Seafair Trophy Race 2005

On August 14^th Classic Thunder held its 2005 Seafair Trophy Race at Coulon Park in Renton.  The event was sponsored by Mike Krone with contributions from the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum.  The race was a lot of fun and we would like to thank everyone who contributed.  The day was dominated by sunny, hot weather and the typically rough driving conditions of Coulon.  The large chop and heavy rollers kept us all on our toes and put many of us on our lids before the day was over.

Division 2 competitors staged a great race and we saw the first launch of a brand new boat for testing to boot.  We at Classic Thunder would like to welcome Tony and Danny Minalia and their new 84 American Speedy Printing.  They are new members who have built their own boat and have now gotten it wet for the first time.  The boat got on plane after some work with the drive system and is officially making its way to being in the field with the rest of us.  The last part of the equation will be to get one or both of them qualified as a driver for competition.  These two are a pleasure to have around and are full of enthusiasm for the boats, the hobby and the club.  It’s contagious and we love their attitude. 

The Division 2 Final Heat started with Pete Schille’s Llumar Window Film hitting the line first with Mitch Dillard’s Miller High Life next to him.  Pat Malaspina’s Squire Shop and Chris Cootsona’s Circus Circus were right there too.  Mike Schultz’s Cellular One got a late start and Jeff Howard’s Elam came up fast as the trailer, having earned a spot in the Final by winning the Consolation Heat.  The Llumar was first out of turn one with the Squire and Miller on his inside.  Squire Shop pushed wide, veered right and collided with the side of the Llumar before capsizing in the backstretch.  At about the same time, the Cellular One lost power and went dead.  The Miller squirted up the inside and took the lead followed closely by the Llumar and Circus.  Llumar took over the lead on the next lap as she was quickest through turn one.  Llumar held the lead for the next two laps with Miller in hot pursuit and hanging it out on the edge trying to make up ground.  The Miller moved in and challenged on the final lap in the backstretch.  It was a dash for the finish with Miller on the inside on the final corner.  The Llumar slid a bit wide, but held on by a boat length at the finish.  What a race!  Circus Circus crossed the line third and the Elam came from the trailer position to take fourth.  Congratulations to Pete Schille’s Llumar Window Film, winner of the 2005 Classic Thunder Seafair Trophy Race in Division 2!  The Llumar has certainly reached her stride, having won four out of the last five races. 

The Division 1 Final saw the waters of Coulon take their toll. Bob Vanden Akker’s Nitrogen Too led at the start only to stuff and swap ends in the backstretch.  Pete Schille’s Blue Chip took over the lead followed by Dale Van Wyk’s Miss Seattle, and Dale’s Berryessa Belle, driving by Mike Krone in third.  Dave Sacry’s Short Circuit held fourth with the Nitrogen Too giving chase in fifth at the end of lap one.  Chris Cootsona’s Hurricane VI flipped at the end of the backstretch after starting from the trailer spot.  He had been the winner of the Consolation Heat.  Just after that, almost simultaneously on separate parts of the course, the Nitrogen Too went dead and the Miss Seattle went upside down.  By the end of lap three all was said and done.  The Blue Chip would hold on to the lead, Berryessa Belle would finish a strong second followed by the consistent Short Circuit in third.  It took some good driving and a bit of good fortune to get through this one.  Good job guys!  Congratulations to Pete Schille’s Blue Chip, winner of the 2005 Classic Thunder Seafair Trophy Race in Division 1!  This completed a day’s sweep for Pete and was the first win for the Blue Chip.  I believe the Berryessa Belle had her best ever finish also. Mike did a great job as a hired gun in the final.  “Battery” Dave put together an impressive day as well with the Short Circuit.  Heck, just surviving was an accomplishment.  It was a good effort from everyone.

The next race is race #9.  Yep, the season is almost over.  Don’t cry just yet.  On August 24^th we will be having our 2005 Governor’s Cup in Lacey, WA.  The event will again be held at Woodland Creek Park.  This should be another fantastic race and will be sponsored by John Dyer and Pat Malaspina.  I’m really looking forward to it.  There is still a lot of battling to be done in both divisions.  This has been a great season and will undoubtedly finish in a flurry of fast action over the last two races.  Don’t miss this one.  We’ll see you there.  Thanks.

Sincerely,

Mitch Dillard

Classic Thunder Commissioner