Miss Bud Still Fastest In Qualifying At Seafair

Miss Budweiser, driven by Mark Weber, remains the fastest qualifier for today’s Texaco Cup hydroplane race at Seafair.

Stiff breezes and rough water Saturday prevented drivers from beating the 152.436 mph lap Weber turned on the 2-mile oval course at the south end of Lake Washington on Friday.

The Miss Budweiser will face Close Call, driven by Mark Tate, who posted a speed of 152.362 mph.

Heat 1B will be headed by PICO American Dream, driven by Mark Evans, who qualified at 146.906 mph. Evans has won the last two events on the Unlimited Hydroplane Thunder Tour. The heat will also include the Spokane-based Appian Jeronimo, driven by Mitch Evans, which qualified at 141.808 mph.

The winner-take-all championship heat is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. today.