Work continued on structural repairs, with Dave and Sam removing all the internal skidfin braces in preparation for extra stiffeners, Walt adding landings for the starboard side deck replacement, while JW & Shaun chopped up the port side revealing a fair amount of rotten and crumbling braces, brackets and even some seawater left over from Qatar (not a good thing…) Pyro and Dave will add a doubler to starboard side engine bay tomorrow to finish that section, then after replacement of some internal braces, the rest of the starboard side deck can go on.(Continue to see pictures)

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The entire U-37 team sends its condolences to David Bryant’s wife & family on hearing the news that Dave and Australian driver Brian McKosker were killed in separate accidents in Australia on Easter Sunday (story below).

David was in Australia to drive Dean Barry’s “She’s the Culprit” in the Taree Aquatic Power Boat Club’s Easter Classic on the Manning River.  The boat was a Blown Alcohol Division (BAD) open cockpit flat bottom.

David was thrown out of the boat when it rolled over at an estimated 135 MPH. CPR was preformed at the race course. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

David drove the U-10 Gregory Racing hydroplane during the 2007 and 2008 ABRA Unlimited racing seasons, and was named 2007 ABRA Rookie of the Year.
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H1 Unlimited has featured the U-37 website in their review of the internet presence of the teams competing in the 2010 H1 Unlimited season , commenting that it “raises the bar in terms of layout and content.”

U-37.com was voted “H1 Unlimited Website of the Year” for 2009.

Thanks to H1 Unlimited and their webmaster, Steve Montgomery for the mention and recognition of the hundreds of hours that are required to produce any of the H1 Unlimited team websites.

Tonight the U-37 was placed on the jig and we started to remove all of the rudder and skidfin brackets, cowling brackets, steering brackets, cockpit windows, and all remaining hardware on the boat. Scott thought most of the internal weaknesses in the boat were hiding underneath the right side deck, so out came the saws and most of the right side of the boat was opened up.

Once the larger portions of deck were removed, it was easier for Scott and JW to see what needs to be done, and much more will need to be removed to allow for replacement of some major structural components. This should get started on Wednesday, and a prioritized list of repairs will be made that should keep the crew busy for a week or two. (Continue to see pictures)
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The 6 month around the world trip to and from Doha has ended and the U-37 Miss Peters & May is back home and is beginning the process of getting ready for the 2010 H1 Unlimited season. Crew chief Scott Raney, Dave Hawley and Bruce Haskin have been working on the U-37′s powerplants over the break and are confident there will be reliable power on tap for 2010. Now that the boat has returned, Pyro has an ambitious schedule ahead that will include a complete teardown, refurbishment and refitting of every single system, wire and nut and bolt on the boat. Work will include: (continue to see pictures)
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David Holley, managing director of Peters & May USA, received a “Special Contribution” award from H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole at H1’s annual awards banquet in Las Vegas on Saturday evening, in recognition of P & M’s expert handling of the logistics involved in transporting the unlimited fleet to the first Oryx Cup UIM World Championship in Doha, Qatar. 

But before the evening was over, Holley had done more giving than receiving.  Holley presented Billy and Jane Schumacher with a check to cover title sponsorship of the U-37 for the 2010 season.  

The team had been sponsored by Peters & May in the Oryx Cup and displayed the race boat in the Peters & May display at the Miami Boat Show.  Holley said the company’s very positive experience with the team led to the decision to become the full time title sponsor. 

“First of all, we appreciate the opportunity to be involved with the H1 series and wanted to give something back.  We look forward to growing the relationship as the series travels to new international destinations,” said Holley.  “I want to thank Matt Penfold and Ryan Hamilton from our office for their great work in making a big undertaking go so smoothly.” 

“Our experience with Billy and Jane Schumacher and their team in Doha and Miami showed us what a valuable tool Miss Peters & May can be in bringing attention to our company and the services we provide in marine transportation,” added Holley.  “We are very excited about riding along with driver JW Myers and the whole team in 2010.” 

Jane Schumacher responded, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Peters & May USA on board as our title sponsor for the season.  It has been a pleasure working with three terrific young men who are very excited about our sport and see our potential for bringing attention to their great company.” 

Billy Schumacher added, “With Peters & May as a major sponsor, we will have the resources to step up every phase of our operation and give JW a race boat that he can drive to the front.  When great people who have become good friends become your sponsors, you have a great situation.” 

Miss Peters & May with new driver JW Myers will make her first appearance of 2010 at the APBA Gold Cup in Detroit June 25 – 27.

(Courtesy H1 Unlimited)

US Ambassador to Qatar - Joseph LeBaron

Ambassador LeBaron's letter to Sam Cole

U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Joseph LeBaron sent this letter to H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole expressing his appreciation to the organization and the teams for their outstanding contribution to international sports diplomacy.

When the 2009 season annual awards were presented at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas Saturday evening,  Steve David and the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto race team spent a lot of time on stage.  David was honored as the 2009 Driver’s High Point Champion, and his team received the Martini & Rossi trophy representing the National High Point Championship.  

Also, the  U-1 crew was presented the 2009 Crew of the Year award and  Bob Hughes was honored as Owner of the Year.  Oberto received the Sponsor of the Year trophy as well as the 2009 Marketing Award and Boat Sponsor of the Year. 

The Qatar Marine Sports Federation, producers of the very successful Oryx Cup UIM World Championship in Doha, Qatar received the award for Race Site of the Year and QMSF PR director Neil Perkins and television producer Peter Butler were honored for their contributions to the event.  

H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole thanked the owners and drivers for the part they played in a very successful season.  Cole told the crowd that the success of the first Oryx Cup UIM World Championship in Doha, Qatar had created interest on four continents and would lead to more international expansion of the series. 

Other award winners were: 

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San Diego’s Bayfair could see some big changes this year including the potential return of the Unlimited hydroplanes and the addition of a major poker run.

The annual event, which takes place Sept. 17-19, has seen its attendance decline in recent years and organizers hope the changes will bring race fans back to Mission Bay. Also in the works is a one-hour television show based on the weekend.

Although a final contract hasn’t been signed, H1 Unlimited is expected to return to San Diego after a one-year hiatus, said Brett Seber, a member of the Board of Governors for Thunderboats Unlimited of San Diego, which puts on the event.

“The (contract) numbers worked out, so I feel very comfortable that it’s going to happen,” Seber said.

In addition to the Unlimited hydroplanes, Bayfair is expected to have tunnel boats, Unlimited Lights and offshore races. But Seber is looking forward to the addition of a poker run, which is being organized by Desert Storm promoter Jim Nichols.

The poker-run event is expected to include a Puttin’ on the Wish event Thursday after the boats take over a section of Paradise Point. Nichols said they will have a fun run Friday and on Saturday they will run north to Oceanside. The biggest treat for the poker runners is that they will get a chance to run the 2 1/2-mile Unlimited course as part of the opening festivities.

Still up in the air is whether the drag boats will return to the event. Seber said they have had discussions with the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series but so far nothing has been worked out.

“We really want to turn it into a festival based around the water,” Seber said. “We’re excited with the direction it’s heading.”—Gregg Mansfield

(courtesy Powerboat magazine)

U-37 owner Billy Schumacher has selected veteran Unlimited pilot JW Myers as his team’s driver for the 2010 racing season.

When Jean Theoret was injured in the first race of 2009 in Madison, Schumacher called on Myers to take over the U-37 in Detroit, Tri Cities and Seattle. Myers earned Schumacher’s praise while subbing for Theoret.   “J Dub has the qualities you look for,” said Schumacher.  “He’s a fighter when he needs to be, but he drives smart and listens to me and the crew.  With the improvements we are making to the boat and motors, we think he’ll have the chance to be a front runner.”

Myers called the U-37’s  team chemistry, “The best I’ve ever seen.”  Adding, “This team is committed to winning, and they have the know how to do that.  This is going to be really, really good.  Lets go play race boat!”

Myers Unlimited career began in 2003 with Fred Leland’s U-100 team, where he was fastest qualifier in San Diego and earned Rookie of the Year Honors.  In 2004, he drove the U-8 (now the U-37) for Bill Wurster.  Driving half a season for Erick Ellstrom in the U-16 in 2005, Myers scored the single victory of his career in Madison and finished second twice. In 2006, JW served as crewman and driver for Kim Gregory’s U-10.

John W Myers III began  his racing career in 1982 at age 9, following in the footsteps of his father John, a well known outboard racer. He soon made a name as an outboard runabout driver, scoring four national high point championships and setting 11 world records in a 20-year career.  In 1999, he moved to the Unlimited Lights series, driving Bob Larimore’s UL 23 Pegasus until 2001.  He was also the UL Rookie of the Year in 1999.

Myers is 36 years old and makes his home in Burien, Washington, where he is a roofing contractor.

(courtesy www.abrahydroplanes.com)

• JW Myers bio page

Gustavo Bahia de Almeida, Executive Director of GHB International Sports Management and Aquactividade Servicos Nautiocos LDA of Brazil is working with H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole to make unlimited racing part of Brazilia’s 50 Anos Celebration.
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We’ve now have two different ways to keep up with the U-37 on Facebook:

The U-37 group and fan pages will be moderated by Todd Tamayao, Shannon Raney and Walt Ottenad. While these group pages will feature U-37 racing, it is intended for all hydroplane fans to be a part of. This is an open page so everyone is welcome to post U-37 photos if you have any you’d like to share.

Jane Schumacher, co-owner of the U-37 Miss Peters & May pass out crew polo shirts at the team’s going away party on Wednesday night. The defending UIM World Champion race team is scheduled to begin its journey to the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship on Saturday. In addition to sponsoring the U-37, Peters & May, the ABRA’s shipping partner, also sponsored the shipping of the ABRA rescue boat.

SEATTLE (Oct. 27, 2009) Schumacher Racing announced today they have secured Peters & May USA as a sponsor for the inaugural Oryx Cup UIM World Championship Nov. 19-21, 2009 on Doha Bay in the Arabian Gulf.

Peters & May is no stranger to powerboat racing. The company ships many racing yachts, boats worldwide and are transporting all ten unlimited hydroplanes to Qatar for the American Boat Racing Association’s second international race in its history. In addition to shipping race teams, Peters and May ships boats for consumers, manufacturers and dealers by sea, air, and road.

Dave Holley, Managing Director of Peters & May said, “We are extremely pleased to announce our partnership with U-37 for the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship in Doha. We have been working closely with the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) as their official transport partner and this partnership with U-37 is particularly exciting for us.”

Although Peters & May’s involvement with unlimited hydroplanes is relatively new, they are keen to show their support for this incredible series.

Holley continued, “To be associated with Billy Schumacher Racing is a true privilege, not only as they are one of the fastest, cutting-edge hydroplanes but also due to the fact the Billy, a hydroplane racing legend, is actively involved with the team. With Jean Theoret at the helm, I am sure that come race day, ‘Miss Peters & May’ will be extremely competitive.”

Billy Schumacher owner of the U-37 Miss Peters & May unlimited hydroplane said, “Myself, Jane (Schumacher) and the entire team are proud to represent Peters & May in the Middle East.”

The newly named U-37 Miss Peters & May is the defending UIM World Champion, having won the last UIM Championship in 2006 in San Diego

All ten unlimited hydroplanes are due to arrive in Doha, Qatar on Nov. 3 and we are sure that with this partnership, the U-37 Miss Peters & May will not only be the first off the ship but the first across the finish line.

Peters & May

Peters & May Ltd has been shipping boats, yachts and associated marine peripherals since 1988. The firm now ships 8,000 vessels worldwide on an annual basis, supported by its numerous complementary divisions all designed to provide a complete, and exemplary service to the marine industry.

Peters & May is the choice of many of the world’s premier race teams, super yachts and manufacturers… and with flexible solutions that can be tailored to any logistical problem; they are able to cater for any vessel, large or small.

The powerboat racing division based out of Chicago, USA provides solutions to key racing organizations. Since shipping their first performance powerboat back in 1986, Peters & May has been closely involved in the powerboat racing scene. Whether it is shipping a single unit or multiple boats and vehicles for a high profile powerboat circuit they have been able to provide bespoke solutions and establish the P&M name in the racing scene.

Peters & May’s racing pedigree is endorsed by the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) who chose them as their Official logistics provider earlier this year.

Billy Schumacher Racing L.L.C announces that American Family Insurance will join Beacon Plumbing as an associate sponsor of the U37 Miss Beacon Plumbing hydroplane that will compete at Seattle’s Seafair August 1-3.

To celebrate the association with the U37 Miss Beacon Plumbing hydroplane, American Family Insurance will offer chances at winning three great experiences related to the U37 hydroplane at Seafair. Visit www.u-37.com for more details or visit the American Family booth August 1-3 at Seafair to enter.

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto, homeowners, life, health, and commercial insurance in 18 states. The company employs 8,200 people and sells its products through 4,000 independent contractor agents. American Family ranks 352nd on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation’s third largest mutual property/casualty insurance company.
For more informationon American Family Insurance, go to www.amfam.com.

By Jeff Morrow, Herald sports editor

Controversial ruling gives win to Villwock in Seafair Chevrolet Cup

By MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN
P-I REPORTER

In a season when the Detroit Gold Cup was canceled due to high winds, and poor water conditions shortened the race in Madison, the boat that took the checkered flag at the Chevrolet Cup wasn’t the winner after all. Driver Jean Theoret in the U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing, the 2006 Seafair champion, appeared to win his second Seattle race, only to have an official’s decision take it away. “We ran a great race,” Theoret said. “We beat Dave Villwock fair and square.” As the U-37 crew began to celebrate, their joy turned to disappointment and anger as Theoret was assessed a one-minute penalty for going off-plane after the one-minute starting gun had sounded.

Because of the penalty, the U-1 Miss Elam Plus, driven by Villwock, was the official winner. After the victory, the Hoss family, a partial sponsor of the U-1, donated $50,000 to the Ronald McDonald House charity. “We had a lot more for Jean Theoret, boat racer, than he was going to give us,” Villwock said. “We were pulling him hard, but we just backed down. We knew he had a one-minute penalty and ran easy once we got word. The win is sweet, but being able to give back to a charity like the Ronald McDonald House is far more important to me.” Continue Reading…