U-1 Spirit of Qatar to begin defense

Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) announced its support to Dave Villwock, the defending National High Points champion, as he begins the defense of his crown at this weekend s Lucas Oil Indiana Governor s Cup, the opening round of the 2012 Air National Guard H1 Unlimited Series at Madison in the USA. The Washington State driver, who runs an Ellstrom Racing hydroplane in the H1 Unlimited series with the backing of the QMSF and its chairman HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, reverts to the number one for this season, having used Qatar s number 96 to claim the crown at the Oryx Cup in Doha Bay last November. The most successful hydroplane racer in history, Villwock has amassed 65 wins since 1992 and won three races last year   in Detroit Tri-Cities and San Diego   on his way to a first National High Points  title in four years. He overhauled the late Bill Muncey s total of 62 race wins last season   the retired Chip Hanauer won 61 races and is third in the rankings. Twelve hydroplanes will take to the water on the Bill Cantrell Memorial course on the Ohio River this weekend, where the QMSF-supported Villwock will line-up against arch-rival Steve David, last year s Madison winner at the helm of U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto. David won three successive High Points  titles before Villwock snatched the title back in Doha Bay last autumn. Other drivers likely to challenge for overall honours in Indiana include J. Michael Kelly in U-37 Schumacher Racing and the 2011 Oryx Cup winner Scott Liddycoat at the helm of U-88 Degree Man. Peters and May, meanwhile, continues its association with J.W. Myers and the U-11 boat, as series promoters are delighted with the strength in depth in the race field for the opening meeting of the season. Testing and qualifying will take place on Friday (July 6th) and the pole position qualifications will take place on Friday evening (Qatar time). Teams will be permitted to test further on Saturday morning, with the first heats starting at 13.30hrs (EDT local time). More heats will take place on Sunday, leading up to the Lucas Oils Indiana Governor s Cup race at 16.20hrs (EDT). (QNA)