the Helmes family dream to build new homes of high quality, enduring design and lasting value. We named our company New Tradition Homes to demonstrate the combined excitement of building new lives, new memories, and new traditions in a new home. Today we are one of the largest homebuilders in Washington State, having built thousands of homes.

New Tradition Homes has become the regional leader in developing innovative and energy-efficient construction technologies. Through on-going research and dedication we continue to build homes that are healthier, more durable and more efficient than standard new homes. Every New Tradition Homes is Energy Star and Built-Green certified. This certification means that every home is third-party verified to meet our high standards. Our ongoing commitment is to provide homebuyers beautiful, better-built homes at an affordable price.