The 2006 World Hovercraft Championship in Lac du Tolerme was a substantial success. A story will be developed for the Sep/Oct issue of HOVERNEWS. In the meantime here are a number of photos for your viewing pleasure. Click on an image for a closer view. All photographs are by Louis Bondurant unless noted otherwise.
For
official race results and other post event details, visit Club
Anjou Aéroglisseurs website
www.whc2006.com.
An impressive showing of craft by the French team.
Klaus Bonighausen with a tight grouping of F1 competitors at his heals.
Good viewing access to the track for spectators.
Following a parade of the nations on Thursday evening, the event is officially declared open.
A bit of air by Mike King of Great Britian gives the crowd something interesting to watch.
An impressive fireworks display followed the opening ceremony.
Paul Hibbard (UK), Michael Metzner (Germany) and Magnus Ivanhoff (Sweden) setting up for the high speed section on the back straight.
This relatively new structure facilitated on-site meetings including the opening ceremony, banquet and awards ceremony.
Robin Brickles clears the jump just behind Matthais Tager.
Rumor has it that the next World Championship may be close to Sweden. That will be nice.
Magnus Ivanoff has a bit of difficulty with prop wash from Daniel Turnbull during heat #3. While things don't look too promising in this shot, he was able to manage a quick recovery.
Rachael and Matthew of Team Gifford capture first place in the Endurance Race.
Minutes after being struck by another craft during heat 5, the Brits are all over Paul Hibbard's craft performing quick and extensive repairs.
The third heat of F2 racing late Saturday afternoon. If this a full pond or what?
Our new F2 World Champion, Canadian Chris Barczynski Jr. of Toronto, Ontario.
There's more to this shot than first meets the eye. After a brief stretch on the beach, Jaroslav Balaz returns quickly to this heat of Formula S racing.
After an unscheduled rerouting, the ship carrying the American container finally ports in southern Italy. Substantial unplanned expenses were required to facilitate delivery in time for the event. Photo from Aéroglisseurs web site.
Many of the Swedes were using this Italian liquid cooled 2-stroke engine for lift. Was said to be 15 hp and probably didn't weigh much more than 12 pounds.
Kent Gano was sidelined on Friday due to a very involved failure of drive train components.
Alignment and welding of this complex drive part was no small job. Graham Spencer photo.
Advice and welding services from Monsieur Lagarde facilitated Kent Gano's return to racing. A true craftsman and a fine gentleman.
After his victory lap the very happy Chris Jr. is joined by the quite proud Chris Sr. and Sabrina Barczynski back in the pits.
The French organizers took appropriate care of their numerous volunteer workers with meals, dedicated close-in camping and transportation to and from their work locations. Large tent on the far left is the dining hall, immediately to the right is the kitchen.
Lift problems with the new Swift hovercraft designed and built by Steve Pope and Graham Spencer, prevented participating in FS racing.
While Steve was not able to secure the desired points racing, he certainly did not strike out all together. Next goal, learning to speak French.
Alain Larribe provides some entertainment for spectators on the far side of the lake.
Racers Chris Barckynski Sr, Matthew Gifford and Rachael Gifford prepare for the start of final F25 heat.
Ralph DuBo se of Houston, TX secured a 13th place finish in Formula S.
Kent Gano of Cumming, GA on the heals of Henk Martens in the final heat of Formula S.
Oh my, what happened here!!! - No this is not an accident and there is no need to wonder what happened to the driver. This is actually a craft which has been designed to facilitate transport without the need for a trailer. The structure of the hull is pneumatic (like an inflatable raft) and a hinged skid plate provides protection on the bottom. By the way it is not the vehicle shown above that it used to carry the craft.
