Ellstrom Racing, one of the most successful Unlimited hydroplane race teams of the past decade, announced on Saturday that it would be fielding a new name and number for this year’s H1 Unlimited series, which kicks off in Madison, Ind., July 2-4 (for 2010 H1 Unlimited preview, click here).

With support from his excellency Sheikh Hassan bin-Jabor Al Thani, president of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), the former U-16 Miss Elam Plus will become the U-96 Spirit of Qatar.

“We at QMSF have always been looking to be involved in almost all forms of powerboat racing, and the Unlimited hydroplanes are no different,” Sheikh Hassan said in a press release. “After the great show the H1 teams put on for us in November of last year, we looked to partner with a team that can represent Qatar through QMSF, and the Ellstrom team was selected.

“We have had an excellent business relation with 5 Axis Industries over the past few years,” Sheikh Hassan continued. “And I do believe this partnership will grow even more in the future.”

5 Axis Industries and Marine Technology (the race team side) are owned by Erick and Sven Ellstrom, founders of Ellstrom Manufacturing. 5 Axis supplies propellers to many teams in offshore and other forms of boat racing, including Sheikh Hassan’s Spirit of Qatar 95 & 96 boats, which currently compete on the Offshore Powerboat Association series in the United States (click here to check out the OPA Racing Series preview and race results).

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to represent our friends from Qatar on the hydro racing circuit here in the USA and abroad,” Sven Ellstrom said. “We look forward to representing them well for years to come.”

Erick Ellstrom added: “As Sheikh Hassan pointed out, we have had a close working relationship with the QMSF for some time. Having them involved in our race team is another step in our growing relationship, which will find us working together in the future on projects involving boat racing as well as other areas.”

H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole said he was honored to welcome the QMSF as a new team sponsor.

“I am excited for Sven and Erick Ellstrom and their team,” Cole said. “Representing a country like Qatar speaks highly of their competitive nature and professionalism. This announcement opens the door for more international opportunities and will give fans in Doha even more reasons to follow the H1 series throughout the year.”

Sporting a new paint job that is similar to the offshore boats, the Spirit of Qatar hydroplane should be as competitive as ever with Dave Villwock manning the helm once again. Villwock, who has 59 career victories (15 in the U-16), has led the team to two National High Point championships (2005 and 2007) and a pair of Gold Cups victories (2007 and 2009).

For more information, check out www.h1unlimited.com.