Big crowd honors H1 stars at Unlimited Hydroplane banquet

For the Reporter

Steve David had a smile on his face and excitement in his voice Saturday night.

More than 200 individuals in attendance along with emcee Brad Luce celebrated the sport of unlimited hydroplane racing at the annual H1 Unlimited awards banquet at the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59.

“I always enjoy the annual banquet, but this year it is very special,” said David, the new H1 chairman and former world champion driver. “I believe we have a realistic outlook at the standing of our sport, and we had two days of high energy, team-oriented meetings during our annual meeting. And tonight, we honor and thank the individuals and the teams who gave this sport an extraordinary effort in 2014.”

It was probably apropos that David, in his first year as H1 chairman and retired driver of the Oberto boat, was able to hand out the top awards to the night to driver Jimmy Shane and the Oberto team.

Shane, of Covington, won the 2014 National High Point championship while his Kent-based Oberto team was awarded the Martini and Rossi National High Point championship trophy. The Oberto brand was also named as H1 Unlimited Sponsor of the Year.

Larry Hanson, crew chief for the Oberto team, and Graham Trucking crew chief Tom Anderson were named co-recipients of the Mechanix Wear Crew Chief of the Year Award.

Ted Porter, the owner of the two Graham Trucking hydroplanes, also took home some hardware honored as the Owner of the Year. And Graham Trucking was named Crew of the Year. The two Graham Trucking teams and drivers J. Michael Kelly and Cal Phipps were runner-ups to the Oberto team this past season in the high point chase.

Director of Operations Ted Grange was honored for his outstanding contributions not only as the “pit boss” but for his work in helping teams travel to and from Doha, Qatar and providing the plan and hard work to ensure a professional event.

Brian Hajny not only was named Chief Referee for 2015 on Saturday, he was also awarded the Official of the Year honor at the banquet. The Tri-City Water Follies was named Site of the Year as it prepares to host the 50th annual unlimited hydroplane race and the APBA Gold Cup on Aug. 24-26.

The 2015 H1 Unlimited season is scheduled to start with the Madison (Ind.) Regatta on the Ohio River on July 3-5.

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2014 H1 UNLIMITED AWARD WINNERS

• Crew of the Year – Graham Trucking

• Mechanix Wear Crew Chief of the Year – Larry Hanson (Oberto) and Tom Anderson (Graham Trucking)

• Owner of the Year – Ted Porter

• Race Site of the Year – Tri-City Water Follies

• Sponsor of the Year – Oberto

• Official of the Year – Brian Hajny

• Vic Nelawake Volunteer Spirit Award – Kim Forsell

• Outstanding Contribution – Ted Grange

• Lifetime Achievement to Steve Montgomery

• Inaugural Steve Montgomery Excellence in Media Award – David Goricki

• High Points third-place driver and team – Cal Phipps and Graham Trucking 7

• High Points second-Place driver and team – J Michael Kelly and Graham Trucking 1

• National champion driver – Jimmy Shane

• Martini and Rossi national champion – Oberto