The 2008 Desert Thunder Cup was held in Richland, Washington, on the Columbia River May 17th and 18th. The weekend saw unseasonably hot weather, with temperatures over 100 degrees, which was wonderful for the fans, but difficult for the racers. Not only did the racers have to battle the heat and sun, but also a fast-moving Columbia River swollen by a rapid mountain snow melt and compounded by a record-setting winter snowfall. The rapid current made the “first turn” (the downstream turn) extremely hazardous because the waves caused by the boats in the corner were held in place by the swirling water, making each lap more hazardous than the last.

Putting together an all-out effort for the final heat, the Miss Critical Logic crew, headed by Trevor Hull, tuned the motor perfectly for the thin air caused by the high temperatures. Driver Paul Becker and radio operator Donnie Smith strategized carefully against the league-leading UL-1 Miss Boat Electric Team and their driver, Kayleigh Perkins. The plan was to take lane two, forcing Kayleigh to the inside and into the rougher water in turn one. But the key to that winning strategy was a perfectly tuned motor and a great flying start that enabled the Miss Critical Logic to beat the UL-1 to the turn and hold Kayleigh to the buoy line and the rougher water, all of the way through the turn.

While the strategy worked out very well against the UL-1, Greg Hopp got a perfect start on the outside in the UL-15 Graham Trucking, and his significantly higher boat speed at the start carried him to victory (average speed 111.951 mph). The UL-14 Miss Critical Logic placed second (average speed 109.056 mph). Video of the final heat can been seen on the www.ulhra.org website in additional to other hydroplane news and upcoming events. Miss Critical Logic driver Paul Becker was seen smiling after the race, but with a large ice bag held on his right arm, which was badly bruised racing through that first turn. “Two races, twice the bridesmaid,” he said. “Look out in Chamberlain. We’re going to win that one!” Chamberlain, South Dakota, is the next event on the circuit, July 12th and 13th. See you there!

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For more information on Critical Logic or our racing events, visit www.critical-logic.com.

Congratulations to the Miss Critical Logic team for placing second at Phoenix Lakefest! Here is a photo taken from David McEldowney, CIO of Bar-S Foods Inc.

- Paul

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For more information about Critical Logic or our racing events, visit www.critical-logic.com.