Updated: 3:16 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2010 | Posted: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009
SEATTLE —
Black Diamond's Kayleigh Perkins and the UL-72 Foster Care/Vitamin Water team won the Unlimited Lights Final in a crowded field of eight boats and became the Unlimited Lights Hydroplane champion Sunday afternoon at Seafair.
"I can't believe I just won Seafair! I grew up watching this," she told KIRO 7's Gaard Swanson just after the victory. " This has just been the best weekend in my life."
WATCH IT: Kayleigh Perkins' Joy Of Victory
The UL-19 Interstate Batteries boat driven by Ryan Mallow was neck-neck-with Perkins but the UL-72 boat proved to be too much.
"My Foster Care boat, my Vitamin Water team really stepped up, put in the best stuff they could and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime," Perkins said. "This is huge."
It was Perkins fifth win in a row on the hydroplane circuit.
There was a point during the race when Perkins engine cowling became dislodged and many thought she wouldnt have enough horsepower to finish the race in first place.
The UL-19 team finished second ahead of the teams UL-1, UL-14, UL-11 and UL-9 respectively.
The defending champion, UL-14 Miss Critical Logic boat driven by Paul Becker finished fourth.