You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down!

The first Unlimited Lights hydroplane race was held May 19-20 in
Richland, Washington. Miss Boat Electric, (UL72) is sponsored by a
consortium of local marine businesses (including this publication) and
was driven by a rookie driver, Ms. Kayleigh Perkins.

ULHRA rules are written to keep "rookie" drivers somewhat out of
harm's way. Rookies are not allowed to cross the starting line until
five seconds after the starting gun and must begin at the outside of
the pack. The apparent intention is to allow the rookies to follow the
experienced drivers around the course for a few races before mixing it
up with the seasoned pros and contending for an actual victory.
Somebody forgot to tell Kayleigh Perkins that she wasn't really
expected to go out and play with the boys, as she fearlessly and
skillfully drove from her position of initial disadvantage to win two
of her three heats and finish second in the third. Kayleigh not only
overcame the 5-second and outside lane disadvantages to give Miss Boat
Electric an early claim to first place in the 2007 National Points
Championship, but she drove the naturally aspirated UL72 right past
some competitors running supercharged engines.

According to Lori Hogan of Boat Electric, Kayleigh's astonishing
performance at Richland has inspired ULHRA officials to remove her
from the rookie list and she will no longer be required to start 5
seconds behind the pack or race in an outside lane. (Watch out guys,
school's in session).