THUNDERFEST: SIGNAL FLAG ONLINE

SIGNAL FLAG ONLINE #32

CHRYSLER JEEP DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP July 6-9, 2000
Saturday February 26 2000
Hello from everyone at SODT in our first SFO issue of the New Year. This warm weekend in Detroit is our first hint of summer, and it almost feels like it's time to setup the tents! Related events are already upon us:
*** THUNDERFEST VOLUNTEER SOCIAL --- THIS TUESDAY!
We had a great turnout last year, so we're doing it again... Join the Officers and Staff of Thunderfest for a casual gathering with fun, food, beverages, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and all the latest Thunderfest and hydro racing info.
Free for volunteers, guests $10. 6pm - 9pm, at the Bruce Post VFW Hall on Jefferson (about 11 1/2 mile). This is not a mandatory meeting.
As of January 1st, dues were increased to $40. However, if you pay your dues at the party you will get the early-bird rate of $30.
*** COMMODORE / VOLUNTEER BALL 2000 --- SATURDAY MARCH 11TH
Commodore J. Brian Elliot and The Flag Officers present a night of Dinner, Dancing and Special Prizes at the beautiful Detroit Yacht Club. Cruise into the new millenium in recognition of all Thunderfest volunteers, friends of Thunderfest, and to welcome in the new Flag Officers.
$30 per person - $55 per couple, all reservations must be paid in full by March 6th - seating is limited. CASUAL BOATING ATTIRE. Cash bar with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. Call the SODT offices for more info: (800) 359-7760 or (313) 331-7770.
*** "UNLIMITEDS DETROIT" MEMBERS PREVIEW THE "MADISON" MOVIE
Unlimiteds Detroit is not directly associated with SODT, but many people belong to both groups. At the recent UD meeting they showed clips from the upcoming movie based around the 1971 Gold Cup win by Jim McCormick in Miss Madison... it's been a long time since a movie has included Hydroplane racing, and this looks like it will be good! Local legend Fred Alter was on hand to talk about the making of the hydroplane scenes.
*** "UNLIMITEDS DETROIT" MOVIE DAY --- SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
"The Revenge of UD at the Movies" at the Dossin Museum on Belle Isle. 11am Swap Meet with movies at Noon featuring Gar Wood Jr. on his dad plus the 1999 Hawaii race (watch Miss Bud in the 3rd heat - you be the judge). Members and guests invited (bring a friend and your swapping stuff). A donation to the museum is suggested at the door... if you've never been to the Dossin, it's a great place to visit. The Dossin phone number is (313) 852-4051. For a map, see location 5 on this page: http://www.thunderfest.com/spectate/bimap2.html
*** VILLWOCK INJURED BY R/C PLANE
During a test firing of his radio-control plane, the restraint failed and Villwock was injured. The 10 foot model is powered by a 10 horsepower engine with a 26 inch prop --- interestingly, much larger than Miss Bud's own prop. He suffered a broken bone in his forearm and damaged his middle fingertip. He spent the night - his birthday - in the hospital and will wear his arm in a brace for the next six weeks.
"It's a little like trying to stop your lawn mower with your bare hands, but I've been through a lot worse," said Villwock, the UHRA's two-time defending driving champion. He expects to be ready for the Miss Budweiser's first preseason test session on Lake Washington in April.
- Brian Reed (Volunteer WebMaster: http://www.thunderfest.com)