RUMORS, RUMORS, RUMORS! How do rumors get started and how do you stop them. Maybe it’s because fans just don’t get enough factual information from reliable sources and become impatient and need something to talk about. First I would like to say that my racing team or the sport in general is healthy and strong. I, personally, am physically and financially in good shape as well. My U-8 Racing Team again is proud to announce that “LLumar Window Film”, CPFilms, Inc is again our title sponsor for the 2005 season. This will be the ninth consecutive year as primary sponsor. The U-19 hydroplane is currently in the shop and is being equipped with a Lance Morris gearbox and a newly rebuilt Lycoming T55-L7B turbine engine. In the next few weeks, the U-19, the trailer and the truck will be delivered to its new owner, in Auburn, Indiana. Shop work projects are proceeding. In the engine shop, John Walters, is far ahead of schedule rebuilding our stable of turbine engines and gearboxes for the upcoming racing season. The T-4 hull is also in the process of being repaired and maintained in plenty of time to test prior to the racing season. The crew is working very hard to present a competitive race boat on the water for the 2005 season. There is a rumor is that the U-8 team might have their ”retired 1988 former Pringles & Tide boat” back on the water again this year. Currently the boat is in the process of getting a new cockpit and decks. If sponsorship can be found then there is a chance that this boat will see the water in 2005. Now a downright ridiculous rumor that I have heard: The ABRA without the “Bud” participation and without Budweiser money, could have some management and organizational problems. While we will certainly miss the Little family and the long standing sponsor relationship with Anheuser-Busch, we are moving forward and things are falling into place for the 2005 season. We are all looking forwarded to a new beginning! LET’S STOP THESE RUMORS! Read the facts listed below: ABRA: What a refreshing feeling it is to see all the boat owners and race sites working together for one common cause, to put on the best possible Hydroplane Racing Events ever before seen and to build an executive management organization where all members, owners and race sites work hand in hand to accomplish the best possible racing conditions and financial success for all participants. This is truly a great new beginning for the sport. RACE EVENTS: With the new year just beginning already ABRA has announced two new race events to the 2005 series. Both are already confirmed. A new Nashville TN race scheduled for September 9, 10 and 11 and a new Unlimited Hydroplane Race exhibition at Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada on July 8, 9 and 10. DETROIT GOLD CUP: The DRRA (Detroit River Racing Association) has presented the ABRA a proposal for the scheduled Gold Cup event on July 15, 16 and 17 and it is expected that a conformation of the race will be released to the media soon. TELEVISION: ABRA has established a relationship with the OLN “Outdoor Living Network” and arrangements are now being made for Unlimited Hydroplane races to be televised. OLN is owned by “Comcast” and competitive programming has resulted in outstanding growth in viewing audience. SERIES SPONSORSHIPS, etc: We are proud to announce that Maurer Group Marketing has been retained by ABRA to facilitate marketing our sport. The agency, together with board chairman Sam Cole, are creating sponsorship presentations and handling the sale of television commercials. We have confidence that additional sponsorships will be confirmed in the very near future. Signed, U-8 Corporation Bill Wurster _______________________________