Spirit of Detroit Team Update [2019]

The Detroit based Unlimited Hydroplane Team headed up by Crew Chief Bill Guckian and Owner Dave Bartush have settled on several driver changes for the upcoming 2019 season.

Bert Henderson will return as the full time Driver of the U-7 (former Bud T5 hull). Jeff Bernard has decided to compete full time in the Canadian 5 Litre series and will only be available on a limited basis. Replacing Jeff will be Canadian Grand Prix & 5 Litre Champion Patrick Haworth, who will be driving the newly acquired former Bud T3 hull now designated U-10. This boat is currently at the Madison Shop in Tukwila, WA and is being reassembled by Jim Harvey.

Efforts are being made to have the U-10 ready for the 2019 season, but finding all the parts originally removed has made it a little hard to determine a completion date.

Along with Haworth, the U-10’s former driver and fellow Canadian, Scott Liddycoat will be returning to the Unlimited ranks. Scott will share seat time with both the U-7 and U-10. In addition to driver changes, former U-88 & U-7 crew member Bob Catipovic has agreed to join the Detroit team which is returning all of last years crew for 2019.

Modifications to the former Trend West U-2 hull have been completed (less paint), and it is expected to be ready for the 2020 season. Following the U-2, the team plans on preparing the U-13 (former “Smokin Joe” ) for a return to the Unlimited circuit as well. Other hulls currently at the Detroit shop include the former U-22 Webster boat (now U-4) and Mark Evans’ U-57. Both of these hulls are complete and currently available for lease or sale.

The entire Spirit of Detroit team is anxious to see all of these boats back on the water and encourage any individual or team interested to inquire by contacting Bill Guckian, Bert Henderson or Dave Bartush.

April 19th, 2019

H1 Unlimited