Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Familiar Face Back

Reprinted from the Spokane Daily Chronicle, November 30, 1978

After three years “on the beach,” Dave Heerensperger is ready to return to unlimited hydroplane racing.

Chairman of the board of the Kent, Wash.-based Pay ‘N Pak chain, Heerensperger got into the unlimiteds in the mid-1960s when he took over the old Miss Spokane and was to produce three straight national champions before retiring in 1976.

After returning from the recent American Power Boat Association meetings in Baton Rouge, La., Heerensperger announced plans to campaign a revolutionary new turbine-powered unlimited in 1980.

Jim Lucero, former crew chief of the three-time national champion Pay ‘N Pak, will supervise building of the new boat this summer. At the same time, he’ll continue as crew chief for 1978 national champion Atlas Van Lines.

Known for his innovative departures, Heerensperger indicated new materials and designs would be used in the new boat. A first model revealed two wings, one in front as well as the rear wing. But many changes could be made before the hull is built.

Charles Lyford, the expert behind the only turbine powered hydroplane to compete on the unlimited circuit in the past, the ill-fated U-95, will be the consultant on the engine requirements and features. Before the U-95 sank in 1974, it was hailed as the “boat of the future.”

The turbine will be a Lycoming T-55 L-7 gas turbine, developed from military helicopters and said capable of producing 2,600-plus horsepower.