ERCU Diamond Cup: What you need to know

Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview, Washington
Closest address (for GPS) 1701 Nichols Blvd., Longview, WA
 
The second race of the 2021 ERCU Pentair Championship Series is the Diamond Cup, set for this Saturday, April 17 at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the second event of the year:
 
Contest Director
Nelson Holmberg
 
Pre-Registration
Pre-Registration for the Diamond Cup is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/diamond-cup.html to find the pre-registration link in a blue box just underneath the race site map. You may also pre-pay your entry fees online by following the PayPal directions at the bottom of the page.
 
Schedule
It is our intent to have the course set by 8:00 a.m., so that testing can commence once boats are registered for the event. With the possibility that there may be new boats that need to be inspected or rookie drivers who may need to take a driving test, please plan to arrive early on Saturday morning. The water will be open for testing until 9:10 a.m., with the drivers meeting set to begin at 9:15 a.m., and time trials for the Classic Triple Crown to follow the drivers meeting. Modern heat 1A will begin immediately after the time trials.
 
Three Minute Clock
The three-minute clock will start as soon as all drivers indicate to the Chief Referee that they are ready and will not be stopped for any reason other than health or safety. There may be an opportunity to skip the clock ahead to 1:30 when all drivers are at the driving area and boats are ready to go in the water. This will be discussed at the drivers meeting.
 
Drivers Meeting
The Drivers Meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes. It will begin at 9:15 a.m. at the scoring tent. It should not take longer than 15 minutes to complete.
 
New/Guest Drivers
ERCU always welcomes new members to the club and visiting racers from other clubs. If a rookie driver needs to be qualified, we will close the course during the test session for the rookie driving test as often is as necessary. The full procedure for rookie qualifications, and for visiting drivers, is in the rulebook, see below).
 
2021 Rules
Please review the rulebook as is posted on the ERCU website, available under the Resources tab. The Contest Director/Chief Referee will make every effort to be sure that officiating is consistent with the rules as published on the website, and that every effort is made to assure consistency in officiating.
 
New Boats
As noted above, it is possible that there will be new boats in the pits that need to be inspected. We ask that you print out the 2021 Hull Inspection Form, found on the Resources tab of the club website (www.ercu-hydros.com), and complete the member information at the top of page one prior to arriving at the race site. Please also remember to bring a photo of the real boat (a photo on your phone or tablet is acceptable) that your boat models. ERCU inspector Robbie Roberts will not be at the race, so inspections will be handled by another board member at the Diamond Cup.
 
Diamond Cup Defending Champions (2020 season)
Vintage: 1975 Oh Boy! Oberto, Nelson Holmberg
Classic: 1974 Miss U.S., Gerry Bordon
Modern: 2018 Oberto Beef Jerky, Nelson Holmberg
 
Race Format

• POINTS RACE – winner in each class will be determined by total cumulative points earned during the Diamond Cup
• Three flights of preliminary heats, five laps each
• First and second connies for each class (depending on total boat count and attrition)
• First connie winner advances to the final as a trailer. Second connie winner advances to the first connie as a trailer
• Second place boat in the first connie may choose to be an alternate in the final.
• Final heat with top six boats in each class
• Classic Triple Crown Series Event #1
• Flight Schedule
  • 1/10 Scale modern, classic, vintage heats
  • 1/7 Scale modern, vintage heats
  • 1/8 Scale exhibition

 
Post Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation
After the race is over, please remember to stick around to help cleanup and re-pack the club trailer. Also, please stick around after cleanup is done to help celebrate the day’s award winners. Awards will be given to the podium (1st, 2nd & 3rd place) for each division and each class. It’s always nice for the award winners to be present, and to have our friends present to recognize those who won.
 
Weather Forecast
As of this writing, the weather is expected to be sunny and 82 degrees in Longview.
 
Covid Notice
Effective Monday, April 12, Cowlitz County (where Longview is) was moved back to Phase 2 in the state’s Covid protocol. According to the information from the Governor’s Office, we should still be fine for our outdoor event at Lake Sacajawea, but restaurants in the county are now restricted back to 25 percent indoor dining. If you intend to have breakfast in town before the event, or dinner after, be aware of the restriction.
 
Pits
In response to Cowlitz County being moved back in the protocol, combined with the 82-degree weather, it is anticipated there will be a lot of people in the park, and curious as to what we are doing. The pits will need to be staked and taped to limit admission to the pit area. Please do not invite in people who are not in your racing team group. This is for everyone’s health and safety. It is also to show Longview we care about following the Covid guidelines they have in place, and that we have in place. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Nelson.

Sanican
We will have a Sanican in place in the pits for race day. To help offset the cost ($200) of having this portable restroom, we will charge a surcharge of $5 per member in the pits. Please come prepared to add this payment, or to submit via PayPal.