After literally taking the world’s fastest race boats to new horizons in 2009, H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole predicts: “Another season filled with great racing and more expansion of the series. And maybe even more surprises between now and July.”

The Oryx Cup UIM World Championship in Doha, Qatar, in November of 2009 was hosted by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation and Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and marked the first time Unlimited hydroplanes had raced outside North America.

During the successful Oryx Cup, Cole announced a change from the organization’s previous name, American Boat Racing Association (ABRA), to the new H1 Unlimited, explaining that the name relates well to other premier racing series.

The H1 Unlimited fleet, which has produced great racing and tremendous parity in recent seasons, remains healthy and will actually see some growth with the return of the U-13 Spirit of Detroit team owned by Dave Bartush of the Motor City. After staying onshore last season, Bartush will return with veteran limited driver Cal Phipps taking over the driving duties. Other changes for 2010 will include JW Myers replacing Jean Theoret in the cockpit of Billy and Jane Schumacher’s U-37, which added title sponsorship from Peters & May.

Another major addition was the signing of Lucas Oil as title sponsor of the Indiana Governor’s Cup in Madison, Ind., and associate sponsor of the series. Albert Lee Appliance of Seattle also became title sponsor of that city’s August Seafair Race after sponsoring Greg and Brian O’Farrell’s Go Fast Turn Left racing team for several seasons.

The O’Farrells will give driver Brian Perkins a newer, lighter boat in 2010, which should give the promising young pilot a chance to join the front runners including defending National High Point Champion Steve David in the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto and Dave Villwock in Erick Ellstrom’s U-16.

Website: www.h1unlimited.com

2010 H1 Unlimited Schedule