Volunteering on a rescue boat during the Detroit Thunderfest last year, IBEW Local 58 member Pingree Conflitti soaked up the world of powerboat racing.

This year, he's taken the plunge. In less than a year, Conflitti got his power boat license, had a boat assembled for him, took part in three races, and is now ready to race his craft as a rookie driver during this year's Detroit Thunderfest, scheduled July 13-14.

"I've watched the boats for years, and I've been involved in the support team for the Thunderfest, but I never imagined I'd be a driver," Conflitti said. "But a friend let me drive his boat, and after going about 130 miles per hour, I was hooked."

Conflitti's boat was made in Seattle. The red, white and blue craft is named "Union Dooz #58" in honor of his affiliation with Electrical Workers Local 58. "I named it in the interest of brotherhood," the 10-year IBEW member said. "This will help spread the word about Local 58, and I'm doing this for the members, as a member."

Working under the legal name of Hard Hat Racing LLC, Conflitti's boat can qualify in three classes, including Grand Prix and Unlimited Light. His craft has a 468-cubic inch Merlin engine from a Pontiac design. The engine can generate more than 800 horsepower with a top speed of about 165 mph.

Conflitti's best finish this year was third place in the Summer Nationals in Decatur, Ill, driving in the Grand Prix class. He is also planning on racing the boat this summer in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and the "Quake on the Lake" event in Waterford July 26-27. There are 10 races in a season, and he plans on participating in nearly all of them. He is a member of the Marine Prop Riders, the American Powerboat Association and the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Association.

"The only way I'm going to get better as a driver is with experience and seat time," Conflitti said. "And that's why I'm traveling so far, to go against the top competition. You have to pay your dues on the course."

His operation is entirely self-funded, but he's seeking sponsors. His finances are helped by having a pit crew that includes up to 12 friends who find the time to take three or four days and travel to the race events. Conflitti, 47, works at Ford Field. He is divorced and doesn't have any children. "I know it's one of the most expensive hobbies you can undertake, but it's a labor of love," he said.

"UNION DOOZ," a hydroplane owned and driven by Pingree Conflitti of IBEW Local 58, will be driven in Detroit's Thunder-fest.