U-5 & U-7 About Us

Formulaboats.com began its proud tradition of Unlimited Hydroplane racing in 2005 with the sponsorship of Chad Sanderson's U-5. Throughout the season, driver Mike Weber wrung the maximum performance from the old hull. Mike Allen was given his first opportunity in an Unlimited cockpit, testing U-5 at the Nashville race. Future Team FormulaBoats.com driver Jeff Bernard gained his first heat win against Weber and the U-5 in the Chevrolet Cup at Seafair in the Provisional Heat in Seattle, WA.

Ted Porter's 2006 purchase of two former Miss Budweiser hulls (T-5 & T-6) for the Precision Performance Engineering, LLC team reinvigorated the sport. Those outside of the team expected little, but the team competed successfully at each event. Team Manager & U-5 driver Mike Weber surrendered the U-5 cockpit to Jeff Bernard for Seattle and San Diego. Mike Allen's win at Valleyfield, Quebec in U-7 and consistent performances throughout the year afforded the team the National Championship and the U-1 designation for 2007. The 2006 season for everyone was "Living the Dream".

The team began the 2007 campaign with high expectations for the defense of the National Championship. Early accidents, injuries and equipment damage took the team out of the title hunt. Strong performances on the Western swing of the "Pick up the Pieces" tour buoyed hopes for 2008. Jimmy Shane joined the team and schooled many veterans with his starts in the U-1 back-up hull in Tri-Cities, WA and Seattle, WA. Mike Allen's speeds in the rebuilt U-1 primary hull impressed all in his return at San Diego. Jeff Bernard's season-ending Final Heat against Steve David in Oh Boy! Oberto was described by many as the best Final Heat in many years.

2008 saw the return of Team FormulaBoats.com to the winner's circle. Jeff Bernard piloted the U-5 to his first unlimited victory at the Madison Regatta and accepted the Indiana Governor's Cup trophy from Governor Mitch Daniels. U-5 became the only repeat winner for the season capturing the Bill Muncey Cup trophy and securing a second place finish in the National High Points standings. The U-7 crew along with driver, Mike Allen, and back-up driver, Jimmy Shane, battled through adversity to end the 2008 season in fifth place.

The 2009 season brought the return of John Rice to the team as Crew Chief of the U-7 and J. Michael Kelly was named driver for the Graham Trucking sponsored hydroplane. The year was highlighted by a one-two team finish in Evansville, IN as U-5 Formulaboats.com and pilot Jeff Bernard took the victory and U-7 finished a close second. History was made as the unlimiteds race for the first time in the Middle East. The fleet visited Doha, Qatar to compete for the U.I.M. World championship and Oryx Cup. J. Michael Kelly outlasted the field in U-7 to claim the title. In addition to success on the race course, John Rice was recognized by Hi Unlimited as 2009 Crew Chief of the Year and Graham Trucking received a Marketing Award.