Sponsors

Local Dealers to Sponsor Unlimited Light Team at Seattle Race 

Select Hyundai dealers of Western Washington are pooling their efforts and resources to partner with an Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing team at the 2010 Seafair hydroplane race in Seattle , Washington . The regatta that has been held traditionally in August on Lake Washington for over sixty years draws over three hundred thousand spectators to the perimeter of the race course and is enjoyed by over a million viewers through the CBS affiliate, KIRO-TV.

 Gary Micallef representing Skagit Valley Hyundai said, “We are looking forward to participating again with this long-standing Northwest institution. To many of our customers and employees, Seafair represents the peak of summer. Hyundai has a competitive product in a competitive market and we are especially pleased to demonstrate that attitude to the thrill and entertainment of the race fans.”

 Only fourteen Unlimited Light teams earn their way into the Stan Sayers Pit area to compete every year, and one of the most competitive will represent Hyundai. Owner/Driver, Vince Xaudaro said, “The UL-929 Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Team is excited to have the Hyundai Dealers on board for the 2010 Seafair Festival. The long tradition of Seafair and the Torchlight Parade are an important part of the cultural fabric that brings Seattle and the surrounding communities together each summer. The Hyundai brand is one that has become synonymous with automotive quality and reliability around the world. We feel privileged to be teaming with Hyundai at Seafair and look forward to representing them with the same professionalism as they do with their family of satisfied customers. See you at the races!”

 The last time that the UL 929 campaigned its own hull on the ULHRA circuit, Vince drove to a third place in national standings in spite of a catastrophic accident at the Silverdale, WA regatta immediately following Seafair. Capably guided by 2009 Crew Chief of the Year, Tim VanHollebeke, who has enjoyed support from Hyundai in the past, the UL 929 has climbed back from that disaster and created a stronger more competitive boat. As if to prove that sponsorship bears a healthy return on investment VanHollebeke said, “I am extremely pleased to be partnering with Hyundai. I have a large family. Over the last five years we have purchased ELEVEN cars all from Hyundai. Their reputation is outstanding. Besides their vehicles being economical and reliable, they have one of the highest safety ratings in the auto industry. It is my hope that this is the beginning of a long and solid relationship.” 

The reconstruction of the UL929 hydroplane since the Silverdale accident has been detailed and time consuming. Product support from manufacturers such as the Whelen Engineering Company with their 14-volt helicopter strobe system and North American Composites has helped create a stronger more formidable team. Look for Hyundai and the UL 929 team to be in the hunt for the winners circle at Seafair in 2010.

ULHRA Series Partner Power Punch will present the Graham Trucking Cup for the Unlimited Lights at Seafair August 6 – 8, 2010. For more information, visit www.ulhra.org or www.seafair.com/events/hydro/unlimitedlights.asp

 The Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association is a high performance automotive-powered class of inboard hydroplanes that continues to gain popularity especially with fans seeking affordable, exciting family entertainment. The thundering engines produce a sound that turns heads, pumps adrenaline, and compels innocent bystanders to transform into hard-core racers. For more information regarding the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association, please visit www.ulhra.org.

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