2008 National NACCS “G” Champion

Introduction

The Shockwave Racing Team, based out of Olympia, Washington, is once again fielding its state-of-the-art hydroplane for the 2009 racing season. Ron Jones, Jr. designed and constructed our hydroplane delivering it in late 2006. The size/characteristics of the hull and engine package allow us the flexibility to race as either a North American Challenge Cup Series (NACCS designation “G”) boat with the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association (ULHRA) or as a “Grand Prix” (designation GP) with the American Power Boat Association (APBA). In our first full season as a “G” class hydroplane we defeated all comers on the way to claiming the 2008 National Championship.

The new hull was constructed using carbon composite materials and the most sophisticated aerospace technology available making this boat 22% lighter than many of its top competitors and one of the toughest on the circuit. The new hull will also maximize those characteristics that provide the best opportunity to have the fastest boat on the water. The power plant is also state-of-the art, the responsibility of an engine and fuel specialist who is well known in the racing circles and brings instant credibility when it comes to alcohol and supercharged engines. We expect nothing less than successfully defending our title over the races currently being scheduled for the 2009 season.

Our hull numbers for 2009 are: G-1 / G-17 / GP-17

What is a “G”/“GP” Class Hydroplane?

A “G”/”GP” is the largest, loudest, and fastest automotive powered hydroplane class of vessel on the water and can reach speeds of 170 miles per hour in the straight-aways while throwing a wall of water sixty feet in the air as it navigates the hairpin turns. The size of the craft cannot exceed 28 feet in length, 13 feet in width, and the combination of boat and engine must weigh a minimum of 2,750 pounds. The size of the engine is 468 cubic engines and supercharged with a 671 blower running 20 percent over the crankshaft speed. It uses methanol fuel. G/GP’s are similar in hull size to “Unlimited Light” (UL) hydroplanes running with blowers, however, the G/GP configuration has significantly more horsepower. G/GP’s will have between 1300-1600 hp while the blown UL will have around 900-1000 hp. Naturally aspirated UL’s are even lighter in weight and carry even less HP. The top-end for UL’s is approximately 150 mph in the straightaway compared to our 170’s. In addition, G/GP’s have substantially more torque allowing them to quickly exit the turns. The thunder of the “blown” automotive engines and their speed are definite crowd pleasers!

The Beginnings of Shockwave Racing

Rick and Shawn Bridgeman are the owners of the G-1/G-17/GP-17. Rick acts as the Crew Chief and Shawn is the Team Manager. Rick and Shawn are also the owners of Ted’s Red Apple market in Westport, Washington.

Rick and Shawn first began racing in 1990 with a 5-liter boat. It obviously wasn’t powerful enough for Rick as he moved into a 7-liter boat in 1991 and then transitioned with the fledgling ULHRA as a “nasboat” in 1993. In 1996 he raced under the UL designation. With the desire for more horsepower and speed, Rick and the team converted the UL-17 into the G-17 in 2005. Rick retired from racing after the 2005 season giving up his seat to the current driver, Dustin Echols. As a former driver, Rick was respected by the other drivers and had a reputation as being a safe, yet aggressive driver for 17 years with over 100 wins in his racing history.

Check out our website for more information on our crew, race schedule, and planned events.