U-13 ready to open 2007 Season

A refurbished and newly painted U-13 will be leaving the Auburn, Washington shop Sunday 6/24/07 for the first 2007 race of the season. Over the winter a multitude of new parts were fabricated and several areas inside the boat was modified and improved from 2006. Although there has not been a lot of news coming out of the U-13 camp this winter, that was by design. We are now ready to unveil our efforts and are looking forward to running the entire six race schedule. For many people who saw the boat last year they will probably notice some very subtle changes. The major modifications have involved an improved cockpit as well as other internal changes. There is a multitude of other changes that may or may not be noticed but all should improve what we believe was a very good and fast boat in 2006. The hull remains extremely light but the team will be using this fact as a positive for adjusting to individual race site conditions.

Hopefully we will be able to run the entire circuit without any major incidents but we have come to the realization “it ain’t easy being green”.

U-13 is looking for new team members!

The U-13 is looking to add a web site writer and/or writers to our team. We are looking for individuals who might be interested in being involved with our team in the capacity of writing for our web site on a weekly or as required bases. We would like to have 2 people who would provide East coast and West coast up to the minute information and stories relating to our team operation. 

Individuals will be part of our team and will be required to work long hard hours with low pay but will receive plenty of “atta boys”. You will be given a team uniform and a hard card allowing full access to all areas including the hot pits. Travel possible.

No restriction on gender, age etc. but must have good communication skills and some knowledge of computers and networking. Video recording and photography is a plus.

You will be asked to provide a small article on the U-13 or hydroplane racing in general to display individual skills. 

Please email your article to len@detroitunlimited.com or for more information if interested.

We are also interested in bringing on board a skilled marketing individual.  Compensation and benefits are negotiable. Contact len@detroitunlimited.com for consideration.

U-13 arrives in Detroit without luggage

The rebuilt and newly painted U-13 arrived in the Detroit pits late Friday morning after undergoing some trailer repair work in Mitchel, South Dakota. Curt Tavenner and Roger Newton who brought the boat from the Auburn, WA shop appeared eager to get out and finally stretch their legs after the grueling 2300 mile trip. For many people who saw the boat take home the gold last year they could hardly recognize the 4 time Gold Cup Champion. Not only was the cockpit, cunard and cowling different but the paint scheme in bright green and yellow was equally different and also an instant hit.

After setting up in the pit area the U-13 crew which had arrived earlier began assembling the U-13 hull for technical inspection which all boats must undergo before being released to qualify. It was our belief this would go fairly smooth since we had the boat inspected twice while being reworked. Unfortunately, when it came time to weigh in, the scales refused to come even close to the required minimum weight of 6550 lbs. After several attempts to reweigh it became apparent the old U-13 had lost too much weight to even come close to the minimum required.

After exploring every option available to add weight safely, it was decided to keep the boat on the trailer and return to the Auburn shop. While the crew was really disappointed we are determined to take advantage of the fact we are now not only the oldest hull but also the lightest. Look for us in Tri Cities.

U-13 ready to defend it’s 2005 Gold Cup title?

Reports have filtered back to Detroit that the new rebuilt U-13 hull has finally left the Auburn, Wa area. It remains to be determined at this time if everything has been tested and the hull is ready to hit the water upon it’s arrival in the Detroit pits. Part of the U-13 crew will be arriving early Thursday morning while Curt Tavenner and Roger Newton are bringing the boat. It is expected they will be arriving late Thursday evening.

Fluid Systems Engineering join the U-13 team

FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, INC. a Clinton Twp., Mich. Distributor of hydraulic and pneumatic fittings and systems has agreed to join the U-13 team as an associate sponsor. Fluid Systems Engineering markets the well known Parker fittings and Earl’s performance products to all forms of businesses as well as the general public. The Parker and Earl name is well known in the high performance market place.

We are extremely pleased they have agreed to be associated with our team and look forward to helping them increase their presence in the Michigan market area. The rebuilt U-13 Spirit of Detroit hull formally raced under the Winston Eagle and Smokin’ Joe’s name. It will be totally re plumbed with fittings and hoses supplied by Fluid Systems Engineering.

http://www.fluidsystemseng.com/