Owner/Driver: Jim Putich

Hometown: Sedro Wooley, WA

Yearly Boat Points Finishes

2024: 10554 points, 2nd of 44 boats

2023: 5375 points, 11th of 40 boats

2022: 4417 points, 17th of 43 boats

2021: 2315 points, 26th of 55 boats

2020: Not held due to COVID-19

2019: 2641 points, 25th of 59 boats

Unlimited Hydroplane Info

Hull #1496

U-16

The Oberto started life as the Spirit of Qatar in 2014, when the Ellstrom family constructed their latest hydroplane. The hull has shown promise, but also was flipped in its first season in Seattle.

In 2016, the boat returned with sponsorship from the Oberto sausage company. Jean Theoret piloted the boat, as it raced in the Tri-Cities and Seattle. It finished 3rd at the Columbia Cup, and finished 8th in national high points.

In 2017, the boat raced with JW Myers at the helm in Seattle only, placing 5th in the final.

Currently the boat races under the Strong Racing ownership with J. Michael Kelly as the driver.