A cloudy morning sky welcomed the U13 Graham Trucking/Spirit of Detroit Unlimited Hydroplane team as they prepared for the morning test session. Trailer firing, the team checked out the boat after a severe thunderstorm, with a tornado touchdown about 60 miles away tore through the area last night. After checking the systems no damage was found and they prepared for the test session.
Taking the boat out for the morning run the 29 year old Kelly took a slow turn the first time around the two mile course. Driving the mighty 13 down the back stretch and opening the throttle even more, Kelly wanted to up his speed from the 147 plus from yesterday. His first lap of 147 was just about the same as yesterday, and a second lap came in with just a tick faster lap of 148. On his third run he poured the coals to the fire and upped his speed to 148.722 miles per hour. Coming back into the dock, a mechanical issue caused the boat to not respond and shut down. Quick thinking Kelly, avoided a major disaster and rode the right side of the boat down the retaining wall just beyond the U13 pits. Minor damage occurred to the right sponson and rudder,however the boat was repairable. ” I am kind of embarrassed” was J Michael’s comment as he returned to the truck.
At 2:45pm the crew had repaired the damage and J Michael Kelly went back out on the water to test the repairs that the crew had done. “This right sponson hates Evansville!” Joked Kelly. After one lap at low speed Mike turned up the power and did a respectful 143 miles per hour lap. “The rudder we installed on the boat gives me a rough ride, we are however repairing the one that bent earlier for tomorrows racing.” Stated Kelly.
In the heat draw for 1B the U13 drew, U7, U5 and U10. However the latch on the canopy would not stay secure, and that caused the Dave Bartush entry to not be able to answer the call. “We will have our work cut out for us tomorrow!” Stated Bartush.