Bernard wins prelim
Villwock edges Columbia Cup champ
SEATTLE – Jeff Bernard and Dave Villwock posted close victories Saturday in their preliminary heats at the Chevrolet Cup at Seafair unlimited hydroplane race.
Bernard averaged 138.582 mph in Formulaboats.com over the three-lap race course on Lake Washington. He narrowly defeated Jean Theoret, who had an average speed of 137.644. Third went to Kip Brown driving USNW Express with an average of 132.527 mph.
In another prelim, Villwock in Ellstrom E-Lam Plus beat Columbia Cup champ Steve David in Oh Boy! Oberto, with Villwock holding on by a boat length. Villwock averaged 145.637 mph to 145.030 mph for David. Brian Perkins finished third with Albert Lee at 122.662 mph.
The drivers will vie in more preliminary heats today before the Cup race finale.