FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2005
Contact: Nelson Holmberg (nelson@noslencommunication.com) (360) 521-1590

R/C Unlimiteds Fact Sheet

Founded: 1974, by Roger Newton (Renton, Wash.)

Members: 110, including active members residing in Washington, Oregon, California and Texas. There are more than 140 model boats registered in the club.

Schedule: 15 races at sites throughout Washington and Oregon.

Sponsor: Oberto Sausage Company (title sponsor)

Defending Champion: Dave Brandt (Kennewick, Wash.)

What: 1/8-scale radio controlled models of actual hydroplanes that have raced in competition throughout the 54-year history of the modern sport. R/C Unlimiteds’ mission is to duplicate the sport of unlimited hydroplane racing as closely as possible.

How: The boats run on a pre-set oval course, in a clockwise direction. They are capable of speeds up to, and sometimes exceeding, 60 miles per hour in the straightaways.

Fuel: These boats run nitromethane for fuel (which is normally 55 or 60 percent nitrous oxide and methanol). The fuel is non-polluting and evaporates if it is spilled. It also does not harm plantlife/fish & wildlife in the water. There is very little in the way of lubricants, or other petroleum products, used in this type of racing.

Engines: The engine size of these model boats is limited to a maximum of .67 cubic inches (11 cubic centimeters). The noise is strictly policed by R/CU, and boats are not allowed to exceed 90 decibels (dB) while at full throttle 50 feet from the measuring device.

Course: The standard race course is oval in shape, with two parallel straightaways, and a minimum of 60-feet from the closest shore. Course dimensions must be 60-feet to 120-feet in diameter in turns, and 275-feet to 400-feet in length. However, for exhibitions, courses can be modified if need be.

Rules: The club runs by racing rules similar to those used by the real unlimited hydroplanes, and ratified by American Power Boat Association.

Sanction: R/C Unlimiteds is a member of American Power Boat Association, which is the national sanctioning body, and insurance provider for power boat racing. All racing members of R/CU are also required to be members (and show proof of membership) of APBA in order to be insured.

Insurance: APBA’s insurance carrier provides up to $2 million in liability coverage for R/C races.

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