US-A Team to race in Viljandi, Estonia

[U.S. "A" Team]

To all of our valued supporters,

The U.S. A-Team would like to take this time to thank you all for your generous donations and for your overall continued support for our program. The goal of this team, as you know, is to place American drivers on the podium at UIM World Championship races in Europe.

In respect for your staunch and lasting support, we wanted to keep you abreast of our most current preparations and progress as we close in on the 2011 OSY-400 World Championship on July 16 in Viljandi Estonia. This year the team plans to have two American entries in the race. Driving for the U.S. A-Team in 2011 will be UIM racing veterans Tony Lombardo from Concord, California and Team Captain Billy Allen from Quincy, Massachusetts. Accompanying them to Estonia will be Executive Administrator Rachel Warnock from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Chief Technical Officer Bob Cronin from Candia New Hampshire, Team Leader Racer Allen from Bailey Island Maine, Photographer/Advisor Dave Recht from Los Altos, California, Journalist Unity Flagstaff from Stratton Maine, and making his debut on the European UIM racing scene will be Crew Chief Johnny Wlodarski from Newton, New Jersey.

The team has recently taken delivery of two new boats. A composite hydro built by Dave Bennett of Bennett Boats in St. Augustine, Florida and a Kamp Kurz hull by Mark Kurz of Indian River, Michigan. Both of these boat building experts have donated countless hours preparing these hulls and we are very much indebted to them. Let me state at this time that the U.S. A-Team is committed to winning in Europe with an American built hull.

We would also like to send a special thank you to our largest financial donors; Peters and May Racing, The APBA Historical Society, Team Tate Racing, The Trailer Place of New England, Team Keegan, Bob Harrity, and Captain Kurt of M/V Atlantic Surveyors. As you can easily see, this team is compromised of individuals and supported by companies from all corners of The United States. We truly are, and are proud to be, America’s Boat Racing Team.

In closing let me say thank you again for all of the support that you have shown to this program. We are proud to have you behind us as we move forward to take on the world. Don’t ever forget that without people like you, the United States would not even be represented at these International Competitions.

Respectfully,
Billy Allen

Captain, U.S. A-Team

[treadguy]

Billy.............You are giving not only fellow boat racers a reason to be proud, but giving outsiders a reason to become involved in our sport. Is there a way anyone can contribute to this endevor? Might be a good time to let everyone know. Go Get 'em US A-Team!

[U.S. "A" Team]

You can follow our progress on ateamboatracing.com and checks can be made out to the US-A Team and sent to the following address:

US-A Team C/O Billy Allen
143 Parke Ave
Quincy, MA 02171

We will be sending updates when possible from the World Championships next weekend.

[Racerkyle20]

Awesome boys! Bring home the hardware!:gold cup

[HRTV]

Good luck guys, I threw this up on HRTV Facebook to get a few more eyes on it.

exposure, exposure , exposure!

[kampkurz]

Good luck to the US A team! Give it a good rip and we'll be pulling for you. Very proud. Mark

[Michele Schaub]

Good luck Billy and Tony!!!! Be safe...
Michele

[DeanFHobart]

Good Luck U.S. A-Team, Billy, Tony, Rachel, Bob, Racer Allen, Dave, Unity and Johnny.

100% built in the USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From,

Dean Hobart....................

[Norm Schaub]

Good Luck USA Team!

[TPLACE31]

Good luck to the U.S. "A" Team - Bring back the Gold to the City of Champions. It has been over a month since Title Town had their last parade!!

[hydroid]

Good luck to Billy and the Gang.
Was a pleasure to have met you all(Billy, Racer, Rachel, Johnny,...) in February to support the cause,....seems so long/cold ago.
With only days remaining, hoping personnel/equipment logistics are as expected, allowing y'all to focus on business.
Wish I could be there to guide you through the language and Vodka(only drink it from the freezer!...smoooooth).
Erik Luksep
CDN/Estonian Racing,...with a USA OC boat....that's multi-culturalism.

[racerchic3z]

Good luck everyone! Have a safe trip, and if you don't win, you might as well stay in Europe! Just kidding ;) see you in Wakefield!

Stacy

[spunky64w]

Tony and Rachel are already in Quincy at Billy's. Johnny arrives tomorrow afternoon. U.S. A-Team offcial Transportation Secratary Jack Glasses Neely is responsible for getting the team to the airport on time tomorrow afternoon. Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, we will be updating here on HR as internet access allows via the Twisted Sista.

[Allenthefamily]

I am just loving that the team is assembling at Parke Ave and raring to go! The excitement is building, all the hard work now has momentum, to race hard and get to the podium. Woohoo!

As we used to say when playing boat races, "C'mon Bil-ly, C'mon Ton-ny!" US-A TEAM, baby!

The idea that all of the history of the Allen family is actually coming together for the shipping, the racing, and there have been so many generous donations of time, money and support of people behind the scenes, means so much. The way that the racers and fans and corporate sponsors have helped is immeasurable! Many thanks to all.

I just love that the new Transportation Secretary, Mr Jack Glasses Neeley, has been designated ( since he can practically drive blindfolded to the airport)....

Remember that old yellow van? Could have used that today when transporting all that luggage and the team.

So, Godspeed Billy and Tony, go fast and hard and win!

[DiGia54D]

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[oldpitguy]

Go get 'em guys! Here's to a safe and successful trip.... post up-dates when you can!

otto

[abbypond]

The U.S. A-Team should be boarding the plane any minute now, as they set out on their quest for the Gold Medal at the OSY-400 World Championship. Wishing the team a safe journey and the best of luck in Estonia!

[JackGlasses40B]

Phase one of the U.S. A Team journey has been completed. All members of the team are at Logan airport probably on board their flight as I write this. All were able to get checked in, get seats all together and they were even able to get Racer on their flight with them as there was available seating on their flight. Yes Jan, too bad yellow boy wasn't available. I would have been able to serve lunch with black russians in the back to wish the team a great " Bon Voyage " and great Racing. Sincerely, The US A team Transportation Secretary

[L. Allen]

Nice job, Jack!
Now let's get 'er done!

[Allenthefamily]

Good work, that's how you roll, Jack. TG Racer got all the details taken care of. (nyuck nyuck)

[HRTV]

The line up for OSY400:
http://sites.google.com/site/viljandi2011/home

Nr. Driver Representing

2 Miroslav Bazinsky SVK
3 Peter Stefanovic SVK
6 Algo Kuus EST
7 Tomasz Mordal POL
9 Annika Suuk EST
11 Oliver Lucas AUT
16 Billy Allen USA
21 Bartosz Chojnacki POL
28 Wojciech Jaroch POL
29 Cezary Strumnik POL
34 Michal Swierczynski POL
47 Mantas Kukcinavicius LTU
55 Salvatore Di Pino ITA
60 Glenn Säfwe SWE
77 Rasmus Haugasmägi EST
87 Erko Aabrams EST
92 Tony Lombardo USA
110 Robert Engberg SWE
173 Sten Kalder EST

[robin551p]

Good Luck. Be safe. We're so proud. Keep us posted.

[j hydro racer]

We have landed in Amsterdam, now we are just waiting for our layover flight to Estonia. Thanks for everyone's support.
-Johnny

[abbypond]

The team has landed in Estonia! The picture below is from yesterday at Logan airport as they prepare for departure.

[L. Allen]

I think Bill was talking to me when that photo was snapped, telling me how much he will miss me.
See how he's tearing up?
It was all I could do to get him on that plane.

[racerchic3z]

I think Bill was talking to me when that photo was snapped, telling me how much he will miss me.
See how he's tearing up?
It was all I could do to get him on that plane.

Thank GOD for you, Laurie!!!

That's a **** good looking crew! Watch out, Europe!

Stacy

[U.S. "A" Team]

The U.S. A Team is waking up this morning in Viljandi, Estonia. The team met up in Tallinn picking up David Recht, the photographer coming in from his sojourn in Russia and Unity Flagstaff, coming in from a journalistic tour of Uzbecistan. The team will be locating the container with their boats, setting up and getting ready for tomorrow's test session today. Viljandi is a lovely location and the locals have been nothing but exceptionally pleasant. Thanks for all the well wishes, updates and pictures to follow.

[j hydro racer]

To the top

[abbypond]

A few more pics from the Crew Chief's facebook page

[DiGia54D]

Thanks for the pictures Abby!!

[Check-book]

We're sending wings to your heels, great water, and good luck.
Augustine Racing

You do us proud whatever you do!

[john.lawrence2@sympa]

Whats happenen!!! John Lawrence

[abbypond]

The driver's meeting took place at 8 am this morning, followed by a test session and then time trials. Billy was 3rd and Tony 16th in time trials. Heats 1 and 2 will run today (weather permitting). Check out these pics, the team is looking good!

[HRTV]

The live video feed can be seen here:

http://www.videoteam.ee/paat/

[ryan_4z]

They are on wind hold.

[BROCCOLI]

They went to Estonia for a wind hold. They could have gone to Wakefield for that!

[kev29p]

https://picasaweb.google.com/100807715747454968826/Viljandi2011Day1#5629663626182730786

[abbypond]

Heat 1- Billy takes 4th and Tony 14th...standby for heat 2 results.

[Phil Fronce]

What hull is Billy racing?

[john.lawrence2@sympa]

Abby: SEcond heat?? John Lawrence

[U.S. "A" Team]

It was not the best of days for the U.S. A Team. After almost an entire day of wind delays it started out well for U.S. driver Allen as he qualified in the third position out of twenty entries from ten different countries driving his Kamp Kurz Hull. The other American entry of Tony Lombardo piloting the Bennett Boats entry struggled to a sixteenth qualifying position and by the sound of his engine seemed to be dealing with carborator issues through the trials. In heat one, Allen came out of turn one in eighth place and battled his way through the pack by running an outside line and eventually closed to a hard fought fourth. Lombardo still had engine issues and although he improved his position by one spot, was still well below the team's expectations. In heat two, Allen's engine failed to fire on the first pull sending him into the first turn in last place but with some gritty driving in the rough water he was closing on tenth when he was hampered by the misfortune of blowing a hole in his left sponson shoe. Allen eventually finished in tewlth place and somehow finished the cool down lap and managed to get back to the pits without sinking. Lombardo didn't fare any better as his engine was still lacking power sending him once again to the back of the pack. When heat two was in the books, Allen was sitting in sixth and Lombardo was holding position in the rear of the field. As night closed on the pit area, U.S. A Team Chief Technical Officer Bob Cronin could be seen feverishly repairing the Kamp Kurz Hull and rebuilding the carburetor on Lombardo's engine with the help of the Swedish, Russian, Slovakian and Estonian teams. With two heats down and two to go the Americans are bloody but unbowed and are looking forward to a better day in heats three and four tomorrow.


Unity Flagstaff reporting.

[Howie Nichols]

Good luck tomorrow, if anyone can do it you can. Rally back!!!!!!

USA is proud of your accomplishments regardless of the outcome. We look forward to hearing all about it in Wakefield.

The Nichols

[kampkurz]

Thanks for the update Unity! I hope Billy and the crew can find enough plywood to fix that hole. I know most of our european friends have neer seen it. We are gonna use 7mm on those sponson bottoms next time.
Good luck with the repairs, hope you can get the carb issues corrected as well. I know you guys are putting your best effort into it, and can't wait to hear more about it. Mark Kurz

[7 d]

good luck tomorrow ,where watchin in rodiland

[j hydro racer]

Tony and Billy tested this morning, billys boat is fixed and not leaking. Tonys motor seems to be running better. Heat 3 in one hour

[john.lawrence2@sympa]

How long before first heat. John Lawrence

[ryan_4z]

"....If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same...."

Keep your collective chin up boys, in the hearts and minds of America, you've already won.

[abbypond]

For the testing this morning, it was reported that the float in the carb on Tony's motor was fixed and running much better.

It rained during the race of the third heat. Both drivers moved up in position- Billy places 7th and Tony 15th.

[abbypond]

And for the final results Billy places 6th overall and Tony 14th. From what I hear it sounds like the final heats involved fierce battles and very hard driving.

[Silas_53A]

awesome guys! well done!

[john.lawrence2@sympa]

Thanks Abbey and Congrats to the Team. Remember this is in the WORLD and beach starts are their game. John Lawrence

[ryan_4z]

I don't know why everybody is kissing your asses, I expected hardware!!!

[ian]

I don't know why everybody is kissing your asses, I expected hardware!!!

Thats what I was thinking. Jeesh....

[Allenthefamily]

Thanks for the stats and the excellent play by play on the thread. Just want to say, that not matter what, fast boats rock and we are proud.

Nice to get the pics, too.

[L. Allen]

Thanks to everybody for keeping me informed as I was out of town on a secret mission this weekend. I couldn't access the Internet; this would have revealed my coordinates.

To the U.S. "A" Team: Nice going you guys!

"Consider the postage stamp:
Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."

Here's to never giving up!

Hugs and kisses.

Lulu

[dlmurray]

More photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/100807715747454968826/Viljandi2011Day302#slideshow/5630652901502481634

[U.S. "A" Team]

U.S. A-Team Battles to Sixth Place in UIM World Championship
Host Country Estonia Dominates International Competition


The U.S. A-Team travelled to Viljandi Estonia on July 16 to compete in the UIM (Union of International Motorboating) World Championship in the highly competitive OSY-400 Hydroplane Class. The team, which was this year sponsored by the International Boat Shipping Company Peters and May, consisted of drivers Tony Lombardo from Concord, California and Team Captain Billy Allen from Quincy Massachusetts. Along with these APBA (American Power Boat Association) veteran pilots was the highly specialized support staff of Crew Chief Johnny Wlodarski from Newton, New Jersey, Administrator Rachel Warnock from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Chief Technician Bob Cronin from Candia, New Hampshire, International UIM Jury Member Racer Allen from Bailey Island, Maine and Photographer David Recht from Los Altos, California.


The team looked to be suffering from a collective ulcer when the container housing their boats and equipment was held up in Estonian Customs. After waiting for two full days it was finally cleared and delivered to the pit area on Friday afternoon. Showing their absolute support for the effort that the American team had put forth, the Estonian hosts then rescheduled the OSY-400 scrutineering and practice session in order to allow the Americans a couple of laps on Friday evening. The Kamp Kurz Hull driven by Allen looked fast and was handling well during the practice session but the Bennett Boats entry of Lombardo looked sluggish due to lack of engine power. After the practice was completed the Americans were observed working late into the night applying graphics to the hulls and trying to sort out their last minute problems going into Saturday’s time trials. Also on Saturdays schedule were heats one and two of the four heat feature final. Heats three and four were to be run on Sunday.

The team arrived early to the pits on Saturday morning amid howling winds, occasional rain and whitecaps and it was immediately announced at the 8 a.m. drivers meeting that the race would be put on hold until more favorably conditions prevailed. Showing total professionalism, Officer of the Day Vahur Joala was seen conferring with the Course Marshalls and keeping a constant eye to the sky and he finally announced in the early afternoon that the time trials would begin at three o’clock sharp. At three o’clock every boat was allowed one full solitary lap at top speed to determine the all important starting position on the jetty for heat one. The fastest boat would get the inside or “pole “position. When all the boats had completed their qualifying lap it was local Estonian drivers Erko Aabrahms in first with a lap time of 58.37 and last years fourth place finisher Sten Kalder second with a 58.93. In third was American Billy Allen posting a 59.09 followed by the Polish entry of Michal Swierczynski in 59.40. The other American entry of Lombardo still hadn’t gotten his engine up to potential and posted up in the 16th position of the twenty two finalists with a time of 62.98.


At exactly five o’clock the red light expired signaling the start of heat one. Estonian pole sitter Aabrahms exploded off the dock and, taking the inside lane under the still choppy conditions, led the heat out of turn one. When the pack reached the halfway point of the first lap Polish driver Michal Swierczynski went airborne crossing the starting wakes and flew into a spectacular flip bringing out the red flag and signaling all the drivers back to the jetty for a restart. Although unhurt, Swierczynski would not be seen driving again for the remainder of the competition. On the restart it was Aabrahms again getting the hole shot as he led wire to wire to gain the heat win. Following Aabrahms were fellow Estonians Sten Kalder and Annika Suuk. Finishing in the fourth position after suffering a bad start and battling his way through traffic was the American entry of Billy Allen followed by Slovakia’s Peter Stefanovic to round out the top five. American driver Lombardo was still back in the fray swinging away as he managed to improve his position by one spot finishing fourteenth.

In heat two Aabrahms was unable to get to turn one in the lead giving the hole shot to countryman Kalder who took full advantage and stretched out a big lead to take the heat win. In third was Annika Suuk followed by Algo Kuus in fourth and Slovakia’s Peter Stefanovic, the first non Estonian, taking the fifth spot. Back in the pack it was America’s Allen finishing in eleventh place after his engine failed to start on the first pull sending him to the first turn in last place. Working his way through the rough water Allen was making good headway until a hole was punched through the sponson shoe limiting his success and sending him to the pits barely floating at the close of the heat. Lombardo was still having engine problems and was struggling toward the rear of the pack.

Saturday night was repair time for the Americans as U.S. A-Team Chief Technical Officer Bob Cronin took total control of the situation and with some savvy international diplomacy went scurrying through the pit area borrowing wood, nails, glue and everything else needed to make the necessary repairs on the damaged Kamp Kurz Hull. With that finished he then assisted Tony Lombardo with a complete carburetor rebuild along with a float adjustment. Luckily for the American team the sun shines till midnight in Estonia in July.

On Sunday morning the American team arrived back to the pit area bloodied but unbowed for heats three and four of the World Final. When the red light expired to start heat three Allen was seen driving like a man possessed as he slugged his way from his eleventh place starting position all the way up to eighth after four laps and finally to seventh as he came from behind and passed the Polish entry of Bartek Chojnacki at the wire. Lombardo’s ride also seemed to be getting better as he was also able to improve his finishing position by a couple of places. Up front it was more Estonian domination as Sten Kalder, now driving from the pole position, gained the turn one hole shot and never looked back putting a big lead on Slovakia’s Peter Stefanovic with Estonian Erko Aabrahms now reduced to the third spot. The first place finish by Kalder put him in the catbird seat for the Gold Medal going into heat four.

In the fourth and final heat of the weekend it was the Estonians taking the top three spots with Kalder again in first, Aabrahms in second and Algo Kuus with the third. In fourth was The Slovakian Stefanovic who barely beat Billy Allen to the wire as the American roared through the rough water from the middle of the pack to take a respectable fifth in heat four.


When the spray had settled and the points were tallied it was Estonian Sten Kalder with the Gold Medal proudly hanging around his neck, countryman Erko Aabrahms with the silver and Slovakia’s Peter Stefanovic with the Bronze. Estonians Algo Kuss and Annika Suuk and America’s Billy Allen, rounded out the top six spots on the stage at the Awards Giving Presentation.

At the Closing Ceremony the Estonian hosts once again showed their sportsmanship and good will as they asked the entire U.S. A-Team to step forward to the podium and be recognized for coming so far and enduring so much pressure to compete at this international competition. In an emotional moment the Americans, with Crew Chief Johnny Wlodarski as the proud flag bearer, were shocked and surprised as the awards tent thundered with a minute’s long standing ovation in their honor. It was certainly a moment that this writer will not soon forget.

Unity Flagstaff Reporting

[Allenthefamily]

Unity, let me tell ya something, you write so well, I could smell the exhaust, feel the spray, and hear those engines. Thanks for a wonderfully written account of all that transpired. Really amazing! Goosepimple time.