May 25 Cleanup Day
Sorry for the late reminder - cleanup day for Friday May 25th is still ON for 9am to 1pm. Today is mowing only, just to keep the grass in check.
The next cleanup day is Saturday June 9th. Call the offices to let them know you're coming so they have enough food and drink available for lunch.
Volunteer Kick-Off Party - Reminder - June 14th
The Volunteer Kick-Off party is scheduled for June 14th at the Roostertail. Save the date - details will be announced very soon!
Tri-Cities Practice
Recently two teams were testing on the Columbia River in Washington, the 88 Degree Men and Miss Peters and May. For video, audio and photos of the day visit:
http://www.h1unlimited.com/2012/05/photos-from-tri-cities-testing/
Some Sad News - Fred Leland Passes Away
The entire boat racing community is mourning the loss of Fred Leland, whose courageous battle with cancer ended quietly at his home in Kirkland, Washington. He was 74.
In a career spanning more than three decades as a driver, owner, builder and one of the sport's great innovators, Fred Leland became one of the most important figures in modern Unlimited Hydroplane racing. His team, Leland Unlimited, won 17 races, including two Gold Cups, and a national championship.
H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole said, "There are few people who have made an impact on this sport the way Fred has. He has always been there for boat racing in good times and bad."
Cole added, "Having known him for more than 30 years, he was an innovator, a competitor and most of all, a friend. We will all miss Fred for who he was and remember what he meant to boat racing."
For the full story see:
http://www.h1unlimited.com/2012/05/h1-mourns-the-loss-of-fred-leland/
This is a nice tribute to Fred Leland as a poster by photographer Bill Osborne:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=392129110828732
Leland Unlimited Will Race On
SEATTLE, Washington (May 22, 2012) - A day after losing the patriarch of the Leland Unlimited race team to cancer, Fred Leland's family and team members announced they will be campaigning the team's U-100 hull in the 2012 Air National Guard Unlimited Hydroplane Series.
"Fred had a wish that the team continue on after he was gone," said driver Greg Hopp. "He had a plan and made arrangements for us to go on, and that's what we will do."
Hopp will also act as owner's rep with Tim Shadduck continuing as crew chief. Other crew members will include Barney Tavener, Dan Radner and Lori Santillo.
"Nothing can erase the pain of losing a great competitor and innovator like Fred Leland," said H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole. "But It's good to know that Fred's spirit will live on, as he wished, on the race course. This is great news for our sport."
Hopp said the team should be ready for the season opener in Madison, Indiana July 6-8 and plans to make the entire circuit.
"It would be nice to have a little more time," added Hopp. "Needless to say, things have been a little unsettled at the shop the past few weeks. But everyone is working hard to get everything we need ready and we should have motors, gear boxes, propellers, etc. ready to go when it's time to leave for Madison."
"It has been obvious to all of us over the past 24 hours that Fred meant an awful lot to a lot of people," Hopp concluded. "I am glad we will have the opportunity to carry on in his name and that's what we plan to do. We will represent Fred Leland on the circuit to the best of our ability."