CHRYSLER JEEP DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP July 8-11, 1999 Friday July 9 1999 *** FRIDAY On what was to be our 2nd day of testing and qualifying, the weather did a complete 180 from yesterday. A very windy rain for the morning, then the rain stopped but the winds stayed on. The day was officially called a bit after 3pm. Of course, an hour later the sun came through and the wind died down for a bit. Windy again when I left, with mostly clear skies. *** SAD NEWS FOR FANS THAT CAN'T BE HERE I have not been able to confirm any WDIV coverage. They were going to show today's Automotive Gold Cup in an hour show, now the word from the top is: "they 'may' show a 30 minute program on Saturday evening". Folks, I'm talking about their local TV coverage, let alone broadcast to the net. The source had no knowledge of plans for a Sunday night dedicated broadcast, but I'm hoping something falls into place. WDIV does broadcast their news shows to the net, those are at 5:30am, Noon, 5, 6, and 11pm. The 11pm Sunday show is heavy on sports coverage - this would be the best newscast to visit. *** U-14 - KEN MUSCATEL IN MISS BELL FORKLIFT Early reports of Wednesday's damage were exaggerated. A brush with something scuffed off 3 layers of fiberglass for maybe 2 feet. The team has installed a new rudder mount, the old one was giving them many headaches. The U-14 team is READY TO GO as *soon* as the course opens, and I'm really rooting for them. There are 3 boats that still need to qualify, but the other two (U-8 and U-100) have a Commissioners Option based on the fact that they have run a race prior to the Gold Cup. It's sad irony that the Commissioner is the one without the option! When he does qualify, it's just as the trailer boat for heat 1A or B. *** CINDY AND CHUCK MOORE As you can tell, the 2 C's have arrived! Many thanks from SODT for their quick postings. They'll be doing split duty at times so that we can have some coverage from the Belle Isle ('Daisy') pits, and I especially appreciate this. *** SATURDAY TESTING AND QUALIFYING Newly scheduled Saturday qualifying is 8:00 to 9:30. Teams were told to have 3 boats over the water at 7:50 in case the river can open early. Sunday's schedule is in flux - we'll try to post that tomorrow. *** REALVIDEO CLIPS (pre-recorded) I hope everyone likes these... we chose audio priority over video. http://www.thunderfest.com/photogal/99/videos/index.html Next week we could post some Quicktime or AVI files with better video if there is interest, but these would be a couple/few megs in size and playback doesn't start until the download is completed. Let us know if you want em. - Brian Reed (Volunteer WebMaster: http://www.thunderfest.com)

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