Ongoing Progress

For you people who might decide to come out to the races this year, here is a wonderful site that explains all the basics of hydroplane racing.

 

http://inboardhydroplanes.com/

 

Motorboat racing is the oldest form of organized racing in the US. Our format is different then other organized racing events and there fore might leave you confused if you've never attended a race before.

 

We have clock starts, so when the gun fires and the boats leave, that's really not the start, it is the warm up period (usually 5 minutes, but can be less), then we have the 1 minute gun where every one positions themselves in a lane and then the start (each event is controlled by a colored flag, know the flags and you know the race).

 

We race for 5 miles, # of laps depends upon the length of the course - 1 mile course, 5 laps. 1 1/4 course, 4 laps, etc.

 

There maybe as many as 8 - 9 different classes of boats, those classes are broken down into size of boat, size of motor, stock or modified. Equal sized boats compete against each other. You won't see a big boat with a big motor racing a smaller boat with a smaller motor because it would be to dangerous.

 

Look at the supplied URL and you will have a much better understanding of what we do and why. "How to watch" would be a good place to start within the site.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udQt06tIJqM If you want to watch today's test (turn the volume UP!!!

 

Okay hang onto your hats, turn up the volume and get ready to RUMBLE.

 

Today's test was as perfect as it gets. We are NOW ready to show the results of the last two years of dinking around.

 

Del, Scott Purcell, Kathy and you know who enjoyed the WARM, SUNNY weather, ran the motor several times, checked everything, ran it again and decided we are ready to GO.

 

Del and I drove over to show Murdo Cameron (Miss Spokane builder and at his shop at the Coeur d' Alene Airport) and Tom Carter our engine machinist  the boat. A couple of those pictures are included.

 

Kathy said, "the boat sounds like it needs WATER under it".

 

Now look closely at the NEWEST Team Pride picture and the Classic Chevy Club of Nova Scotia (another supporter). And the new Purcell Racing decal - THANK YOU Scott Purcell, Del Corey. Your support and friendship is WOO HOO!!

 

Today I modified the inside of the valve covers (pictures enclosed). I have done one so far (the other to follow shortly). I put the modified valve cover on (it fit) and turned the engine over and there was NO bang, bang, bang or lifting of the valve cover.

 

Now I will go out and modify the other one and then turn the engine over on that side to make sure the process worked for that side.

 

If that is successful (as planned), I will install the exhaust ZOOMIES and be ready for Monday's engine test.

 

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!