| 6/24/2006 9:00:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | 'Vintage' driver Williams beginning chase for Gold Cup thrill at Thunder
David Campbell
Courier Sportswriter
David Williams took a step closer to achieving his dream, taking the U-2.25 Michigan Mortgage Consultants out on the water during Friday's test session for this weekend's Thunder on the Ohio in Evansville.
For Williams, getting to drive in the premier class of boat-racing is truly a dream come true. As the executive director of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Seattle, Williams has sat in the seat of some of the most storied boats in history. But he has never completed a lap in actual competition.
It's that situation he hopes to rectify this year. Ken Muscatel will hand over the wheel to the U-2.25 to Williams for a few heats this weekend in preparation for next month's American Power Boat Association Gold Cup in Detroit.
Williams' plan is simple. Get acquainted with the turbine-powered U-2.25, get a few laps in to be able to complete just one heat at the Gold Cup.
"I want to be very clear about my goals here," said Williams, who was the primary vintage driver on the movie 'Madison' and has driven numerous vintage hydros. "I'm not looking to become a competitive driver, but over the last 12 years, I've driven literally thousands of exhibition laps in Gold Cup-winning boats. Everything from the Slo-Mo to the Griffon Bud. After all of that time on the water, I just want to make one legal start."
Not everyone is thrilled about Williams' presence on the water. U-5 Formulaboats driver Mike Weber, for one, is dead-set against the appearance.
"I have major concerns to be honest. That may not be the politically correct thing to say, but that's how I feel," Weber said. "When you put someone on the course who is not experienced, there is always a concern that he is going to be in guys' way. Hopefully, he has the good sense to stay out of the way."
Williams has expressed his intention of doing just that - to let the "race" be run by the "real" drivers. Still, it's a situation that has many in the sport just a little bit worried.
The U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto's Steve David, the longest-tenured driver on the Unlimited circuit, has also expressed concern. But David also noted that his fellow drivers will do everything they can to make the transition easier.
"We'll all be there to help him," David said. "That boat is very challenging to drive. J. Michael (Kelly) did a good job with it, just keeping it on the water. I understand that he just wants to complete one lap in the Gold Cup. That's his dream. I'm sure he'll stay out of everyone's way."
On Friday, Williams took the Michigan Mortgage Consultants out for the first time, pulling a lap of 137.865 mph on the Ohio River course. In all, Williams completed nine laps with six over 130 mph. To qualify for a race, a rookie driver must complete 15 laps in all, 10 over 130 mph.
Testing and qualifying will continue today with the first heats of racing starting in late-afternoon. Williams and Muscatel are expected to split driving duties for the entire weekend.
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