For the Reporter
Last week’s APBA Gold Cup leading qualifier Jean Theoret understands that being the fastest in testing doesn’t win you races, but it sure makes you feel good going into a weekend of competition.
Theoret in the U-96 Ellstrom Elam Plus will be the team to beat after taking the top qualifying spot with a one-lap average speed of 150.583 mph for this weekend’s Albert Lee Cup at Seafair. The race is the 65th annual H1 Unlimited Hydroplane series race on Lake Washington.
Theoret also was the fastest qualifier last week at the HAPO APBA Gold Cup in the Tri-Cities, but a championship final pre-race violation disqualified the team, allowing Jimmy Shane in the Oberto to take the prestigious trophy.
“Getting the top speed in qualifying doesn’t win you the race, but it is great for the entire team,” said Theoret. “Everyone works hard and put in the type of effort that makes it special.
“Then when you have a battle like Jimmy (Shane) and I had for the top spot it’s fun for the fans, the racing teams, Jimmy and me.”
The Theoret and Shane battle for the top-qualifying spot on the two-mile course began when the Oberto had the fastest lap in round one of the Friday afternoon qualifying, going 148.880 mph. Theoret was second in the first session with a 147.786-mph average.
The Ellstrom Elam Plus team changed the propeller and made some adjustments in the rear wing for the second session and went out to hit the 150 average – the only boat to hit the mark today.
“This was a fun qualifying session,” Shane said. “Jean and I really had a good battle going. We knew we had to do some work over the past week to go faster, and I think we accomplished that in the past week.”
Testing and the first set of preliminary heats will be run Saturday, with more preliminary races and the championship heat on Sunday.
For ticket and schedule information, go to www.seafair.com.
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Albert Lee Cup at Seafair
Friday Qualifying (unofficial)
1. Ellstrom Elam Plus, Jean Theoret, 150.583 mph
2. Oberto, Jimmy Shane, 148.880
3. Les Schwab/RedDOT, Scott Liddycoat, 147.643
4. Dalton Industries, Cal Phipps, 146.890
5. Homestreet Bank, Jimmy King, 146.056
6. Graham Trucking U-5, J. Michael Kelly, 145.825
7. Graham Trucking U-7, Jesse Robertson, 143.466
8. Albert Lee Appliance, Brian Perkins, 142.011
9. Peters & May, Tom Thompson, 137.116
10. Miss CARSTAR, Kevin Eacret, 133.856
Three H1 Unlimited Hydroplane teams (U-22, U-18, U-12) can qualify during testing but receive no qualifying points. Testing will take place Saturday morning.
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