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2016 Columbia Cup: Jimmy Shane ready to defend championship against all rivals


Jimmy Shane, Columbia Cup Champion (2012, 2014, 2015)
Jimmy Shane, Columbia Cup Champion (2012, 2014, 2015)
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KENNEWICK, Wash. -- All eyes will be on defending Columbia Cup Champion Jimmy Shane and last year's runner-up J. Michael Kelly who both say they're friends off the water but when the heats begin, it's all about finishing first.

The sweet sounds of boats revving and crews working are back at the Columbia River.

Which means Jimmy Shane...the three-time Columbia Cup champion returns for another shot at boat racing glory.

"We know that we have a target on our back. We are going to race our own race and set the boat up to be the best that it can be for our team," said Shane.

After winning last year's Gold Cup in the Oberto boat, Shane will make his racing debut in the U-1 Miss Homestreet Bank.

Shane has won his 12-straight heats and the last three national high point championships.

Meanwhile, J. Michael Kelly has been the runner-up to Shane in national standings for the last two seasons and has taken second in the Columbia Cup three times including last year.

"Second place is definitely getting old," said Kelly.

But one obstacle for all ten racers will be a challenging turn that could shift momentum on the long straightaways.

The turn requires balance and savvy turning ability, even from veterans like Shane and Kelly.

"That's the most critical part of the race course. If you get through that first turn clean without hitting a bunch of rough water, you're going to come out of that first turn in first," said Shane.

"Can't hold lane one then bad things are gonna happen cause usually you have a boat on your outside and you'll be going blowing through the rooster tail and ripping parts off your boat," said Kelly.

Kelly tells KEPR he's coming into this weekend with more confidence than usual because his primary boat is back in action after being damaged by a semi-truck last September.

"I'm going to have what it takes to beat Jimmy. It's going to be pretty challenging this weekend. We got a lot of fast boats out there. It's going to be great for the fans, tough on us racers to try to come away with the top finish," said Kelly.

And for fans, these heats should be a treat especially if it all comes down to Shane and Kelly.

"We're all really good friends on the shoreline but the second that those engines start up for the race, everybody knows it's a competition and we're all going for that win," said Shane.

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