By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
Jean Theoret leads the field in Heat 2B - Image by Walt Ottenad - www.nwspeedshots.com
Miss Beacon Plumbing driver Jean Theoret, on Dave Villwock of the Miss Ellstrom Elam Plus “He got the inside lane, so I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got to make the start, I’ve got to make it perfect, if I want to beat Dave.’ ” Billy Schumacher told a newspaper reporter this week that he and wife Jane might remain as owners of the U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing unlimited hydroplane for only three to five years. Jane Schumacher took slight umbrage, saying the comment was taken more literally than it was meant.
“They [competing unlimited owners] are going to wish we were only in it three to five years,” she said. “We’re in it for the long haul.” A long haul that might yield deep rewards if Sunday’s Chevrolet Cup at Seafair is any indication.
Keyed by a marvelous performance by driver Jean Theoret in the winner-take-all final heat, the U-37 dominated activity on Lake Washington this weekend, giving Billy Schumacher a victory in his first race as an owner in his hometown. Theoret won the final with a speed of 141.880 mph. Steve David in the Oh Boy! Oberto was second at 134.320 and pre-race favorite Dave Villwock in the Miss Ellstrom Elam Plus was third at 131.068. Continue Reading…