Although mentioned already on the home page under "Insider News" I think it might be worth reminding all of you to take the time to vote in the annual SSC awards, not only to recognize "our" Dave Villwock - and by association his team - for his achievements, but to further increase visibility and awareness of our favorite sport.
I realize we've become a "stick and ball" kinda' town, but let's do all we can to support Dave and our sport. Let's tell the committee that Unlimited Hydroplanes are still an important part of this community and Dave represents it well.
Over 80 hydro fans showed up at the Hydroplane Museum last night to watch H1 Unlimited’s live stream of the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship. The crowd enjoyed a festive party atmosphere and some great racing.
I've caught the last two broadcasts (delayed and condensed) on Versus of the ANG H1 series. I have to say I think it's a pretty good start to bring the sport back into the public eye. I kind of like the up-close and personal approach, allowing the viewer to become acquainted with the drivers and the crews while condensing the heats into something that makes the sport more interesting to the casual viewer than it might otherwise be.
For unlimited hydro racing it was a remarkably uneventful event. Nobody got killed and the boats, most of them powered by aircraft engines, flew so low that Bill Sterett won with his Chryslers.
By Kim Chapin
Reprinted from Sports Illustrated, July 10, 1967
Thirty years ago today, October 18, 1981 in Acapulco, Mexico, the legendary careers of Bill Muncey and his Blue Blaster Atlas Van Lines came to an end. It was an awful day not only for friends and family of Bill Muncey, but for the other drivers and crews involved in the final-heat crash. Muncey was leading after a brilliant start when the Atlas blew over on the first lap. It was one of the lowest points for the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane racing.
In one of the most unexpected upsets - and thrilling races - unlimited hydroplanes have known, a man who had never won before seized the President's Cup on the Potomac from the sport's last hero.
By Mark Kram
Reprinted from Sports Illustrated, July 17, 1972
Reggie in a Team Mercury Seebold hull during the 1978 season. Photo Credit: Fountain 25th Anniversary book.
