HPROP: Hydro-Prop expands 2003 program

New for 2003, Hydro-Prop expands program to include Unlimited Lights and Vintage hydroplanes.

On Monday, October 7th, the U-4 four seat unlimited hydroplane "Miss American Maid" sponsored by American Maid cleaning service made it's maiden voyage. After a long day of preparations on Sunday, the U-4 was towed down to the lake and dropped in the water for the first run Monday morning. Mark Evans strapped in and took the boat out amid cheers from the beach. For all the details, visit the full story. Interesting fact - The U-4 will be equipped with a complete dual set of controls allowing new drivers to run the boat with the safety of an experienced pilot able to take over control if necessary.

Cypress Gardens Decides 2002 Formula One National Championship
The entire 2002 season came down, once again, to one race. This year it was the Miracle Toyota Formula One Shootout Presented by Fantasy of Flight at Cypress Gardens deciding the season. The final would be a clean 40 lap run with no restarts. As the boats leapt from the line, Max Toler seemed possessed with the speed and the desire to secure his first race win. Toler would lead the race for 36 laps going down on lap 37. To have come so close, it was a heart breaking moment for the Baton Rouge based team. Greg Foster, who trailed the leader for those first 37 laps, would take over the top spot, the race win and the National Championship! For all the details visit the Saturday, early Sunday and final race updates!

New 2003 Unlimited Hydroplane for Llumar Window Film
Bill Wurster and the U-8 Racing Team recently announced the acquisition of the T-4 Two Wing Budweiser Hydroplane built in the mid-90's. Look for a bright yellow LLumar Window Film paint scheme on the hull in 2003. For all the details, visit the full story.

How have the hydros speeds fared over the last two years?
Like to play with the numbers behind the sport? We've loaded a full breakdown of the Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series average qualifying speeds from the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Check out the way the teams have improved their qualifying times across the two seasons! Your can find the full breakdown by following the link.

Hydro-Prop Newsletter takes on a winter pace!
During the winter months, the series is busy preparing for a new and exciting 2003 season. While that work is underway, breaking news stories tend to be a bit less constant. The newsletter will move from bi-weekly to monthly during the non-racing months. If exciting news breaks, we'll be sure to send it your way but, in the meantime, count on seeing the publication released around the 15th of each month.

Tentative 2003 Race Schedule / Upcoming Broadcast Schedule

               Event Location Event Date Pending Sites Event Date

           Laughlin, NV May 31-June 1 New Florida Site - F1 May 17-18

             Detroit, MI June 19-22 New Nevada Site - F1 June 14-15

            Bay City, MI June 21-22 St. Clair, MI - Hydro July 11-13

          Evansville, IN June 27-29 Toronto, Canada - Hydro July 18-20

            Madison, IN July 4-6 Owensboro, KY - Hydro Aug 30-Sept 1

            Saskatoon, CAN July 18-20 Lakeland, FL - Hydro Sept 5-7

                          Tri-Cities, WA July 25-27

           Seattle, WA Aug 1-3 Broadcasts Air Date Air Time (Eastern)

             San Diego, CA Sept 12-14 San Diego - 11/24/02 1:00 PM

      Cypress Gardens, FL October 4-5 Spill & Thrills - 11/24/02 11:30 PM

-www.hydroprop.com