Perfect conditions and a competitive fleet of hydroplanes made for one whale of a weekend in the Tri-Cities. Heat 2B, in which the U-96 edged the U-7, U-5, and U-1 in a spectacular four-boat duel may be one of the best heats of racing in history.

Obviously, those fantasy players that made the U-96 their Tri-Cities selection are feeling robbed, just as the U-96 team must feel following the controversial penalty in the final heat that cost them 400 first place points and Dave Villwock his 61st race win.

The U-96 (1277) was outpointed by the U-1 (1449), and finished just ahead of the U-7 (1260) which completed yet another solid weekend as Deck2Deck’s pre-race predictions had indicated.

The fleet took a few lumps on the Columbia River, with Dr. Muscatel’s boat suffering the worst damage (large hole in the boat behind the right sponson); however, it appears all 12 boats should be ready for Seafair in two weeks.

With only two races remaining, it is now crunch time for Deck2Deck fantasy Players!

Likely Choice:
Now that many of the Deck2Deck Fantasy Players have already chosen the U-1 and U-96 (i.e., the cream of the crop) with their first two selections, the best of the rest appears to be the U-7 Graham Trucking hull driven by J. Michael Kelly. Look for the fantasy trend to be the U-7 in week 3, however, do not forget that the last time Kelly was on the race course on the mighty Columbia River, he was on his lid after a spectacular blow over accident on the front straight in Kennewick.

May Surprise:
Greg Hopp and the U-100 displayed speed they have not shown since the mean green Znetix days at the 101st running of the Gold Cup last weekend. The 100 placed third in qualifying at 157.773 mph, less than 1 mph behind the Oh Boy! Oberto, and displayed the ability to rack up fantasy points as the 100 captured a first, two seconds, a fifth, and a forth place finish in the final for 1366 points total. If the team continuous the upward trend, look for a possible podium finish in Tri-cities.

Bad Play:
To the delight of many boat fans, the U-37 Team has leased a replacement hull from the Fred Leland stables and will continue the 2010 tour with relief driver Jon Zimmerman at the controls. Although the story line is spirit lifting, and the 37 Team is plenty capable of dialing-in a boat for peak performance, be cautious not to get too carried away and expect a miracle in Tri-Cities this weekend.

Fantasy Players beware. The U-3 will not be running in Tri-Cities or Seattle.
Due to a disagreement between Owner Ed Cooper and H1 commissioner Sam Cole involving the race testing and qualification process, the Cooper Motorsports Thunderboat will not be racing this season.

H1 Reports that the U-57 will run in the Northwest! Driver announcement to follow.