Coeur d’Alene Diamond Cup Class

It says a lot about a person when they are up to their gunnels trying to establish an Unlimited Hydroplane Race and will still take time to talk with a fan. That’s just what classy Doug Miller did recently.  I can’t thank him enough.

Doug is President of the Coeur d’Alene Diamond Cup Regatta. He has been working tirelessly for over two years to bring the fastest boats in the world to beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. The H1-sanctioned races will be held along Lakeshore Drive in the Silver Beach area Labor Day Weekend.

First in a Series

As the event details continue to be announced over the summer, watch for more updates on UHR.  I’ll be looking for interesting facts and as per my usual style, will take a run at topics from what some say is an unusual perspective.  Hey!  That’s half the fun!  For now, let’s take a quick look at what Mr. Miller has accomplished so far.

A Boy at Heart

As a 62 year old Coeur d’Alene native, Doug Miller has a perspective very few others hold.  He saw the excitement the races generated in the 1950s and ‘60s and like many others, was disappointed when they ended in 1968.

Remembering the excitement from his youth, he helped a team attempt a comeback in 1996, but was thwarted by a group called Protect Our Lakes Association.  They successfully placed an initiative on the ballot blocking the races and it was approved by voters.

Times Have Changed – Thankfully!

Anyone close to the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing today knows that current environmental laws and overall awareness are the current watchdogs for protecting our lakes and rivers.  That’s good for the water, but racing is good for the economy!  With tens of thousands – some use the “100,000” number – of fans projected to attend the Diamond Cup, the Idaho Panhandle is poised to benefit from its own “economic stimulus.”

The Diamond Cup is not just “another event” although it is a net add in the summer schedule.  The not-so-subtle economic benefit is substantial – and additive – in that it comes at the end of the summer after:

• Ironman Coeur d’Alene taking place June 23
• Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Show (you can guess the date on this one…)
• Art on the Green Festival August 2-4

These are all great civic events, substantially contributing to the social and economic benefit of the community.  Guess what?  There’s about to be a big one at summer’s end!

Hot AND Cold Starts

It hasn’t been all smooth water for Mr. Miller.  He’s had challenges in fundraising: the race was postponed from 2012.  He’s had challenges in lake permitting: final permits were not let until the first of 2013.  He’s even had challenges from his leadership team: board members who didn’t share his passion and energy.

My favorite quote from Doug on that last issue is this: “I need action figures on the Board.”  Given the magnitude of tasks necessary to create a race event, and with my direct experience on Boards of Directors with similar challenges, I might add, “Get busy, or get out.”

Ah, but the challenges are being overcome!

Ticket sales have been brisk.  He has partnered with Tickets West to manage sales and Doug reported several hundred packages sold right out of the chute.  Check out the March 1 photos on the Diamond Cup Facebook page!

After over two years of collaborating with H1, using a consultant from the Detroit race, and having a course laid out by Ted Grange from H1 and the legendary Wes Patton, everything is coming together.  It is often said the harder one works, the luckier one gets.  Based on his efforts, Doug is proving to be one lucky guy!

More From Classy Coeur d’Alene

There’s so much more to share, but consider this a tease.  Look for more insights soon relating to TV and radio coverage, HD camera plans, high speed networks, sponsor developments, water taxis, and more, more, more!

Yes, Doug Miller gave his time to this fan so this story could be written.  Classy guy.  But as a much more important gift to us all, he is about to give Unlimited Hydroplane Racing back to Lake Coeur d’Alene!

Dave