PASCO, WASH (December 2, 2009) - More than 200,000 unique web site visitors from 32 countries viewed various audio, video and photo files on the H1 Unlimited web site during the Oryx Cup/UIM World Championship event November 19-21. In all there were more than 2 million looks at the site the week of the race. 

According to statistics released by the H1 Unlimited series media team, a daily average of 14,691 people viewed the H1 web site between November 15 and November 28 to catch-up on all of the action and activities associated with the sport’s first international venue held in Doha, Qatar. 

“These numbers are fantastic,” said H1 Unlimited chairman, Sam Cole.  “To have people from 32 countries watching our boats in action is truly fantastic. It really shows the potential we have to expand globally.” 

Cole praised the efforts of Tampa Digital Productions and the H1 Doha Media team for keeping the web site loaded with information, photos and video.  

Cole added,  “Never has the sport received so many kudos for race coverage.  The emails we have received from fans and media outlets attest to our viability and the keen interest that the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, Doha and the battle for the series championship generated.” 

The world championship race, won by J. Michael Kelly in the U-7 Graham Trucking was streamed live on the web to the delight of thousands who were on-line Friday and Saturday to catch the action and to keep up with the closest battle for the sport’s Series Championship in history, with Steve David and the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto winning for the second consecutive year. 

In several locations, like the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum South of Seattle, large groups of fans gathered to watch the live coverage, which occurred between midnight and the early morning hours in the US. 

Entering the championship heat, 156 points separated the first to third place boats, giving the worldwide audience a look at one of the most exciting season ending races in the history of the sport. 

Highlights of the internet race coverage can be seen on the Video link at www.abrahydroplanes.com