MADISON, Ind. — Nate Brown took first place at the Budweiser Madison Regatta, the second race of the Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series, July 7.

Brown, driving the U-16 Miss Elam Plus for the Ellstrom family, won his third career race and third in four consecutive races. Brown won the final two races of the 2001 season at Seattle and San Diego. The win also marked the fourth career victory for the Ellstrom family.

"I was definitely one driver who did not want last season to end," said Brown. "This team is on an incredible roll and hopefully we can continue this streak for another few weeks. Last year we only competed on the West Coast and that hurt our chances in the championship. This season that will be different as we will compete at every venue and will challenge for the championship."

The start of the Budweiser Madison Regatta presented by Cruisin' Auto was perfect as four boats crossed the starting buoy at the same time. Terry Troxell in the U-99 Miss Troxzilla led the group into the first turn and held the lead for the first three laps.

Brown finally overtook Troxell on the third lap and did not relinquish his lead. Troxell was able to hold off defending series champion Dave Villwock in the U-1 Miss Budweiser for second place as Villwock finished third.