Friday, July 27, 2007
Will the domination continue?
A few things I'd like to say before I get started ... First, a good portion of what I'm going to say has been said by others before me about what's going on in the sport this year. Second, my thoughts and opinions are exactly that - MY thoughts and opinions. Even though I'm not an inside member of the unlimited community, I can't help but observe because I am, first and foremost, a fan.
OK, that said ...
At last count, 14 boats are scheduled to be racing this weekend at the Tr-Cities, which is fantastic. The speculation surrounded whether Fred Leland would bring two boats or not - he's not. To be honest, I'm glad. I'd much rather see the Leland team do well with the one boat than have two show up and both do poorly, as has frequently been the case. They can concentrate their efforts on continuing their good showing so far. OK, the Gold Cup wasn't so good for them, but the first two races were the best they've done in quite a while.
A lot of people are excited about the possibility of the new Oberto pulling off its first victory of the year at the Tri-Cities. Maybe the U-3 is poised and ready, or even BEACON PLUMBING, provided Jean can make a legal start. We've read before the season, and have heard during the season, that this will be the most competitive season in decades. Well, the season's half over - and guess who's dominating again? (Lemme see, whowhowhoisit, could it be ..... SATAN?)
All right, all kidding aside - is this REALLY any surprise? I know that BEACON actually tested once in the pre-season, but ELAM and Villwock always make sure that they test before the season starts, just like the BUD gang did. Granted, BUD could afford to with the gazillions that Anheuser-Busch gave them every year. But as far as I'm aware, the ELAM is always looking for sponsors - heck, their website even says that front and center. And they still manage to get some pre-season testing in. Most everyone else seems to take the approach that pre-season testing is when they attempt to qualify at their first race. So - given this - why is anyone even mildly surprised about ELAM and Darth leading the way again?
Now, don't get me wrong - I am NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN, and NEVER WILL BE a fan of Dave Villwock. I view him as I do Bill Muncey, and I'm sure he'd take that as a compliment (it's not!). But as much as I dislike him as a hydroplane driver, I can't deny his ability as a boat setup and prop man. He's probably also the reason that ELAM never gets an N2 violation but everyone else seems to (by the way, neither did BUD - notice a resemblance?). I can't stand to hear him with his "aw shucks, we just got the breaks, and oh, gee, so many other guys are running well" schtick. BUT ... I won't say they back into anything. It IS fair to say everyone else is not as advanced in their preparation, though. Look at the results. It's possible we'll see other winners at Tri-Cities, Seattle, and San Diego, but there's always a good chance of that. This happens, in my opinion, because most of the teams prepare for the year beginning at the end of July, rather than the end of June.
Just one man's opinion ... my rally cry is - as always - A. B. V.!!! (Anyone But Villwock)
