2007 News Articles 1.2.08 - 2007 SEASON RECAP 8.30.17.07 - Silverdale Results 8.11.07 - Seafair Results 7.19.07 - Behind the wheel with Dustin Echols 7.17.07 - Valleyfield Results 7.3.07 - The raod to Valleyfield - Day 3 and 4 7.3.07 - The raod to Valleyfield - Day 2 7.2.07 - The raod to Valleyfield - Day 1 7.1.07 - The raod to Valleyfield 6.21.07 - Tastin' and Racin' Results 5.22.07 - Desert Thunder Results 5.07.07 - New Shockwave Racing Gear! 4.29.07 - Photos Added 4.16.07 - Photos Added 4.5.07 - New Jones Article 4.3.07 - Photos Added 2.4.07 - Photos Added 2.4.07 - New Website Feature 1.21.07 - UL-17 Arrives!

1.2.08 - 2007 SEASON RECAP - Dustin Echols

2007 started off with the team working around the clock just to get the boat ready to race. We had a lot of problems to overcome but with the help of a ton of people, we made the first race. We were only able to get the boat on the water For Sunday of Desert thunder but we accomplished everything thing we could have hoped for. The brand new Ron Jones Jr hull finished every heat and we had a good base line on what we needed to make this a winning hull.

The second race of the season was Tastin’ and Racin’ in Issaquah. The team made some changes and we noticed a big improvement. The boat handled flawlessly and the engine ran great. We missed the set up on our gear ratio and had some bad calls by some officials but still finished well. I won the “Wyatt’s Watch” award for the best start of the weekend and the boat turned some impressive lap times.

The third race was in Valleyfield Quebec. This was a very hard course for me to learn to drive. With very rough water and the tightest corners I have ever seen, this was a challenge.  The team hit the boat set up perfect the first time. The engine was running great and our fastest testing time was as fast as the GP boats. We ran well all weekend and made it into the final. We were set up perfectly for the start but two boats right in front of me took my lane. I chock this one up to a lesson learned and won’t let it happen again. We finished the final but were disappointed because the boat should have finished much better than it did.

Seattle Seafair was a chance for the team to run in front of our home crowd. The boat was running well but we had some major handling problems. I talked with the crew about what I was feeling and they made the changes that they thought would fix the problems. Every change they made put our boat closer to where it needed to be. We made the final and the boat was handling great. The final ran nine boats and it was almost a survival race. We finished fourth and noticed some more things we could change to make the boat faster in the future.

Silverdale was the fifth race of the series and we were excited. The boat qualified third fastest and everything looked great. Going into the final turn before the start, the boat on our outside cut across three lanes washing me and another boat down. The water that was sucked into the engine destroyed the engine and we were done for the day. The team worked well into the night putting the back up engine in the boat. The next day we were in the third heat and the boat ran great. We had an oil leak and I had to shut the boat down before the finish so we weren’t able to make the final.

Port Angeles was the final race of the regular season and we were hoping that we finally had all of our problems sorted out. We qualified second fastest and knew what changes we needed to make to run faster. We made the changes but unfortunately had another oil leak and I shut the boat down. Due to bad weather the race was cut short and we didn’t have a chance to make the final.

Phoenix was an exhibition for the series but we looked at it as a test session to make sure we are ready for next year. We ran some of the fastest laps of the weekend and this was the fastest the boat has ever gone. The team is confident that our new boat problems are behind us and we are ready for 2008. We have one of the most experienced teams on the circuit and the best boat. We have learned a lot from this past season and will use that knowledge to be the very best next year.

- Dustin Echols, Driver

8.30.07 - Silverdale- Behind the wheel with Dustin Echols

Now that the Silverdale race has passed we have had a chance to
regroup. To put it lightly, we had a tough weekend. We were the first boat
on the water for qualifying and the water was perfect! We ran pretty well
but the tune up was a little off and we were trying a new propeller that
needed some tweaking. We qualified third and learned what we needed to do to
make the boat faster. After making a few small changes we were ready for
the first heat however, the first heat is where all of the trouble started.
We were coming down the back straightaway in lane six before the score up. I
had boats on both sides of me and all I could do was hold my lane. As we
entered the turn, the boat on the outside came in two lanes and we were
washed down. If that wasn't bad enough, the boat that was on my inside was
also cut us off and he almost hit me. As soon as we got all of that
straightened out, I put my foot back into the throttle and headed down to
score up. Right then a shaking occurred and I thought I broke a propeller.
When we got back to the beach we found out that the engine sucked water in
when the boat cut us off. To make it sting a bit more, the referees didn't
see it happen so they didn't make any calls!

The crew worked into the night to make an engine change. We were
running a brand new engine and we were excited. We went out Sunday in the
first heat and we were ready! There were three carburated boats so we
could start in lane four. We fought for the lane and finally got the
inside! Rick told me on the radio to make sure that I gave the boats on the
inside enough room so we wouldn't get a call. When I looked over, another
blower boat came up the inside in a lane that we weren't allowed in. He
then made room by forcing all of the other boats out wider. I was confident
that there would be a call against the boat so I continued on with the race.
We were in third with one lap to go and I knew the boat that was winning
had to have a penalty. Our bad luck struck again and I lost oil pressure.
I shut the boat down as quick as I could but we still hurt the engine. When
I got back to the pit, I was very upset to hear that again, the referees
didn't see that part of the race either.

So the weekend was over for the UL17 team but we will be back. At
the next race we will be stronger, faster and more prepared so none of this
should happen again. See you all in San Diego!

- Dustin Echols, Driver     Photos | Race Results | Standings

8.11.07 - Seafair Race Results and Photos

With the Seafair race in the rear view mirror, I can’t believe what a great time it was. It has always been a dream to race at Seafair and the team has missed the race for the last few years as well. The boat pulled into the pits on Thursday afternoon and we were all excited. Sitting in line waiting to get into the pits, I could see the confident look that our entire crew had. It was great. We knew that our boat is getting faster each race and this could be our first race win. Friday we were able to Qualify and get some test laps in. We were all very surprised when we found out that the boat set up was far from good.  Our propeller was too small and the front wing was not responding.  The boat was bouncing terribly and I was a bit discouraged. The next session we had the same handling problems but this time we had too big of a propeller. That night the team had a meeting and gathered up a plan. The guys worked long into the night making changes to the boat and hardware. Rick and Earl were trying to figure out an engine and propeller package that would work. We didn’t get much sleep that night and were anxious to run the boat in the morning.

In our first morning run, the boat was almost perfect. All of the hard work from the crew and calculations from Rick and Earl worked perfect. We finally had a boat that we thought we could win with. In our first heat, all of the boats came to the start together but we quickly realized that we still needed more acceleration. We placed fifth in the race but we leaned a lot. The boat was handling perfect but we needed more speed. We decided to make another propeller change. In the next heat, we had a ton of speed and the boat was running great. I came down for the start on the outside but I jumped the gun. At first, the referee was telling us that some of the other boats had penalties also so I kept going. We led for all three laps and got word on the last lap that the other boats did not get penalties. I was still excited to know that our boat is fast enough to win and we as a team were closer to having a perfect boat ride. After the race, Jason noticed that the propeller that felt so good had a small crack forming in the blade. We had it fixed over night and went through the entire boat before the finals on Sunday.

Sunday morning came early. We ran the “B” main and did very well. We placed second and advanced to the final. We had nine boats in the final and I started in lane 8. It was a long way around turn one but I quickly learned that some of the boats already had penalty. I drove my own race and tried to catch as many carbureted boats as I could. We ended up with a fourth place in the final. I was very happy with our finish. The team took a boat with some major handling problem and turned it into a front running boat. The hard work and dedicated people working on this boat are what is going to make it the boat to beat. Every time we go out there, we learn from it and we get faster. Now on to Silverdale, we’ll see you there.

- Dustin Echols, Driver     Photos | Race Results | Standings

7.19.07 - Behind the wheel with Dustin Echols, Driver UL-17 - Valleyfield

Getting the chance to race at Valleyfield has been a dream come true. The Valleyfield Regatta is known around the world for being one of the biggest and best races to attend. I have heard so much about this race, I was just hoping that it lived up to all of the hype.

The pre race prep was almost complete at the shop and I could feel all of the crew’s anticipation. Jason was getting ready to haul the boat three thousand miles and we wanted to make sure we had everything right. The night before the truck left we stuffed it full of an extra engine and every part we could think of. When we got to Valleyfield, I was excited to see some of the other boats and the race course. I knew that our boat was getting faster every weekend and I was eager to turn some laps. We put the boat in the water and I climbed in for some much needed testing. I got the “OK” to leave the Dock so I fired and left. Heading out on the course, I couldn’t help but notice how tight the course is. Rick warned me about the lack of room but until you see it first hand, it’s hard to imagine. We turned some really fast laps in practice and I felt really good about the boat. We had some changes we needed to make but we knew we were going to be fast.

The next day, we raced in two qualifying heats. In both of the heats, I couldn’t believe how many spectators there were. I have always heard about how Valleyfield had great fans but it was unreal to see.  Our good prop broke in one of the heat races so we were left to use our back up propeller. We did well in both and were seated in the final. In the final, our lane was taken away before the start and it dissolved any chance we had of winning. The boat ran flawless though and we made tons of progress with the boat. The people in Valleyfield and the event staff were unbelievable. I was very impressed with the fans knowledge of our sport and their enthusiasm.  That alone made the trip worthwhile.  We have only had the boat out a few times since it was built and it is already fast. I can’t wait to come back in 2008 to show how fast we are then.

7.17.07 - Valleyfield Race Results and Photos

Our 6000 mile roundtrip trip trek to eastern Canada to the providence of Quebec town of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield was an overwhelming success. Our driver, Dustin Echols is becoming more familiar with the boat each time out. With only 9 heats of UL racing under his belt his confidence and comfort zone is growing. After a brief test session on friday morning in which the boat performed well Dustin won our first heat of the weekend on friday afternoon.

The Valleyfield race course is very tight and demanding, it takes it's toll on equipment and drivers. Our game plan was to make the final without having to run in the B main, with 2 second place finishes on saturday, Dustin and the crew accomplished just that being 4th in points with a direct slot into the final for sunday afternoon.

With the field set optimism ran high, then after the score up, coming down for the start, Dustin's lane was taken away, with walls of water on both sides of him, he had no place to go but to back off, thus resulting in a fifth place finish, disappointed yes, but not discouraged, the team will work even harder for our next event, Seafair in Seattle, WA. August 3rd-5th.

- Rick Bridgeman, Crew Chief     Photos | Race Results | Standings

7.4.07 - The Road to Valleyfield - Day 3 and 4

Day three consisted of another 700+ mile day ending at mile marker 1 just past the Indiana-Michigan state line. I endured a pretty exciting thunder storm just after I crossed the mighty Mississippi River, which only lasted about ten miles, which was a good thing. The visibility and winds were definately tricky to navigate.

Driving east on interstate 80 made me feel like it was the fourth of July rather than the third. It was probably about a 25 mile stretch of nothing but fireworks going off on both sides of the freeway, almost a bit to distracting. By the time I got to Morris Illinois, people had pulled over on the side of the freeway to watch the towns big firework display. I knew exactly when the grand finale was going on, it was right out my driverside window, and now I know how the phrase light up like the fourth of july came about. There for about a half minute or so I didn't need headlights.

On to day four, I am combining these to days together since I am sitting about 35 miles from the border. Unless there is free WIFI somewhere after I get to Vallleyfield I am not going to use my Cigular air card for my laptop.

I have driven about 185 miles already today, I am now on my final leg of the trip. I believe I have around 650 miles to Valleyfield. I know when I checked my microsoft map software it said I was 11 1/2 hours from Valleyfield at the begging of my day.
So I am off to cross the border, and to the rest of my crew I know you have an early morning but I hope your flight is fun, all six hours of it (I think I got you by about fifty right now.)

Its off to Canada for me now.

- Jason

7.3.07 - The Road to Valleyfield - Day 2

I have reached the end of my second day, and am still loving every minute of it. Whats really fun about driving through the mid-western states are the people. They are so intrigued with the hydroplane that I usually have to plan on each of my stops being at least thirty minutes. These people don't get the luxury of seeing these boats up close, so when they get the chance its hard to break away, which doesn't bother me any. I try to give them the best understanding of the sport so that one day we may see them at a race.

Once again it was pushing the 100 degree mark today, making for a miserable ride at times, but what made today worse is the fact that I am now breaking into the wet heat. Good old humudity has not been fun today, there were times it felt like the steering wheel was melting to my hands, but it was just from the moisture in the air.

As far as an update goes. I pushed a little further today, knowing what lies ahead. I drove about 14 hours today and just a shade over 800 miles. I did this due to past experiences. Tomorrow I will be driving through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Population which means traffic and slow downs.

- Jason

7.2.07 - The Road to Valleyfield - Day 1

Belgrade, Montana

Day one of the trip has gone very smooth. Only complaint thus far would be that the Montana DOT needs to make a little bit wider lanes when going through their construction zones.The wheather has been awesome and hot to say the least. By the time I drove by lake Coeur d' Alene I was ready for a swim, it was really tempting, but I kept driving. For the past couple of hours I have had an amazing lightning show off in the distance, that has been just an endless series of fllashbulbs streaking across the sky for what has to be miles.I arrived in Belgrade Montana at 1:30 am mst, the site of my first nights sleep. It is roughly 711 miles from Olympia, and about a 13 1/2 hour drive in a big rig. Right now I am dreading my morning task of cleaning the front of the truck. Its not pretty right now, nor is it very easy to see out the windows due to my collection of bugs.

Well its time for sleep now, I need to rest so I can do it all over again tomorrow.
I appoligize I am unable to attach any pictures at this moment, I will try to get some on here later.

- Jason

7.1.07 - The Road to Valleyfield

At 10:50 this morning Jason Crawley, truck driver for the UL17 race team, began his trek to Valleyfield Quebec. Jason will post a blog every evening chronicling his travels. Check back here for more!

6.20.07 - Tastin' and Racin' Race Results and Photos

Tastin' and Racin' was a great event with more boats then we have seen in a long time. The UL-17 ran well for it's second event, we are all very pleased with it's performance and are looking forward to the next event in Valleyfield, Quebec on July 6-8.

Photos | Race Results | Standings

5.22.07 - Desert Thunder Race Results and Photos

The boat made it's maiden voyage, for the 2007 season opener Desert Thunder in Richland, Washington.

We worked around the clock last week along with Ron Jones Jr getting the boat back to the shop Friday night around 10pm after getting the skidfin installed at CLS.

We want to Thank our crew and Ron Jones JR for going the extra mile to make the first race of the season, we couldn't have done it without all of them.

We arrived in Richland for Sunday racing we were very satisified with the boat's performance. We gathered enough information to start making performance changes for competition at the June 9th-10th Tastin'n'Racin.

Photos | Race Results | Standings

5.07.07 - New Shockwave Racing Gear!

New 2007 team hats ($9.99) and visors ($6.19) are available in the team store.

4.29.07 - Photos Added

The UL-17 is almost ready to hit the water! You can see the progress in the photo gallery.

4.16.07 - Photos Added

Pictures of the UL-17 being painted have been added to the photo gallery.

4.5.07 - New Ron Jones Sr. Article

Miracle in Montreal
by Ron Jones Sr.

This story is a little harder to tell, not so much because of the content, but because of the lack of ability to convey the depth of emotions which occurred, by the boat racers, fans, medical workers, and especially the family of the one involved. . . [read more]

4.3.07 - Photos Added

More pictures of the Shockwave Racing Team working on the new boat have been added to the photo gallery.

2.4.07 - Photos Added

Pictures of the Shockwave Racing Team working on the new boat have been added to the photo gallery.

2.4.07 - New Website Feature

Boat racing legend Ron Jones Sr. has agreed to write an article once a month for G-17.com about memorable boat building and racing experiences he has had.  Here is the first one, remember to check back for more!

A tribute to John Leach
by Ron Jones Sr.

Many years ago, about in the mid 1950’s, a friend of mine from high school days at Highline High, came to me and said he would like me to build him a race boat. He was “interested in the 136 c.ubic inch class (today’s 2.5 L stock). I had rented a shop located where, today Associated Grocer’s has their huge warehouse at the south end of Boeing Field in Seattle, so I said I would be glad to do so. . . [read more]

1.21.07 - Press Release

As the result of the restrictions placed on the supercharged UL's at the annual ULHRA meeting on January 20th, 2007.  Shockwave Racing has decided to compete in the G/GP Class for the 2007 season.  This means we will compete with the G boats at their events while also allowing us to be a part of the revival of the revered Grand Prix Class in North America.
 
Shockwave racing will run a 468 c.i. supercharged engine with a 871 blower running at 115% of crankshaft speed this combination should produce 1350 hp with speeds of 155 mph.
 
Check back soon as new developments will be listed as they happen.