General

More Interest in Expanding Unlimited Hydroplane Racing – We Hope

It is no surprise that UnlimitedHydroplaneRacing.com is a follower, fan and friend of the sport. We are excited about today’s action, but are very interested in helping strengthen, improve and expand its reach in the future.

Evidence of that excitement can be seen in the recent activity with our friend Frantz and his interest in bringing an Unlimited Hydroplane Race to the great state of Arkansas. In fact, it is Frantz’ efforts that was the inspiration for The Boat Book to help all of us gather the many details to be considered, into one place, for bringing a race to a new venue.

We pledge our continued support of his efforts. Go get ‘em, Frantz!

Unlimited Hydroplane Racing is quite pleased (and not at all ashamed) to propagate a rumor that yet another city may have citizens interested in bringing a certain regatta of boats into their ports.

In a recent online story in the Spokane, Washington Spokesman-Review, in a column called “Huckleberries Online,” the writer reports on what has been “heard” about a Coeur d’Alene, Idaho company called The Hagadone Corporation. It appears Hagadone and friends are quietly (apparently not quiet enough) trying to draw a small exhibition of boats to race on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene later this summer.

Rumor?

Possibly, but the writer indicates Hagadone has property along Silver Beach for viewing – and that the city has been contacted to assist with logistics. If all goes well, Labor Day 2013 is targeted for the first sanctioned race. They estimate as many as 120,000 spectators are possible. This is good news for an area that hasn’t seen Unlimited boats since 1985.

Who is Hagadone?

That’s the beauty of this interest. Not only would the good people of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho benefit economically from a race, but Hagadone (the picture is of their headquarters – I like them already!) has a vested interest themselves. And as an economics geek, I like it when the proper incentives are in place.

From The Hagadone Corporation web site:


“The Hagadone Corporation owns and operates a diverse group of companies mainly in the Publishing, Newspaper and Hospitality industries.

Our Mission

  • In Hospitality: We are “Hospitality” to North Idaho in fine dining, golfing, and hotels and guest services.
  • Service Goal: “We create happy guests by providing the finest in friendly service and quality products!”
  • In Publishing: We bring the communities that we serve superior unbiased local news coverage.”

Such a perfect combination. They can promote, house and host anyone associated with the race.

An Open Offer of Support

If indeed this is true, our hats are off to the good people of Hagadone for their attempt to resurrect racing. The UnlimitedHydroplaneRacing.com community is pleased to hear of the effort. We support the expansion of a sport we love and pledge to assist in this expansion effort in any way possible. We are a troupe of dedicated fans and wish the best for continued and expanded success of the fastest boats in the world.

We encourage your effort, invite you to participate in the Boat Book, and hope to help – and visit a race! – in the future.

Dave


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2 thoughts on “More Interest in Expanding Unlimited Hydroplane Racing – We Hope

  • Pingback: Unlimited Hydroplane Racing » Idaho Unlimited Hydroplane Racing NOT a Rumor

  • Wow, this is great news! Other rumors are Chicago, Florida, and California. If we can pull all of our resources together in the future, that will be a big plus. For instance, I spoke with a person yesterday that ramrods the Detroit race, and he was a wealth of information. Perfect example: information that he was most helpful with is what I am trying to do here in Arkansas.

    If people all around keep the doors open for help, then we can surely make this process easier and more desirable for others to get interested. When you are stabbing in the dark with something that you are unfamiliar with, it’s awkward, and to some, intimating. Because of that, people just won’t try things. I hope all that I experience will help the next. Hopefully with people like Hagadone and others, let’s say, out of the box sponsors who see’s their return, they will be more receptive to put their name on a 200mph billboard.

    This is exciting, let’s keep the ball rolling.

    Frantz

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