The 2026 Unlimited Hydroplane season is Finally Here!

But will anybody see or hear ‘em. And how many boats will show up in Indiana?

 

Think Indy Cars Offseason is long? Whale’, then think about H1 Unlimited having gone a gory 292 days since it’s season finale in San Diego, Aye Karumba!

 

And I still Don’t get it? Why H1 Unlimited’s coverage of the sport is so pathetic! Since they held their annual pre-season test at Tri-Cities on May 30^th.

 

Grousing to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen over there being no report on the sport’s official website! And how the Tri-cities Herald, which only publishes twice weekly seemed to be running a canned story from a year ago? Since it talked about Dave Villwock and another driver who aren’t racing anymore. To which she replied curtly; that’s because Hydroplanes are Dying!

 

Then around June 3rd, I suddenly thought the season kickoff should be occurring any day, Righto? Being surprised to learn that the Guntersville Hydrofest had been cancelled this year, say What?

 

Originally, it looked like my riveting No Fenders yearly preview would be somewhat abbreviated, due to the fact that my primary source H1 Unlimited’s website went “Dark” when visiting the page on June 17th. After there had been no new stories since April 8th. Before noticing the message on the Homepage saying a new website is coming, Huh?

 

Hopefully it will be far superior to RACER’s abomination! Which now over one year later, still isn’t WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant! Meaning my screen reader cannot read any of the graphic titles or authors bio’s, being fairly annoying!

 

And that’s after multiple emails with two RACER staff members netting me zero improvement, Urgh!

 

Trying to follow IndyCar is a Hard Job!

 

Otay, rant over, as here’s what little I’d gleaned before the website went Dark. Although I was pleasantly surprised after more sleuthing, or was that sluicing upon Zed Intrawoods’. To learn that nine Hulls had been slated to participate at the Tri-cities test Wayback on May 30th.

 

Tri-Cities Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 BWR Racing, Andrew Tate

U-3 Tahoe Miss, Cory Peabody

U-6 Miss Madison, Brandon Kennedy

U-11 Miss Flav-r-Pac, Jamie Nilsen

U-12 Graham Trucking, Jeff Bernard

U-21 Spirit of America, Gunnar O’Farrell

U-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runn

 

The biggest news being the retirement of Dave Villwock at season’s end, being immediately replaced by the returning Jimmy Shane. As Bruce Rachford’s BWR Racing will have a potent two boat line-up with reigning, three times National High Points Champion (2018, 2024-2025) Andrew Tate proudly carrying the U-1 designation.

 

While Shane, a seven times National High Points Champion (2013-2017, 2019, 2022) was busy testing two Hulls at Kennewick, WA. The U-27 and U-127 Miss Apollo’s, trying to decide which Hull He felt most comfortable in, and which Hull He’ll campaign this season.

 

A five times APBA Gold cup winner, (2014-2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) Shane will be looking to break His tie with the legendous’ Gar Wood. While Tate has won the Gold Cup once in 2018.

 

Second biggest news was the announcement that Strong Racing has rebranded it’s two Hulls for this season, the former U-8 and U-9 now becoming the U-00 and U-3 in a nod to Unlimited history. With funding courtesy of Stephen Hayden and His Tahoe Unlimited museum.

 

Strong Racing rebrands for 2026 with U-00 Maverick and U-3 Tahoe Miss

 

As J. Michael Kelly (2016, 2023) and Cory Peabody (2022, 2024) have both won two Gold Cups apiece. With Kelly also claiming the 2009 and 2023 National High Points championships.

 

Peabody’s first Gold Cup triumph came at Shane’s expense. As Shane appeared to have won His sixth Gold Cup at Guntersville in 2022, only to be disqualified for going off-plane, (below 80mph)enabling Cory His first gold Cup Victory.

 

As H1 Unlimited eliminated the minimum 80mph Planing rule requirement in 2023.

 

Looks like the Miss Madison’s recovering from it’s financial hardship and will campaign a full season with backing from Royer and Goodwin Real Estate. As the latter was Tate’s U-91 primary sponsor last year…

 

Great news to hear that the U-40 Bucket List Racing from Snohomish, WA is returning after sitting out last year’s season. As not sure of either it’s Skipper Dylan Runn or Brendan Kennedy’s rookie status?

 

Although subsequently learned that Runn drove the Miss Madison’s U-6 Miss Home Street Bank in 2023 as Shane’s replacement. And Kennedy earned His rookie status last year also in the U-6 Miss Madison.

 

Whilst totally surprised over the return of the U-12 Graham Trucking which has been off the water for several years now. With returning veteran Skipper Jeff Bernard at the tiller.

 

Then there’s the driver I’d most like to see finally “break His Duck!” And get the Monkey off His back. As Jamie Nilsen and the U-11 crew are long overdue for a maiden Unlimited victory. And Nilsen’s always sniffing at the chequered flag…

 

Lastly is the U-21, which seems to have undergone another name change. But don’t look for the boat at Madison, at least that’s what Gunnar said when interviewed at Tri-Cities.

 

2026 H1 Unlimited Pre-season testing Driver interviews

 

If you’re wondering why I’ve eluded to Gold cup winners, its because with Guntersville’s cancellation, the Gold Cup at Madison, Indiana becomes this year’s season opener.

 

As the schedule consists of just four races, with Madison July 5th. Followed by the Warshington’ double, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle. With Tri-Cities Water Follies taking place July 26th, and Seafair the following week on August 2^nd.

 

Then the season closes out once again in San Diego on Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup on September 20th.

 

There’s also a new scoring system, which I think now simply tallies all points collected from Qualie’ to Final Heats, but more later, since I’m flying “Blind” on that, Oh Never Mind! 

Without The Jones Family, their would be No Seafair!

As this trio of Jones Designers, built some of the Sports most famous boats…

 

You never know when Father Time’s going to ask you to “Bring your Torch”. As Ron Jones Jr. died at the relatively young age of 67 this past April 24th. With “JR” being the third generation of revolutionary Unlimited Hydroplane designers and builders of these unique racing boats.

 

Ron Jones Jr’s Grandfather, Tudor Owen “Ted” Jones shocked the Boating world when driving His radical “three-pointer” Unlimited Hydroplane to win the 1950 APBA Gold Cup in Detroit, Michigan. During an era when the winning Yacht Club got to Host the following year’s Gold Cup event.

 

As Ted Jones was the first to successfully employ the skimming technique of an Unlimited running with it’s propeller only partially submerged and skimming the water on it’s two sponsons, when He designed the Slo-Mo-Shun IV for Stan Sayres in 1949. And with this boat’s superiority, the sport would never look back!

 

As Ted Jones Slo-Mo-Shun IV and V Hydroplanes would dominate Unlimited racing for a five year stretch. Winning the gold Cup between 1950-54. Before

Lou Fageol spectacularly barrel-rolled the Slo-Mo-Shun V during Gold Cup qualifying on Lake Washington in 1955!

 

Miraculously Fageol survived this backwards flip some fifty-feet in the air, albeit forcing His retirement from boath racing! Which ended the Slo-Mo-Shun’s dynasty, before owner Stanley Sayres died of a Heart attack in 1956.

 

Having regaled Y’all Wayback’ many Moons ago with Lou fageol’s connection to Mother Speedway in the following No Fenders yarn…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2015/09/hydros-drivers-with-speedway-connections.html

 

As Ted Jones designed and built Unlimited Hydroplanes with such legendary names as Miss Thriftway, Miss Century 21, Miss Wahoo and the Hawaii Kai III. Being just a few of the names that saw Ted’s boats win a staggering 75 major races, 14 APBA Gold Cups and ten consecutive National High Points Championships between 1950-66, according to former Unlimited Hydroplane Historian Fred Farley.

 

While Ted is also credited with spotting a promising driver named Bill Muncey, who went onto become one of the sport’s legends…

 

Although Ted’s most famous Hull arguably has to be the Green Dragon, His 1962 Miss Bardahl. Which won the National High Points Championship and Gold Cup three consecutive years in-a-row between 1963-65. Which was also Ted’s last “Hands On” Hull He was involved in, before retiring from racing.

 

Ted Jones died at the age of 90 on January 9, 2000.

 

Ron Jones Sr. was brought-in over the winter of 1962 to fine tune the Miss Bardahl’s sponsons, with obviously dramatic effects. Before taking over the reigns from His father, ironically having built the 1958 championship winning Miss Bardahl His father designed.

 

This was the first Unlimited He built, whilst ultimately building over 500 estimated boats of all classes, including some two dozen plus Unlimiteds during His lifetime.

 

Ron had been chomping at the bit to design a Cabover Hydroplane, with the driver’s cockpit being placed ahead of the engine. Which Ole Bardahl let Him do for the 1966 season. Yet sadly, thru no fault of His own. Ron Munsen lost His life when the boat threw a propeller and dove to the bottom of the Potomac river, killing Munsen instantly. The sport’s darkest day, when three drivers met their maker during that year’s Presidents Cup in Washington DC.

 

Yet Senior would be vindicated when Tom D’Eath and the Miss US, a Cabover “Picklefork” design of His won the 1976 Gold Cup, for which every winner since has driven this same forward cockpit design…

 

The elder Ron was the Designer of two legendary Unlimited Hulls. First what was known as the “Winged Wonder”, the 1973 Pride of Pay n Pak, which won 22 races enroute to the National High Points Championship between 1973-75.

 

And my All-time Numero Uno Unlimited, the 1980 Miss Budweiser Griffon! Which also won 22 races and was basically unstoppable between 1980-84. With it’s only major blemish being Dean Chenoweth’s death at Tri-cities in 1982.

 

Senior was also responsible for implementing the now de riggour cockpit canopies following the death of Chenoweth. Which was first used successfully on what was known as the “bubble Bud”. The team’s third and final version of it’s legendous’ Rolls Royce Griffon Hulls.

 

As new “bud Man” driver Jimmy Kropfield was the first to compete in a enclosed cockpit raceboat in 1985. Although the Bubble Bud’s canopy was actually composed from vacuum-formed plexiglass and opened skywards, pivoting forwards vs. traditional F-16 canopy style.

 

As this ushered in the now long ago mandatory use of surplus F-16 canopies. Which Ron Sr. introduced on the first turbine powered Miss Budweiser and 7/11 Unlimiteds in 1986.

 

Ron Jones Sr. died at age 84 on January 19, 2017.

 

Ron Jones Jr’s accomplishments were a little harder to discern initially. Other than He spent the majority of His lifetime working on boats until His last project, the U-88 Unlimited in 2011. Having been diagnosed with Stage-4 emphysema and COPD, due to a genetics disorder described as Alpha-1 Anti-Tryplsin I believe.

 

Ron Jr. began working in the family’s boat building business in earnest during High School, when He would cut and prepare all of the wooden parts used in the building of Unlimited Hydroplance. With His Grandfather Ted being the Shop Foreman. Before His Dad Ron Jones Sr. introduced the widespread application of aluminum honeycomb composite to Unlimited Hydroplanes, first upon the 1973 Pride of Pay n Pak.

 

JR worked on all aspects of building Unlimiteds for His Pop’s Ron Jones Marine business, including the implementation of the F-16 enclosed cockpit canopies and migration to turbine power…

 

JR met and apparently interacted with Dave Villwock prior to His being chip Hanauer’s Crew Chief upon the Miss Circus Circus, before His Driving career began. And worked with Scott Pierce and the Evans brothers Mark and Mitch amongst other drivers.

 

As JR rebuilt the Hull that previously was the Miller American Beer wagon of 1985, which began life as the ’84 Atlas Van Lines Hull in 1984. Becoming the brand new from the waterline up U-50 American Spirit in 1992.

 

Ron Jones Jr. also was a team owner three different times. The first being the building of the Coors Dry in less than 60 days! Which rookie driver Villwock, making His Unlimiteds debut won first time out at San Diego in 1992! With JR noting this two wing boat was seeing a top speed of 218mph in Hawaii!

 

JR also rebuilt the former Miss Circus Circus after it caught on fire in Hawaii, which ran with a triple rear wing. Although villwock destroyed both boats in ’93 and Rone Jr. and Villwock split under bitter terms. While JR’s final ownership was in a not so enjoyable partnership with Dr. Ken Muscatel

 

As thanks to the ingenuity of All three generations of Jones, the sport of Unlimited Hydroplanes would have never been the same without them! 

The Hydros’ are Back!

Can Andrew Tate topple J. Michael Kelly from His Championship perch?

 

Once again, it’s time to spool up the Turbines. And even better yet, H1 Unlimited has announced a robust six race schedule.

 

This year’s calendar sees the “Fastest Boats on H2O” commencing with this weekend’s Guntersville Lake Hydrofest in Alabama. (June 30) Followed by stops at Madison, Indiana (July 7) Tri-Cities, Washington, (July 28) Seattle, (August 4)APBA Gold Cup – Detroit, Michigan  (August 25) and San Diego. (September 15)

 

2024 Preliminary line-up

U-1 Miss Beacon electric, J. Micael Kelly

U-6 Miss Madison, Dylan Runn

U-9 Beacon Plumbing, Corey Peabody

U-11 Miss Mercurys Coffee, Jamie Nilsen

U-12 Graham Trucking Racing, R-Bobby King

U-27 Miss Apollo, Dave Villwock

U-40 Flag-R-Pac, Dustin Echols

U-60 The Beast Unleashed, Gunnar O’Farrell

U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, Andrew Tate

 

As not sure of how many of these nine Hulls will show up for the season opening Guntersville Hydrofest?

 

Interestingly, bobby King, whom I believe is an Unlimited rookie, is the son of Jerry King, who mans the tiller of the U-3 Miss Griggs. The lone, remaining piston powered raceboat on the Unlimited circuit.

 

With no word on which races the U-3 Ace Hardware presents Miss Griggs will attend…

 

While apparently the sports winningest driver Dave Villwock simply cannot stay away from behind the keyboard of an Unlimited Hydroplane. As the elder statesman climbs aboard the Miss Apollo, run by Charlie Wiggins of Alabama. Although I cannot tell if this brand new fully composite Hull will campaign the entire season or not? Since you’d think they’d want to participate in their Home race. Even though the press release implies they won’t break cover until the two Washington races of Tri-cities and Seattle.

 

Meanwhile the remainder of the fleet returns intact with last year’s driver line-ups unchanged. With just some of the boats names changing due to sponsorship changes., most notably the U-11.

Update

On June 23rd, just five days before the 2024 H1 Unlimited season begins, the APBA announced that the storied 114th Gold Cup race would be held at San Diego’s Bayfair 2.5-mile course on September 15th, celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary.

 

As the event had been scheduled tentatively in Detroit for August 25th, subject to approval, which obviously didn’t happen.

 

Therefore, this year’s 2024 H1 Unlimited season shrinks to a total of five races, with a six weeks layoff between Seattle’s Seafair and San Diego’s season finale gold Cup event.

 

Whilst I still have no idea how many Unlimited Hydroplanes will contest this week’s Lake Guntersville Hydrofest… 

HYDROS: H1 Unlimited Roars onto Backstretch of 2023 Season

As Hopefully, the final two races won’t be as Wild ‘N Wooly as the first two!

 

It’s really Hard for me to discern if the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane series is still a popular event or just treading water these days? As how many of Y’all know that the 2023 season is already halfway done?

 

Since just mere days before the start of the season in Alabama. The series publicly responded to San Diego’s postponement of this year’s Bayfair regatta due to incurring steep increases in production costs. With the organizers of the long running event featuring the Bill Muncey Cup claiming they planned to return next year.

 

And although the series was hopeful of eight Unlimited Hydroplane boats showing up for the Lake Guntersville Southern Cup on June 25th, only seven Hydros made the trek to Alabama.

 

And whilst the series has a new Broadcast partner, being available on Speed Sports One Motorsports Network, whatever that is? I prefer just “watching”, Err listening to the final Heat via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel.

 

Yet unbeknownst to Mwah, this year’s Southern Cup Final Heat was cancelled due to inclement weather. Yet the Final began before the impending Thunderstorm arrived. But due to one of the competitors Flipping! The race was cancelled since Thunder ‘N Lightning would arrive shortly afterwares.  With the day’s winner being awarded on overall weekend points.

 

Next, with the Madison regatta just a week later, two Hydros’ failed to show due to damage that couldn’t be repaired in time to at least one of the participants. Meaning only five Big Boyz’ Hydroplane’s showed up at Madison’s Ohio river for the July 2nd event.

 

And then I “Rinsed, lathered and Repeated”. When a week later, Lightning struck twice! Since once again, I searched Youtube repeatedly in vain! As the Madison Governor’s cup final was also scratched due to inclement weather after another Blowover incident during the final Heat, before more bad weather was expected to arrive again…

 

And with that, the Unlimiteds roar down the Backstretch to the final two races in my former Home state of Washington, with Seattle’s Seafair race hosting this year’s APBA Gold cup event August 6th.

 

Hopefully the entire field of a promising nine Hulls will make the drive over to Eastern Warshington’ for the upcoming Tri-Cities Columbia  Cup on July 30th.  Since several teams are located in the Seattle Metropolitan area.

 

With the U-1 Miss HomeStreet, U-3 Miss Griggs Hardware, U-8 Beacon Electric, U-9 Beacon Plumbing, U-11 Legend Yacht Transport, U-21 Lakeridge Paving, U-40 Bucket List Racing, U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate and U-440 Boitano Homes All being listed as possible season entries upon the series official website.

 

Yeah, I know it’s been the HAPO Columbia Cup for a longtime now, but I prefer to think of the event in it’s more appropriate name of the Atomic Cup instead! With the race known by this moniker from it’s inception in 1966 thru 1972, due to it’s proximity of some place called Hanford. Where weapons grade Plutonium was made for the Manhattan project during World War II and thru the Cold War.

 

As the prestigious APBA Gold Cup event has been held at Tri-cities five times overall. With such luminaries as Dean Chenoweth, George Henley, Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer and Jimmy Shane having won on the Mighty Columbia.

 

Meanwhile, Seattle has hosted the APBA Gold cup 14 times by my reckoning, the second most Post War following the Cup’s spiritual home of Detroit. Until either the late 1960’s or early 1970’s, since I cannot find an exact date when regulations changed.

 

As the Gold Cup race was then held at the previous year’s winner’s choice, ergo Home course. Seeing Seattle host the Gold Cup for five straight years between 1951-55, after Ted Jones and His revolutionary Miss Slo-Mo-Shun IV shocked the Boating world upon winning the 1950 event in Detroit With the Slo-Mo-Shun IV and V Hydroplanes capturing the next four Gold Cups!.

 

After returning to Detroit for 1956, Seattle held the event from 1957 to 1959. Then the race migrated to Las Vegas on Lake Mead, with no race being contested due to high winds.

 

Then firmly known as The “Jet City”, due to some ‘lil Aeroplane concern called Boeing. Seattle held the race in 1962, 1965 and 1967. Seven years later, and sandwiched between it’s Eastern neighbors Tri-Cities two events, the Gold Cup was back in Seattle for 1974.

 

The Gold Cup didn’t return to the shores of Lake Washington until 1981, and then hosted it’s penultimate race some Gory 38 years ago in 1985, Eureka!

 

Whilst Ye legendous’ Gold Cup didn’t return to Washington State overall for another three decades, before being held on the Columbia River at Tri-cities in 2015. Being the first time held in Eastern Washington since Gory 1984

 

As can my favourite Unlimited driver Andrew Tate add His name for a second time to match His father Mark’s two Gold Cup triumphs this August?

 

Or will Cory Peabody claim His second Gold Cup victory in-a-row? With teammate J. Michael Kelly saying not so fast Cory. I’m planning to win my second Gold Cup this year!

 

As these three Skipper’s are the only current Gold Cup winners in this year’s field. With three rookies looking to make the finals. Whilst I Don’t even want to contemplate what the “Over/Under” on how many Blowovers occur is?

 

While Don’t forget those fabulous Blue Angels precision Air show! When hopefully “The Bluest Skies You’ve ever Seen are in Seattle” won’t be obscured by Hazy Smoke from Forest Fires… 

HYDROS: What Happened to Andrew Tate?

     

HYDROS: A Season Full of Promise Ends at San Diego

But Can anybody Beat Jimmy Shane and the U-1 Miss Home Street?

 

Author’s Note

Otay, full disclosure here folks. I was busy packing on race day, getting ready to effectively go on a three weeks extended Holiday! So I don’t know the outcome of this year’s Sand Diego Bayfair Regatta or who won the bill Muncey Cup?

Tomaso

 

The 2022 H1 Unlimited Hydroplane season started out so promisingly, albeit it was an unexpected Driver-Boat Combination that looked set to give Jimmy Shane His biggest Challenge for another year’s Championship. Since I’d Arse-sumed that it would be J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Miss Tri-Cities giving Shane Headaches All season long.

 

Instead it was Kelly’s Strong Racing teammate Cory Peabody in the U-9 Lynx Healthcare that was pushing Shane’s buttons! Having noted in my No Fenders Season Preview that these were the two teams to watch this year.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/06/hydros-2022-power-houses-which-of-these.html

 

The season began on Lake Guntersville Wayback at the end of June, with the Sport’s most prestigious trophy, the gold cup being Held there. Although when I think Gold Cup, I immediately think of Detroit instead, the modern day (Post World War II) “Ancestrol” Home of the Nation’s Oldest trophy.

 

Yet my Hometown of Seattle Had Mucho to say about that during it’s Heated East-West Coast rivalry during the 1950’s and 1960’s!

 

Guntersville saw a “massive” seven Hydroplanes field contesting the Gold Cup with two Hulls apiece from the aforementioned Miss Madison and Strong Racing outfits. Plus single Boat entries from Bucket List Racing, Griggs Racing and Unlimited Racing Group, Although I’ve still got Zero clue what happened to Graham Trucking and Andrew Tate this year? Whilst initially expecting the most Hydros to show up for this year’s return to Seattle’s Seafair regatta…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/06/hydros-time-to-spool-up-for-2022-h1.html

 

Having taken to simply “Watching,” Err listening to the Final Heats via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel, I recall that whomever the main Announcer is? Noted how Jimmy Shane aboard the U-1 Miss Home Street had come to an unexpected, temporary stop during the five minute “Milling” period and we’d need to keep an Eye upon that. Which would turn out to be prophetic words…

 

Meanwhile Dave Villwock, Skipper’ of the U-40 Miss Beacon Plumbing had mirrored Shane’s march thru All of His preliminary Heats Undefeated. Also coming from behind to win a la Shane was also DQ’ed in the Final! As Villwock, the Sport’s Elder Statesman at Age 68 would be Disqualified for going outside the course boundries during the Milling period.

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself Thar Mateys!

 

As the Starting Gun sounded, five Whooshing, screaming  Lycoming (Chinook Helicopter) turbine powered Unlimited Hydroplanes funneled into turn one with Jimmy Shane leading the pack. As the U-1 Miss Home Street would lead All five laps seemingly enroute to Shane’s sixth gold Cup victory, breaking His tie with the legendous’ Gar Wood.

 

Yet Race Officials determined following the race that Shane had Dipped below the minimum 80mph threshold during the aforementioned Milling period and thus was instantly Disqualified! Meaning that Cory Peabody behind the tiller of the U-9 Lynx Healthcare who’d originally finished Runner-up behind Jimmy Shane was the winner of the 112^th running of the APBA Gold cup! With Peabody averaging 147.829mph over the race’s five laps.

 

Official second place finisher was Jeff Bernard in the U-91 Goodman real Estate, and Jamie Neilsen in the U-11 Misss Colleen was third. Whilst I cannot remember what happened to J. Michael Kelly, albeit I think He was the “Trailer Boat,” but Not Classifie.

 

And if that wasn’t enough Drama for Yuhs, then like Good ‘Ol Derek Daly says: “Hang Onto Your Hollyhocks!” As it’s about to get real bumpy for one of our competitors!

 

The following weekend’s Madison Governor’s Cup on the Ohio River in Indiana saw U-1 of Shane and U-91 of Bernard. Along with both the U-8 Miss Tri-Cities of J. Michael Kelly and Peabody’s U-9, plus Neilsen in the U-11 for the Final Heat. As Villwock had earlier Hit a unseen log at some 150mph! Shearing it’s propeller and doing serious damage to the U-40 Hull, which made a Beeline Home to Snohomish, WA for repairs!

 

Shane and Peabody Had an epic Mano e Mano Duel the entire Heat! As perennial winner Jimmy Shane couldn’t shake Cory Peabody from His Six! With Peabody reportedly never veering less than four boat-lengths behind. And with the duo taking the white flag on lap-4, and Peabody pressing Shane Hard. Suddenly Cory’s U-9’s nose began catching Air and pointing skywards! And then in an instant, Peabody’s Hydroplane went Airborne with the U-9 completing two Summersaults in-a-row before thankfully landing Upright!

 

The race was immediately Red Flagged, and with AllHydros having completed three laps, Shane was declared the winner, His 21^st Unlimiteds victory.

 

While the Box Score denotes that Bernard was second, Neilsen third and Kelly fourth, it really didn’t seem to matter! Although fortunately Peabody was Checked, Cleared and Released from the Infield Medical Center afterwards! 

HYDROS: 2022 Power Houses. Which of these Two Teams will Prevail?

As it’s Hard to Bet against Jimmy Shane. Although J. Michael Kelly will surely Have something to Say about that!

 

Whilst perhaps Dave Villwock in the U-40 Beacon Plumbing will attempt throwing a Spanner into these two Power House teams contention for another Brace of Championship titles. Nonetheless, on “Paper,” it appears the 2022 season will be a contest between the Miss Madison Racing and Strong Racing teams each fielding two Full season Hydroplanes apiece…

 

As previously noted, there’s four APBA Gold Cup winners in this year’s field. The 112^th running of the Nation’s Oldest sporting trophy, first being held in New York in 1904.

 

Whilst making it somewhat Cornfuzing. Apparently Jimmy Shane and the Miss Home Street keep the #1 designation for winning last year’s Teams Championship, while J. Michael Kelly won the Drivers title. Although in other series, it’s the Driver who gets to choose running the No. 1 Plate or not…

 

Miss Madison Racing

U-1 Miss Home Street, Jimmy Shane

U-91 Miss goodman Real Estate, Jeff Bernard

 

Although I tend to recall that Jimmy Shane first drove to prominence for Graham Trucking, not only winning His first H1 Unlimited races along with that year’s National High Points Championship Wayback’ in 2013. The Lion’s Share of His Unlimiteds success has come as the driver of the Oh Boy Oberto and Miss Home Street Bank for Miss Madison Racing when replacing the retiring Steve David in 2014.

 

As Shane won the first of His five APBA Gold Cups driving for the City of Madison, Indiana in 2014 and then won again the following year. Jimmy notched his third Gold Cup trophy in 2017, and then His latest two triumphs were 2019 and 2021. As Shane’s currently tied for fourth most Gold cup wins with the legendous’ Gar Wood at five apiece.

 

Although Jimmy’s got His work cut out for Him, since the legendary Bill Muncey has eight Gold cups to His credit. While the aforementioned Dave Villwock has 10, and Chip Hanauer has the most Gold cup victories with 11.

 

Shane, who’s driving Miss Madison’s newest 2018 Hull has won 20 races to date, along with six National High Points Drivers titles to His credit, including reeling off five consecutive Championships between 2013-2017 before Andrew Tate stopped His Streak. With Jimmy’s latest Driving title coming in 2019.

 

Still totally cornfuzed over why Jeff Bernard and Jimmy Shane split Seat-time in the U-1 Goodman real Estate/Home Street last year at Guntersville, especially since this cost Shane another Drivers title!

 

And it’s Annoying how Difficult it’s to find any meaningful information upon Jeff Bernard or Miss Madison’s second Hull. As from what little I could uncover, Bernard will now be piloting the U-91 for a Full season after campaigning the Miss Madison’s old 2007 Hydroplane in 2019. As Bernard ran the three West coast races, i.e.; Tri cities, Seattle and San Diego behind the tiller of the U-1918 Oh Boy Oberto. As Miss Madison and Oh boy Oberto have had a long, successful partnership.

 

As I’ll confess I’ve never Heard of Goodman Real Estate until beginning this year’s Hydros’ preview, as it’ll be interesting to see if Bernard can give Shane or J. Michael Kelly a run for their “Money” for this year’s Drivers title, Eh?

 

Whilst Race Control’s just given me a One lap Penalty for Jumping the Gun upon Jeff Bernard being a Gold cup winner. Since although Bernard won both of His first Day’s (Saturday) Heats 1B and 2B to lead the standings by 800 points.

 

Yet due to Mother Nature Not cooperating and with Gusty winds of 20-30mph against the current All Day Sunday, causing Whitecaps on Detroit’s river., where apparently Turn 1 was near Belle Isle. Officials were forced to Declare a No contest race outcome for the initial 100^th running of the Gold cup race in 2008. This being Due to the fact that Heats 3A-3B and the Final weren’t run, which is necessary to be ruled as an Official Gold cup event.

 

Thus Bernard’s name appears on the Gold cup’s record Book for ’08 only in “Name” for having won the most points during Saturday’s two Heats, for which I Didn’t notice until “reading” the Fine print! But who knows, perhaps Bernard can finally claim His maiden Gold Cup victory this year on Guntersville Lake…

 

Strong Racing

U-8 Miss Tri Cities, J. Michael Kelly

U-9 Lynx Healthcare, Cory Peabody

 

Have already scribbled on No Fenders how Vanessa and Darrell Strong acquired the assets of two former H1 Unlimited Juggernaughts, combining the Elstrom and Jones Racing operations to form the new Powerhouse team last year. As  J. Michael Kelly drove the U-8 to his first National High Points Championship Drivers Crown last season with Bookend wins, i.e.; Guntersville and San diego. As Y’all have to wonder if this will propel Kelly onto a roll? As Kelly will be aiming to claim his second Gold cup victory after notching His first win in 2016.

 

Meanwhile cory Peabody, who I tend to recall drove briefly for bucket List Racing and it’s U-440 entry, wisely moved to this new team and promptly won His maiden H1 Unlimited race last season at Tri Cities. As Peabody’s only apparent potential liability is that He’s driving the Fleet’s Oldest Hull. But it’s a stout Hydroplane that won the 2018 Championship and APBA Gold cup, so who knows…

 

As Strong Racing definitely looks poised to give Miss Madison a run for it’s “Money” once again this season!             

HYDROS: Time to Spool Up for the 2022 H1 Unlimited season

As the series known as The Fastest show on H-2-O starts Churning up the water with Thar roostertails again…

 

Reportedly there’s seven H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes slated to compete in this weekend’s 2022 Season Opener at Lake Guntersville, which also will Host this year’s APBA Gold Cup event on June 26th.

 

Also, fir the first time since 2019, Seattle’s Seafair returns to the schedule, complete with it’s revered U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Acrobatic performance over Lake Washington and the I-90 Floating Bridge.

 

As H1 Unlimited, the sanctioning body for these Uber astonishing turbine Hydroplanes was initially Hopeful that at least one more of the three potential season participants would compete at the Guntersville Hydrofest season Kickoff event. But has now seemed to confirm that only seven Hydros will race in alabama.

 

The Guntersville Hydrofest will also see a fully restored vintage piston powered Allison V-12 Hydroplane run Demonstration laps in Honour of an Unlimited Speed record set 60 years ago on Guntersville Lake.

 

http://www.h1unlimited.com/2022/01/2022-guntersville-lake-hydrofest-celebrating-world-speed-record/

 

By my reckoning, Thars four APBA Gold Cup winners in this year’s field: Jeff Bernard, J. Michael Kelly, Jimmy Shane and Dave villwock. (In Alphabetical order)

 

As here’s a Quick look at some of this year’s Unlimited Hydroplanes Armada. Although for them moment, you’d have to say these are the Pretendahs’, albeit it Pains me to include the U-12 here!

 

Go3 Racing

U-3 Griggs presents Miss Ace Hardware, Jimmy King

 

This is the only remaining Piston powered Hull in the Unlimited fleet. As the U-3 sports a twin turbocharged V-12 Allison, presumably one turbo per bank of six cylinders behind the cockpit vs. the traditional front engine piston layout of the 1960’s. As driver Jimmy King at Age 61 is the second Oldest Skipper in the fleet and has been driving this boat forever. Although I don’t think it’s run since 2019? And it’ll be interesting to See’ if the ‘Ol Gal’s got anything left in Her tank vs. the turbines.

 

Not sure why, but as I began scribblin’ this, my ‘Ol Noggin’ kept telling me it was 40 years ago when the Pay ‘N Pak turbine boat broke upon the scene….

 

As indeed, Jon Walters became the very first ever driver to win an Unlimited Hydroplane race propelled by a turbine engine on June 14, 1982 on Seneca Lake, New York’s thunder in The Park regatta in the Pay ‘n Pak 2, which ultimately led to the Demise of the Piston Boats. Even though Walters and the Jim Lucero built turbine Sled got off to a rocky start two years prior when suffering a wicked Barrel roll Blow Over in Tri Cities!

 

https://thunderboats.ning.com/page/john-walters-question

 

 Unlimited Racing Group

U-11 JnD’s Hydraulics, Jamie Milsen

 

The U-11 with Jamie Milsen at it’s controls has been plying the waters for many seasons now. And although it’s a fast Boat at times, it perpetually seems plagued by mechanical Gremlins and is typically a Mid-pack boat at Best.

 

Graham Trucking

U-12 Graham Trucking, Andrew Tate

 

Have to say I’m very Disappointed and surprised to Not See this once perennial winning Hydroplane not on this year’s APBA Gold cup entry list. As you’d have liked to Arse-sume that Andrew Tate and the Graham Trucking Boat would be one of this year’s title contenders, but Skipping your season’s opening race, and it’s Super Bowl event Doesn’t instill confidence in Mwah that Tate can recover points-wise by His team’s decision to miss the season’s most important race!

 

Know this Boat’s Fast, since thought I read that J. Michael Kelly won the final three 2019 races aboard it. And Tate’s a proven winner, having won the 2018 National High Points Championship and APBA Gold Cup that season aboard the U-9, which now is the Lynx Healthcare entry driven by Cory Peabody.

 

As Tate’s career seems Star-crossed, since after 2018, the U-9 failed to show up for the season opener, and now History seems to be repeating itself…

 

Bucket List Racing

U-40 Beacon Plumbing, Dave Villwock

 

The Sport’s All-time winningest H1 Unlimiteds Driver Dave Villwock returned to competition last year after a five year layoff. And at Age 68, is the elder Statesmen of the Unlimited Hydroplanes Armada.

 

Villwock currently has 67 career victories along with 10 National Championships and 10 Gold Cup victories, one behind Chip Hanauer.

 

As I believe that Villwock’s on the second year of His two year contract with Beacon Plumbing? And this Boat could definitely be a Spoiler this season.

 

Other Possibilities

U-7 Miss Detroit, Bert Henderson

U-21 Lakeridge Paving, Brian Perkins/Gunnar O’Farrell

U-440 SnuskitushEnterprises, Kelly Stocklin

 

No idea if the U-7 will appear in any races this year, or whether or not the lone Kuhnuck’ pilot Bert Henderson will remain at it’s tiller?

 

In 2019, go Fast Turn Left Racing located in Maple valley, WA, and owned by Greg and Brian O’farrell reportedly raced a brand new Unlimited Hydroplane as the U-99.9 Carstars Miss rock with Brian Perkins at it’s controls beginning at Seafair. As the Mis Rock of Seattle Radio Station KISW 99.9FM is a longtime staple of Warshington’ Unlimited Hydroplanes History.

 

Thus I’m making the leap and Arse-suming that this year’s U-21 with veteran Skipper Brian Perkins at it’s controls is the same Hull? Since it’s also noted that gunnar O’Farrell may share driving duties with Perkins. As I’m guessing we won’t see this Hydro’ until the Tri Cities Seattle races…

 

Sharon and Kelly Stocklin are the Owners of Bucket List Racing situated in Snohomish, WA, now in their second season of campaigning two Unlimited Hydroplanes. As presumably the U-440 is the team’s older Hull. As you’d have to Arse-sume that Dave Villwock has Thar Best Boat at His disposal. And I’ve got No idea when we’ll see the U-440 in action this season?

 

And Thar’ seems to be more Unlimited Hulls floating about unknown to Mwah; like where did Graham Trucking’s second Hull go? And did the U-99.9 become the latest U-21? And if so, where did their Old Hull go? And “So it goes…”

 

Not to mention I’m disappointed that Dustin Echols isn’t back behind the wheel of one of these Big Boats. Although in what’s a reoccurring theme upon le Intrawoods’, nee Internet. I cannot find anything current about this Driver. Not to mention the overall lack of information pertaining to the Drivers and Hydroplane teams in general!

Whilst it would be nice to see either the U-99.9 Miss Rock return for Seafair, or at lewst somebody carrying the Oh Boy Oberto livery on it’s  Sponsons in Seattle. Hey, I can Dream, Righto?

For the remaining two H1 Unlimited Teams, i.e.; Miss Madison and Strong Racing, please visit the following No Fenders link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/06/hydros-2022-power-houses-which-of-these.html