As they’ve definitely got two of the best Skippers
and Hulls on the circuit…
Like my No Fenders story’s title denotes. The upstart
Strong Racing organization now just in it’s third season, looks like the team
to Beat this year! And with two of the fastest boats and veteran drivers, look
out everybody!
Strong Racing
U-8 Beacon electric, J. Michael
Kelly
U-9 Beacon Plumbing, Cory Peabody
It’s now two years ago since Vanessa and
Darrell Strong acquired the assets of the former Elstrom and Jones Racing H1
Unlimited Juggernauts, with Skippers J. Michael Kelly and Cory Peabody,
longtime Best friends being retained this season.
Both team Hulls are running new sponsorship
this year, with Kelly once again piloting the newer U-8 Beacon Electric. The
former Elstrum U-16/96 built in 2014.
As Kelly’ and Peabody are both 44yrs old, with
J. Michael having some 20yrs Hydroplane experience, along with multiple
National Championships, including the 2021 H1 Unlimited National High Points
Drivers Championship.
Kelly began the season with 96 Starts, 14 Wins,
84 Heat victories and 47 Podiums to His credit. And by my rudimentary math
skills, should claim His 100th race start at Seattle.
And although it appears Kelly got off to a
somewhat slow start in Guntersville. He made up for it at Madison, where He was
awarded His 15th W’ when claiming the Governor’s Cup on accumulated points.
As Kelly has the most H1 Unlimited victoriesof
current Skippers and is always a threat in the Emerald City. (Seattle) Along
with having won the 2016 gold Cup.
Cory Peabody and His U-9 Hydroplane,the former
Jones Racing race boat, is currently The oldest Hull in the fleet. With the Ron
Jones, Jr. Hull having beenbuilt 31yrs ago in Gory 1992!
As the U-9 now sports Beacon Plumbing sponsorship,
which last year was on Dave villwock’s U-40 Bucket List racing Hydro’.
Peabody who won last year’s gold Cup at Guntersville.
Suffered a wicked End over End Blowover accident at the following Madison,
Indiana event on the Ohio River. When racing Jimmy Shane for the first four
laps Deck-to-Deck for victory in the Governor’s Cup final.
And the Old Gal was so severely damaged, that
Peabody was forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season, with the boat
being completely rebuilt over last year’s Offseason.
Now sporting a new white and blue paint scheme
in Beacon Plumbing colours, Peabody began this year’s season by winning for the
second time in Alabama, when being declared the Southern Cup’s winner on
accumulated points.
Then reportedly at Madison, Indiana. Peabody’s
U-9 “Threw-a-Rod”, err broke it’s propeller strut during Sunday’s first preliminary
Heat and was sidelined for the rest of the event…
But Strong Racing definitely looks to be the
team to beat this season. With both Boats firing on All “Cylinders”, Uhm
turbines spooled up!
And with Tri-cities being Thar Owners Home
event, and both drivers posed to claim their second Gold Cup in Seattle. You’d
have to say one of these two drivers will be this year’s National High Points
Champion, with the other being disappointed…
Unlimited Racing Group
U-11 Legend Yacht Transport,
Jamie Milsen
Not sure how many season now that veteran Jamie
Milsen’s been at the tiller of the former U-11 JND’s Hydraulics Unlimited
Hydroplane? Having just learned that the U-11 Hull was built in 1994, Zoinks!
Whale’ Milsen seems like a veteran to Mwah, although
only having made 22 Starts prior to the beginning of this season. Having gotten
His maiden Unlimited ride aboard the U-37 Peters n May Wayback’ in 2010 at
Seattle. And then obtaining His Unlimited Creds’ when Qualifying for Unlimited racing
aboard the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Big Boyz’ Boat in 2013.
As Jamie’s won multiple championships in both
Outboard and Inboard Hydroplanes, along with having scored 12 Outboard
Hydroplane World Speed records, for which six still stand.
And whilst previously noting that it’s a fast
Boat at times. Not knowing it had set the British Speed record in 2012 for
fastest propeller driven boat in Bloody England. With an average speed of
175.11mph! It’s also perpetually had mechanical Gremlins to deal with,
including turbine engine explosions!
Yet while not Flashy, Milsen and the U-11 Legend
Yacht Transport Hydro’ have scored third and second place finishes at Guntersville
and Madison this year. Seeing Jamie lead the National High Points Championship
by one marker over J. Michael Kelly.
Yet this boat seems to continue feeling like a Midfield runner against the likes of Miss Madison and Strong Racing, whom they’re All chasing! With Milsen looking to score His maiden Finals victory soon! And either Tri-Cities or Seafair would be a great place for His first H1 Unlimited win.
