Despite the prospects of a national television audience, the powerful, rooster tail-spraying unlimited hydroplanes might not take to the waters of Mission Bay this year.
Racing director Bob Davies said $200,000 is needed to put on the centerpiece attraction at the San Diego Thunderboat Regatta, Sept. 15-17. And the race committee is far from that goal.
He said a big chunk of the race budget is to bring the boats here. The rest is for five cranes and docks.
A concerted “Preserve the Unlimited Hydroplane” sponsorship campaign has been underway in an effort to ensure that the 42nd show continues. So far, 19 businesses have contributed $1,000 each. Heat race sponsorships worth $2,500 each are being sought, and lesser $100 club memberships can be purchased.
Washington Mutual has returned as a principal supporter, but it was unclear as to how much more money is needed and if the new series sponsor would provide 11th-hour additional help.
“There are enough other events to satisfy race fans,” assured Davies. “There’s drag races, unlimited lights, tunnel boats and cracker boxes.”
Fox Sports Network had signed to televise the final four unlimited hydroplane races, which included Detroit, Twin Cities, Wash., Seattle and San Diego, placing the sport in 80 million households. American Boat Racing Association Chairman Sam Cole announced that EnviroPly of Lakeland, Fla., is the series sponsor.
Ironically, where the race fields of the past were slim, the ABRA is guaranteeing 15 boats to close out the season. Additionally, Kevin Elsworth is campaigning a San Diego boat for the first time since the late Bill Muncey’s Atlas Van Lines’ turbine in 1981. Muncey was killed that same year in a racing accident in Acapulco.
Muncey’s widow, Fran, has been a staunch supporter of the races here and is vice chairman on the board of governors. John Daley is chairman.
The board is probably tapped out financially since five of its members put up $100,000 to pay off last year’s losses. Last year was the first time the regatta did not have major sponsorship from Anheuser Busch. The company withdrew after 2004 and retired its dominant Miss Budweiser boat, which had won 12 championships here.
“We were tired of situations when a boat would go out for two laps and then go on the trailer,” admitted Davies. “Frankly, the small fields were boring. Turbines were not as exciting as the piston-driven boats. We lost a lot of sponsorship because of the turbines, like Champion Spark Plug, Fram Filter, Oil dry….
“With all the other racing we have, we’re like a three-ring circus. Shuttle service will enable fans to take in the various competitions. We want something going on the water at all times.
“The drag boats, which may have their own television contract with Planet X, have become a monster deal. Last year they broke two world records. It’s the only salt water they race on. It’s so buoyant, and the propellers really dig in.”
The unlimiteds have been a fixture since 1964, when Muncey approached the San Diego City Council about approving the use of Mission Bay.
Pete Wilson, then mayor, told Muncey it was a fine idea if he (Muncey) put up the money. The legendary driver mortgaged his Mt. Helix home and backed the first race.
The regatta annually attracts more than 125,000 people, making it San Diego’s largest sports event. However, Davies said it was down a bit last year.
He said one of the things missing was Budweiser’s promotional campaign in stores.
Thunderboats Unlimited, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation established by a group of committed southern California racing enthusiasts to promote powerboat racing in San Diego and increase tourism in the beach area. Muncey, for whom the two-and-a-half-mile race course is named, initially brought the group together.
It takes more than 1,000 volunteers to help stage the premiere sporting event.
Davies, an electrical contractor, has been involved in these races for 10 years. “But, you know, if a year goes by that you don’t have the unlimiteds, they may not come back,” he said.