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.
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.