Seattle, WA (May 11, 2000) - Further announcements regarding Russ Wicks' attempt to set a new World Water Speed Record for a propeller driven boat will be released at GameWorks Seattle on Monday, May 15. In addition, the U-25 Miss Freei unlimited hydroplane racing boat, as used to attempt the speed record, will be on display. The boat display will be open to the public and there will be no charge for admission.
"We're looking forward to releasing more details of our plan to capture the speed record," said Wicks, a Seattle native. "Since our initial announcement, there has been a tremendous amount of interest regarding when and where the attempt will take place. Now that we have everything in place, we'll make a formal announcement at GameWorks this Monday. This is also a great opportunity for hydroplane racing fans to see the new Miss Freei and enjoy themselves in GameWorks' fun and exciting atmosphere.
While the U-25 Miss Freei will be on display from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, a media news conference will take place at 6:00 pm, followed by opportunities for hydroplane fans to meet Wicks, unlimited racer Ken Muscatel and the Superior Racing team. GameWorks Seattle is located downtown at Meridian Square on 7th and Pike. Further information regarding GameWorks is available by calling (206) 521-0952.
As the longest-standing major speed record in history, the current World Water Speed Record for a propeller-driven boat has not been broken in nearly four decades. The current world record of 200.419 miles per hour was set in 1962 by Roy Duby in the Miss U.S., at Lake Guntersville, Alabama.
About the Miss Freei Hydroplane
Miss Freei is a regulation propeller-driven unlimited hydroplane featuring a jet-fueled Lycoming L-7C turbine engine (out of a military Chinook helicopter), producing 3,000 horsepower at 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The boat is 28 feet in length, weighs 6,600 pounds and features a safety canopy from an F-16 fighter jet. At speed, Miss Freei throws over a ton of water into the air, creating a 200-foot rooster tail shooting up to 40 feet high.