August 24, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Bruce Madej, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Steve Montgomery,  abra@montgomerymarketing.com

10 Unlimited Hydros Getting Prepared For Doha Oryx Cup

The American Boat Racing Association has completed its North American tour and now 10 boats are getting ready to make the trek to Doha, Qatar for the Oryx Cup – November 19-21.

"We are so honored to be making this trip and crowning our series champion in a country that we want to become the international capital of our sport,” said ABRA Chairman Sam Cole. “Sheikh Hassan Al-Thani and the Qatar Marine Sports Federation have shown a great deal of confidence in our sport by hosting this event and we are looking forward to very competitive racing in a world class location."

Of the 11 boats that raced in this past weekend’s Thunder on the Ohio in Evansville, only the  Go3 Racing Team owned by Ed Cooper, Jr. will be staying home. The Master Tire unlimited hydroplane suffered severe damage in the final heat of Sunday’s race when a propeller broke, creating extensive damage to the boat.

“We have had a great season of competitive racing with three different race champions and now we are taking these boats to Qatar,” said Cole. “These fans absolutely love boat racing and now we have the opportunity to showcase the fastest race boats to the Middle East for the first time.”

The boats will be leaving via cargo shop from Jacksonville, Fla. on September 28th. Once the hydroplanes are placed on the ship, the team members will not see the boats until they arrive in Doha on October 28^th. At that time, a few of the team transport drivers will arrive early and drive take the hydroplanes from the Doha port to a secure location until the other team members arrive.

“This is a massive undertaking but it is not unlike the days when teams prepared to race in Hawaii,” said Cole. “It is truly another world class destination for our race teams but it is 7,500 miles further than going to Honolulu.”

Cole expects approximately 15 or so ABRA officials will make the trip. He also expects the teams to take anywhere from six to 10 team members per boat.

“This is going to be fun,” added Cole. “It will be a new, exciting experience for the teams and the fans.”

American Boat Racing Association Fleet for Doha Oryx Cup

No.       Boat Name Driver Hometown                 Owner Hometown

U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto        Steve David Lighthouse Pt. Fla City of Madison, Indiana Madison, Ind

U-5 Formulaboats.com   Jeff Bernard Kent, Wash            Ted Porter Family Decatur, Ind

U-7 Graham Trucking     J Michael Kelly Puyallup, Wash   Ted Porter Family Decatur, Ind

U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus  Dave Villwock Auburn, Wash     Erick Ellstrom Seattle, Wash

U-17 actiVwater              Kip Brown Maple Valley, Wash   Nate Brown Preston, Wash

U-22 Matrix Systems      Mike Webster Reading, Pa         Steve & Sue Webster Reading, Pa

U-25 Superior Racing        Dr. Ken Muscatel Seattle, Wash Dr Ken Muscatel Seattle, Wash

U-37 Renton Coil Spring Jean Theoret Maple Grove,Que Billy & Jane Schumacher Seattle, Wash

U-48 Albert Lee              Brian Perkins Black Diamond, Wash Greg & Brian O'Farrell Maple Valley, Wash

U-100 Mirageboats.com    Greg Hopp Snohomish, Wash  Fred Leland Kirkland, Wash