DOHA: The outcome of both the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship and the H1 Unlimited National High Points championship will be decided at this weekend’s Oryx Cup at Doha Bay.
The final round of the H1 Unlimited series has attracted 10 entrants from the United States for their annual pilgrimage out of North America to sample Qatari hospitality and one of the most demanding race courses in a calendar of events that has already taken them to esteemed races in Madison, Detroit, Tri-Cities, Seattle and San Diego.
Defending Oryx Cup champion Jimmy Shane arrives in Doha with a commanding 832-point lead in the race for the prestigious National High Points title.
After replacing Steve David — the new H1 Unlimited chairman — at the helm of the town of Madison’s very own 6 Oberto/Beef Jerky hydroplane, Shane has been the fastest racer of the season, but he knows that anything can happen in one of the most exciting marine sport disciplines in the world.
“Our goal is to win the Oryx Cup and everything else will take care of itself,” said Shane confidently.
The Oberto team assessed the best set-up for the Doha heats and Oryx Cup after the Seattle Seafair, including working on the filters and additional equipment needed to see the boat through a saltwater race. Shane has three motors at his disposal in Qatar. The Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), which is hosting the Oryx Cup, has joined forces with Ellstrom Racing and will be represented by Canadian racer Jean Theoret in the 96 Spirit of Qatar.
According to team manager Erick Ellstrom, Theoret, a six-time H1 race winner, will have two of his strongest motors available for the Oryx Cup.
“We saw the best numbers we have ever seen on the dyno, so we know the motors will be strong,” enthused Ellstrom. “We also shipped spare fuel controls and four new propellers, engineered especially for the course in Doha.”
J. Michael Kelly was the winner of the inaugural Oryx Cup in Qatar in 2009 and is back in the Ted Porter-owned boat that Shane used to seek out Oryx Cup glory in 2012 and 2013.
“We are definitely here in Doha to make a run at the Oryx Cup and the Championship,” said Porter. “We have sent all our best equipment, turbines, gearboxes and propellers. We need to pick up points quickly and narrow the gap right from qualifying on Thursday. J. Michael will need to win all his heats and we will also probably need to win the final to give us a chance.”
Porter’s Graham Trucking boats have won four of the five Oryx Cups and he has the added advantage of running a second hydroplane for the ever-improving Cal Phipps, who is third in the National High Points standings. Phipps is well clear of Jon Zimmerman, who performed so impressively at the last Oryx Cup in Doha. Former 96 Spirit of Qatar driver Dave Villwock returns to racing action in Qatar at the helm of 21 Miss Seattle, run by Schumacher Racing. The most successful racer in H1 history notched up one of his 67 H1 victories at the Oryx Cup in 2010 in front of a delighted Qatar crowd. Villwock could be a dark horse to spring a surprise this weekend.
Today, teams will be permitted to carry out testing on the course at Doha Bay before the all-important qualifying sessions take place during the afternoon. The draw for the first of tomorrow’s heats is scheduled for 4.15pm.
Spectators are welcome and there is plenty of viewing access along Doha Corniche.
THE PENINSULA
