JW Myers will remain in the driver’s seat of the U-37 hydroplane owned by Schumacher Racing for the 2010 H1 Unlimited tour, the team announced.

Myers took over for driver Jean Theoret, who was injured last July during an accident at the Madison, Ind., race. The Seattle area resident drove in three races before being named the permanent driver in the off-season.

While Myers is excited to be driving a boat on the H1 Unlimited tour, he points out he wasn’t looking to take the job away from his good friend Theoret.

“I didn’t go pursuing it,” Myers said. “When he chose to leave, (the owners) asked to talk to me about driving. I waited a little while out of respect to my friend.”

Team owners Billy and Jean Schumacher said the split between Theoret and the team was mutual.

“We wish Jean all the best—he is a good friend who was instrumental in our team’s success including an incredible Gold Cup win,” the owners said in a statement posted on their Web site. “Jean was a true asset to our organization and we fully support him in whatever path he decides.”

Myers, who started his Unlimited hydroplane driving career in 2003, brings energy and enthusiasm to the Schumacher Racing team, which last won a race in 2008.

“All we can do is our best,” Myers said. “I think if the group wants it more, it will show up in the results.”

Myers is also driving for a boss who won two Gold Cup races and was a three-time national high points champion. He plans to use Schumacher’s racing knowledge to help better the team and his driving ability.

“I don’t think too many of the owners got bolted into a race boat and burned circles,” Myers said.—Gregg Mansfield

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