Unlimited Hydroplane racing returned to the Tri-Cities with Dave Villwock and Steve David locked in a tight battle for the overall top qualifying position.

The Spokesman-Review

KENNEWICK – Dave Villwock drove Spirit of Qatar to the top speed Friday during the first round of qualifying for the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup unlimited hydroplane race.

Villwock posted an average speed of 161.928 mph on his fastest lap around the 2.5-mile Columbia River course.

Next fastest was Steve David, driver of Oh Boy! Oberto, who averaged 160.972.

The third-fastest speed was turned in by Nate Brown, driver of Red Dot, who averaged 157.199. Ken Muscatel drove the U-25 to an average 156.513 and Cal Phipps in the Spirit of Detroit posted 156.296.

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