For the Reporter
Following a frustrating weekend in Madison, Ind., where high water in the Ohio River covered the pit area and forced cancellation of the Lucas Oil Madison Regatta, H1 Unlimited drivers and crews look forward to better conditions on the challenging Detroit River – scene of this weekend’s Detroit Yacht Club APBA Gold Cup.
Time trials, testing and qualifying begin Friday. Unlimited hydroplane racing begins Saturday and the Gold Cup final is Sunday.
Fans of the Kent-based and community-owned 1 Oh Boy! Oberto see the Gold Cup as an opportunity for their popular driver, Steve David, to capture the one title that has eluded him through one of the most successful driving careers in the history of the sport.
David’s 14 victories as the Oberto pilot have moved him near the top of the list of all-time victories, but none have come in the Gold Cup.
“More than anything, it’s all about having the right combination for the Detroit River race course,” David said. “We have been developing a setup which our crew chief, Mike Hanson, feels will give us a good chance to win the Gold Cup for our fans in Indiana.”
The absence of longtime rival Dave Villwock, of Maple Valley, who is no longer with the 96 Spirit of Qatar team, would appear to make David the Gold Cup favorite. But the Florida realtor knows that strong challenges will come from the fast 10 boat Gold Cup field.
David appears to have a new nemesis in young Jimmy Shane, driver of the 5 Graham Trucking. After a victory in the season opener in Doha, Qatar and a strong second place finish to David in Sacramento, Shane leads David by 23 points in the season high point standings.
Team Oberto’s game plan was to do well in Madison and head to Detroit with the lead in the high point standings, but the home course did not cooperate. With the point chase a virtual tie, the driver with the best weekend in Detroit should have the lead as the fleet moves on to the West Coast swing following the Gold Cup.
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