1999 Budweiser Columbia Cup With Wings

Budweiser Columbia Cup Schedule:

Friday 

7 a.m.: Admission gates open
8-10 a.m.: Unlimited Testing
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Pit tours
10-11 a.m.: Unlimited Lights Testing
10 a.m.: Radio-controlled Unlimiteds testing-Family Fishing Pond
11-11:30 a.m.: Ski in the Sky-Columbia Park/Cracker Boxes-Pasco
11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Hydrojamm ’99
11:30-Noon: Ski in the Sky-Pasco/Cracker Boxes-Columbia Park
Noon-1:30 p.m.: Air Show performances
1:30-3:30 p.m.: Unlimited Qualifying Session A
3:30-5 p.m.: Unlimited and Unlimited Lights Testing
5-5:30 p.m.: Ski in the Sky-Columbia Park/CrackerBoxes-Pasco
5 p.m.: Unlimited Lights Drivers meeting in pit area

Tri-Cities poised for Hanauer's record
The Budweiser Columbia Cup with Wings could be a historic race this year. Hanauer needs only one victory to tie the all-time record of 62 set by the late Bill Muncey.

Booster buttons, programs on sale
The Booster Buttons cost $3 and are good for a guided tour of the Neil F. Lampson Pits or the air-show planes at Bergstrom Aircraft. They are available at numerous businesses throughout the Tri-Cities. They come in white, gold and blue. Race programs are sold at most of our ticket outlets. They feature color photography, the latest scoop on boat teams and the low down on all the new events at the races this year. Programs are also sold at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Hydros come in all sizes at Budweiser Columbia Cup
From RC to Unlimited, hydroplanes come in all sizes

The Tri-Cities' hydroplane races and air show, which annually draws about 60,000people, is scheduled for the weekend of July 29-Aug. 1 in the Tri-Cities. This year, new entertainment performances means there are all sizes of hydros and plenty of fun for everybody.

First, there's the Unlimiteds, the turbine-powered big boats that seem to almost sing as they take the course at nearly 200 miles per hour. A fleet of 13 are expected, with new drivers and teams all hunting for the trophy. The biggest change is legendary driver Chip Hanauer returning from retirement to pilot the U-100 Miss PICO.
Qualifying will be Friday and Saturday on the Columbia River. Race day will be Sunday, August 1.

Then there's the Unlimited Lights, smaller versions of the Unlimiteds, which are powered by automotive engines. Their roar shakes the ground when they attack the river. All sights are on two-time world champion Bo Schide in the UL-16 Alamo. The lights are sponsored by Graham Trucking.

Last but not least are the tiny RC hydros, radio-controlled versions that race on the family fishing pond. Technically speaking, if they were full size, they would reach speeds of 480 miles per hour. They actually travel about 60 miles per hour - pretty good considering they are only one-eighth the size of their turbine-powered counterparts. Testing for this year's Columbia Cup (the radio-controlled version) will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30. Racing will begin 10 a.m.Saturday. The races are free to watch with park admission.

Also new to the hydro races is Hydrojamm '99 - Battle of the Bands. The rock 'n roll contest will be held Friday and Saturday afternoon on a stage near the flag pole in Columbia Park.Winners are decided by crowd response.

Overhead is the annual air show, sponsored by Robert Young Apartments and Suites. The headline act could be called "T-Bone and the Warthog." T-Bone is the call sign for Major Jeff Lowery of the U.S. Air Force. His plane is the Warthog, technically named the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Air Force pilots have affectionately nicknamed the A-10 the Warthog because of its unique look and capabilities. The A-10 is designed for close range combat and support of ground troops.It is known for high maneuverability at low speeds and altitude. The Warthog will join five other acts in performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Other events include the community luncheon, a good place for autographs and pictures as the teams roll into town; Hydro Golf, the annual tournament with owners and drivers; Pit Tours; and Fan Fair, a cool acre of entertainment concessions for all ages.

Tickets are on sale at: Local Albertson's stores, Tri-City Sun Marts and Uniquely Nor'west at the Broadmoor Park Outlet Mall. Or call G&B Select-A-Seat at 800-325-SEAT. The Columbia Center ticket booth opens July 16.

Prices range from $12 to $40 for various passes, with three-day general admission going for $20. Ticket packages and hotel packages are available.

(Republished from Hydros™)