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! 

HYDROS: San Diego Thriller gets waterlogged over elongated Offseason

Like does anybody remember last September?

 

Yeah, it feels like a really, really long time ago when I tuned in for Heat 5 of the Bill Muncey Cup from Bayfair in San Diego via H1 Unlimited’s Hideous Youtube channel Wayback’ on September 14th! As I still don’t understand why I need to jack up the volume an excruciating 46-48 levels! Just in order to be able to hear Brad Luce and Tanner Foust, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot!

 

Came into the broadcast when Luce was pontificating over Ray Fageol, grandson of the legendous’ Lou Fageol. And everything Ray had done for Bayfair and San Diego regarding Unlimited Hydroplane racing. And “With a little Help from some Friends”, i.e.; the Fageol Family and Fran Muncey, widow of Mr. Hydroplane Bill Muncey. Ray’s ashes were riding along with Dave Villwock aboard the U-27 Miss Apollo. With Luce saying it wasn’t planned, but there goes Villwock as the whoosh of a turbine filled my speakers, Whoosh!

 

While they were killing time for the apparent winner of Heat 4, Villwock to be confirmed. They ran a piece about how the U-11 Flav-R-Pac out of Cle Elem, WA has the youngest crew in the pits. With five 30-somethings working on the boat. As co-owner Sharon Reiny noted their youngest member was only 21 and had been with them since age 11!

 

As they were busy the entire weekend in Mission Bay. With Luce and Foust making jokes about diving deep in the trailer when pulling out their fourth Lycoming T-55 Chinook Helicopter turbine for the final heat…

 

Yet it wasn’t to be for Villwock, who was handed a one minute penalty for encroachment upon J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Z. As Kelly had backed out during the race in order to keep from ingesting Salt water, which apparently does grave damage to the turbines. With Kelly electing to save His equipment for the finals.

 

Tuning in early for the final Heat, the Bill Muncey Cup. Luce eulogized Ron Snyder, who passed away that afternoon at age 86. As Snyder drove for many, including the late Bernie Little aboard the Miss Budweiser.

 

Once again had to jack up the volume, come on guys, this is so Mickey Mouse! And even though only four boats were competing it was indeed a Barn Burner! As Brad Luce called a Whale’ of a boat race, in His usual exuberant style…

 

After the four boats played Hide ‘n Seek during the five minutes milling period to the 1:15 minute score-up. Luce mentioned how He hoped Jamie Nilsen had brought His fishing line with Him since the U-11 was practically dead stop floating at the top of the course. With Foust cracking up over this quip!

 

3-2-1 looks like a clean start! With three boats side-by-side. With J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Electric in lane two, and the two Bruce Ratchford (BWR Racing) Hydros of Dave Villwock’s U-27 Miss Apollo in lane three. And Andrew Tate’s U-91 Goodwin Real Estate on the outside in lane four.

 

As the boats accelerated down the backstraight, believe Villwock lifted, albeit later Tanner Foust would claim He’d heard a compressor stall, turning it into a two boat battle royale for the bill Muncey cup.

 

Although Tate, the newly crowned 2025 APBA National High Points champion was having to take the longer outside route, with Kelly having boat speed, the two played leapfrog for the lead over the remaining four laps. With Kelly having a two and-a-half boat lead on lap two. Then Tate flexed the U-91’s muscles and led on lap three.

 

Then Kelly led by a slim one and-a-half boat lengths on lap four. While it appeared Tate was pulling away down the backstretch, with Foust saying both drivers were flying their boats!

 

Then Luce emphatically shouted that Kely had taken the lead at the north’s top end corner and would hold on to beat Tate by a very slim margin. Before an exhausted Luce said He was going to sit down!

 

Claiming that was worth the trip, the whole weekend, the whole season. With Foust saying He’d never witnessed a closer boat race…

 

As have to say it totally reminded me of my All-time favourite race on Lake Washington. Which unfortunately today, some fifty-plus years later, I still haven’t been able to decide which year it was between 1973-1975 when the Miss Budweiser and Pride of Pay n’ Pak went deck-to-deck for all five laps with the dreaded Pak winning by 100 yards…

 

But Hey, that was some friggin’ eight and one half Gory months ago! And how many people remember it or watched the race?

 

BWR Racing: Bruce Ratchford’s bold vision for Hydroplane’s future 

NASCAR Invades San Diego

Although three other racing series beat them Thar’, Boy Howdy!

 

Unfortunately, this weekend’s NASCAR race is on Amazon Prime, meaning we won’t get to hear Mike Joy pontificating over NASCAR being the first series to race at a San Diego Naval Base. After all, wasn’t it Joy who proclaimed that NASCAR invented the SAFER Barrier, Oh Never Mind!

 

NASCAR is hosting its inaugural Street Race this June 21st at Naval Air Station (NAS) Coronado, part of San Diego’s active Naval base. Since originally, the Naval Training Center (NTC) was built in the early 1920’s before finally being closed in 1997.

 

Yet in 2000, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Series hosted a race on a 1.65 mile, 14 Turns racecourse upon the streets of the Naval Training Center.

 

What I’ve wondered for awhile, since I first fell down this Wabbit’ Hole in mid-January! Is what’s the distance between the Naval Training Center (NTC) and the Naval Base Coronado (NZY) on North Island?

 

According to Al Gore’s wonderous invention, the All knowing Intrawoods’. As the crow or Seagulls fly is three miles. By car between nine and twelve miles, depending upon starting location.

 

Thus, these two separate entities are very close to one another indeed. And is it just CoInky-dense that NTC closed in 1997 and today’s consolidated Navel Base Coranado; and not the television company, Hya! (NBC) began in 1997, eh?

 

While I’m told that today the remaining NTC infrastructure is known as Liberty Station. With many acres turned into parks and recreation areas, along with housing…

 

As I find it pretty funny that I seem to be one of the extremely few that remembers this previous Trans Am race now over a quarter century ago. While details on the new race were very sketchy when I was tryin’ to stop my mind from wonderin’. (Where it will go?”

 

As Johnny Miller in a Chevrolet Corvette won the 60 lap (99 miles) race held on November 5th, 2000 ahead of Boris Said in a Ford Mustang. Followed by Brian Simo in the Tommy Bahamas Qval DeTomaso Mangusta.

 

Other notable names, or those I recognize from the past include Willy t. Ribbs, Chris Neville, Lou gigliotti, Tony Drissi, Leighton Reese, Stu Hayner, Randy Ruhlman, Michael Lewis and Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi.

 

With a perusal of the 34 car entry grid, with 33 starters revealed the name Linda Pobst, who’s totally unknown to Mwah.

 

Although that last name set off claxon bells , since I remember Randy Pobst being a Bad Arse racer in the long forgotten, defunct North American Touring Car championship. (NATCC) Which He won the second and final championship driving for Honda thirty years ago.

 

Randy Pobst: A legendary Racing Driver

 

Although I wasn’t aware there was a Bruce Qvale, who naturally was entered in a second Qvale Mangusta team entry. Yet retired with zero laps due to ignition failure.

 

While “Bad Boy” Tony Drissi, the 2005 Trans Am Champion was still causing waves in last year’s Trans Am series

 

With the race paying a quaint $18,850 to the winner.

 

San Diego Grand Prix: Naval Training Center, Coranado

 

This year’s three day NASCAR weekend of Trucks, Grand National and Cup takes place on the Coranado Street Course, a 3.4-mile, 19 Turns layout. Having first hosted the Mazda MX-5 Cup series between 2012-2013, followed by Robby Gordon’s Stadium Trucks series in 2014.

 

Two prominent names will be making cameo appearances over the weekend. Having learned that seven times NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson would contest the Trucks and Cup race Wayback’ in February during the Day-Toner’ 500.

 

Whilst only recently stumbling upon the news that Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen will run Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 entry at San Diego. Which has previously run “Wildcard” entries for thee original “Iceman” Kimi Raikkonen, the Gis’, aka Shane van Gisbergen and ‘Ol Dancin’ fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves.

 

Meaning Trackhouse will field four Chevrolet Camaro entries with it’s No. 1 of Ross Chastain, No. 88 for rookie connor Zilisch, and No. 97 for Shane van Gisbergen, plus Magnussen.

 

As it’s all Johnson’s fault! That I learned about the Sand Diego Street race when reading His press release for this year’s Daytona 500. Noting He’d be pulling “Double Duty” in San Diego. Driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race. And His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry in the Cup event.

 

While Jimmie’s dream of chauffeuring the fabled “Blue blaster”, Atlas Van Lines Unlimited Hydroplane at last year’s Seafair race got me wonderin’ how far Fiesta Island and Mission Bay are from either the former NTC, or North Island Naval Air Station Coranado?

 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

 

Reputedly, Fiesta Island and NAS Coranado are 12-13 miles as the Seagulls flock. Or 14-15 miles by automobile. 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

But Don’t blink, or you’ll Miss Him sticking His Boots in Lake Washington…

 

Yeah, I know we’re All getting wound-up over Ye momentous Day-Toner’ 500 upcoming this weekend.

As typical, this story got washed down sometime last year, and I just managed to finally spool-up Ye waterlogged turbine…

 

Actually managed to tune-in to Heat 3B and Seattle Seafair Final race this past August via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel. Which had somewhat better sound quality, only needing to crank up the volume by 16-20 levels…

 

Reading H1 Unlimited’s pathetic dribbled of News content on their website, I learned that ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson would be driving the Atlas Van Lines fabled “Blue Blaster” during an exhibition run Friday afternoon on Lake Washington.

 

If this is the boat I think it is? Since have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately? Although I’m fairly certain having confirmed it was the first of the successful Cabover designed Unlimited Hydroplanes. Then its Uber Funny for Mwah. Since I recall always thinking the boat looked ugly!

 

As I can visually remember it having no engine cowling for the exposed Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 (WWII Airplane) engine behind the cockpit, and the boat always lunging forwards out of the water, with a dull, silver engine plemum exposed…

 

Yet that being said, it was one of the most successful Hulls in Unlimited Hydroplane racing. With Bill Muncey “Three-peating” at its tiller. Winning the 1977-79 APBA Gold Cup races, and the 1978-79 National High Points Championships. Along with a total of 24 victories aboard this Hull.

 

Yet being a devoted Miss Budweiser fan, it wasn’t until Bernie Little claimed another “Unfair Advantage” with the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Miss Bud, which ended Muncey’s streak! As the Griffon powered Budweiser itself became unbeatable between 1980-84. Although we lost the second star Unlimited driver Dean Chenoweth, when His Mis Bud Hydroplane flipped at the Tri-Cities race on the Columbia River in 1982.

 

But back to ‘Ol JJ’ and last summer’s romp in the fabled Blue blaster. Having read that Johnson was reuniting His longtime association with the Muncey family and Miss Atlas Van Lines.

 

During Jimmie’s 2024 induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame Of America, (MSHFA) a picture resurfaced of Jimmie Age 4 sitting upon the Blue Blaster at Mission Bay in 1979. When Bill Muncey’s Hydroplane had broken down during competition on Mr. Hydro’s Home court in San Diego.

 

As this is the very same Blue Blaster that Muncey lost His life aboard in Acapulco in 1981. Which ironically I “celebrated” the 30 year anniversary the very same weekend that Danny-boy Spike’ Wheldon was meeting His maker in Las Vegas…

 

HYDROS: The Day the Sport’s King met His Maker

 

Jimmie mused His Dad used to take Him to the Hydroplane races, which fell on His birthday weekend. Watching the action from Fiesta Island. Where Muncey’s Blue Blaster floated to after retiring that day, some 46 years prior…

 

Another Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, Chip Hanauer, Class of 1995. The youngest ever MSHFA inductee “reached out” to Johnson during His induction ceremonies over possibly driving the restored Miss Atlas Van Lines. Which naturally, JJ’ got very excited about!

 

As I love hearing Jimmie wryly not He’d learned where the Merlin’s redline was, and pushed the Blue Blaster up to the limit…

 

VIDEO: Jimmie Johnson Drives the 1977 “Blue Blaster” Unlimited Hydroplane

 

While you may enjoy this 16 minutes H1 Unlimited Onboard video, which chronicles the entire driving experience, i.e.; somewhat troublesome start-up to returning to the Stan Sayres Dock…

 

VIDEO: Onboard with NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson driving Bill Muncey’s 1977 Atlas Van Lines Blue blaster

 

As Chip Hanauer, third winningest Unlimited Hydroplane driver, including 11 Gold Cup wins served as Jimmie’s mentor. And can be heard saying Well Fucking done! At the end of the video.

 

While its interesting hearing Johnson describing how physical driving the Hydroplane was. How it wanted to hunt round and constantly moved about after getting on plane…

 

Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Day Job”, if Yuhs can call it that? Since JJ’ has only been contesting NASCAR Cup races on a part-time basis since 2023. Will once again enter this year’s Daytona 500 in His No. 84 Toyota Camary.

 

As the seven times NASCAR Champion became majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last year. With the team fielding Charter team entries for the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 of Erik Jones also driving Toyota’s.

 

As Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) have settled their lawsuit of last year, stemming over sale of one of RWR’s vaunted Charter.

 

Whilst I was totally unawares’ that RASSCAR’ will be racing at Naval Base Coronado, beginning this June 19-21. Until reading Jimmie’s press release for His participation in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500. Ironically making the announcement the very same day that Greg Biffle’s Jet crashed in North Carolina…

 

As Johnson, now Age 50, a native of El Cajon, California, will also compete in this summer’s inaugural San Diego Street Race., aboard His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry. Thus completing another “full Circle” adventure, albeit I believe Four Lefts makes a Circle!

 

As JJ’ will pull “Double Duty” in San Diego. Also driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race at Naval Base Coronado.

 

Since that’s where this story all began at, Wayback’ in Gory 1979 on Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island. Arse-sumedly just a Hop ‘N Skip away from Naval Base Coronado, Righto?

 

Johnson, who’s tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth in career victories with 83 apiece, finished third in last year’s Day-Toner’ 500. With the two times Daytona 500 winner (2006, 2013) capping His 700th Cup start in last year’s Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 All Star race. 

Foust ‘n Quiet!

Where’s Richard Rawlings and those Gas Monkey garage Monkeys when Yuhs need them, eh?

 

The “big” news is that Tanner Foust joins H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Livestream Broadcast team this year, as co-host alongside Brad Luce. As Foust, a four times Rallycross Champion. Along with two Formula Drift titles, multiple X Games medals and being part of BBC America’s U.S. Top Gear trio. Has been brought in to help Amp up the Livestream Hydroplanes broadcast…

 

Unfortunately I could never hear Tanner or Brad (Luce) the entire Freakin’ weekend at Lake Guntersville. Can You Hear Me Now H1 Unlimited?

 

But first off, let’s review H1 Unlimited’s pathetic reporting upon it’s website. As they may be the fastest boats on water, but you’d be hard pressed to know who All of the Playah’s are?

 

No surprise that Andrew Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate served notice during Tri-Cities testing in May with a top speed of 163mph plus, with six teams testing. Yet not surprisingly, only four of the day’s six runners are mentioned. With Gunnar O’Farrell’s spectacular Blow-over aboard the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Hydro’. Along with mentioning Cory Peabody behind the tiller of the U-9 Beacon Plumbing and Jamie Nielsen skippering the U-11 Flav-R-Pac. But no mention on the other two mystery Hulls or any of the actual testing speeds…

 

Thus, with this usual lack of information, I purposely skipped Friday’s Hydrofest action. Which it behooves Mwah that H1 Unlimited cannot post a daily report at the end of each day, Say What? As this is a common practice for IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula 1, IMSA, etc.

 

Then on Saturday, I tried a few times to listen to the Livestream both via H1 Unlimited’s website and Youtube directly with zilch, nada, nothing during the morning, Groan!

 

That afternoon I vainly  attempted the same ridiculous rinse, lather, repeat process of trying to get a functioning Livestream, complete with sound. Check-Check, One-Two-testing…

 

Then when the Big Boyz’ should have been racing, after jacking up my sound level a ridiculous 40 levels, What the Flock! I suddenly could hear two announcers calling some sort of “Junior” stock race-boat race, before the announcer began repeatedly calling for a red flag!

 

As one of the boats had blown over! Noting how the driver and throttle-man sat side-by-side, Err shoulder-to-shoulder with helmets, life vests and separate oxygen supply. And with the boat upside down in the drink’, they shouldn’t even get wet when exiting thru the cutout escape hatch on the bottom of the boat; unless the roof, presumably canopy was impacted and damaged…

 

With said red flag deployed and not knowing what support series this was? Or how long until the Big Boyz’, nee Unlimited Hydroplanes would appear, I logged off for the day.

 

Having subsequently learned this was the Offshore Super Stock class, with Team Bermuda S-25 having experienced that Blow-over, with both of the boat’s occupants safely recovered and escaping unharmed before the safety boats arrived…

 

Sunday morning I tried again in vain, since I couldn’t get any sound, i.e.; anybody talking on the “live”Youtube stream, after having jacked up the volume a ridiculous 30 levels, Urgh! During what should have been Heat 3.

 

Didn’t even bother trying again at 11:00AM (Pacific) before trying one final time that afternoon to tune-in to the finals, chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Logged on at 2:20PM and first got a garbled soundtrack before a litany of instrumental rock songs, for which I’d Arse-sumed at least the finals would be on time, beginning at 2:30PM? But the music just kept playing. So I closed the browser and tried logging into the H1 Unlimited Lake Guntersville Sunday “live” feed again. As somewhere between 2:35-39PM the page claimed a whopping 766 people were currently watching. Which then jumped up to 785 after I refreshed and searched again on Youtube for a current live stream feed. But nothing! As I did this again a few more times before noticing at 2:52PM Thar were a staggering 813 people watching, Woo-Hoo! Since by this point I was pretty fed up, and finally gave up in disgust around3:05PM, Sigh!

 

Some three plus hours later, and not sure what I was looking for? I checked the H1 Unlimited website one more time before logging off and Shazam! Sunday evening I finally learned thanks to their pathetic lack of information, Urgh!

 

That basically the weekend had been a Bust, with the majority of the Unlimited action being scrubbed due to inclement weather. But why should we have to wait until Sunday evening to learn that both Saturday and Sunday’s action has been cancelled?

 

Saturday morning’s Heat-1A saw four boat take the green flag, i.e.; Tate, (U-91) Peabody, (U-9) Villwock (U-27) and Nielsen. (U-11) And although Nielsen got the jump upon the field, Villwock lost control and had a major Blow-over, which also damaged Peabody’s Hydroplane from being watered down! Plus being damaged by debris from Villwock’s Hydro, Aye Karumba!

 

Then high winds and an afternoon thunderstorm curtailed any further activity, before high winds all day Sunday cancelled any further competition. Which if H1 Unlimited had their act together, at the very least would have put up a quick note informing us of this, so I wouldn’t have spent two days wasting my time trying to listen to their pathetic Livestream!

 

BWR Racing said that the U-27 Miss Apollo will compete at this weekend’s Madison Regatta, presumably in the backup Hull known as “Sharkey”, the Hull Tate drove in 2023.

 

Whilst the U-6 Miss Madison struggled mightily at Guntersville with engine problems all weekend and never got its rookie skipper Brian Kennedy qualified. But presumably will have better luck this weekend at its home event, the 75th anniversary of the Madison Regatta.

 

For which I’d like to think that H1 Unlimited’s Livestream service will be better this weekend? And it would really be nice if they could also tell me what radio station is broadcasting the event? Meaning I could probably actually Hear what’ going on race-wise, without having to Jack U-P my volume an El Stupidio 40 levels, Oh Never Mind! 

HYDROS: The 2025 Season Spools up in Earnest

Although a fifth’s of Thar season’s already over. And I feel like I need a fifth after a most disjointed weekend of trying to follow along…

 

This coming fourth ‘O July weekend sees the H1 Unlimited series contesting Thar’ second race of the 2025 season at Madison, Indiana

 

The season began nearly one month ago at the Guntersville Hydrofest, June 8th on Lake Guntersville, Alabama. With the remainder of the five events as follows: July 6th Madison Regatta at Madison, Indiana.

 

Then a three race west coast swing, including the traditional Warshington’ back-to-back “Double”, i.e.; July 27th Tri-Cities Water Follies at Kennewick on the Mighty Columbia, nee Columbia River.

 

Followed a week later on Lake Washington  August 3rd at Seattle’s Seafair, presumably replete with the legendous’ Blue Angels, unless somebody’s spent too much upon His 79th birthday’s military parade and had to cut their funding?

 

The season concludes on September 14th at Bayfair’s Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup in San Diego, CA.

 

This year’s Tri-Cities Water Follies commemorates the 60th anniversary of this event and will host this year’s prestigious APBA Gold Cup race. With the Gold Cup being the oldest American trophy, beginning with it’s 1904 inaugural event

 

Like every offseason, much movement has occurred in the top Dawgs’ Unlimited Hydroplanes fleet. As Dustin Echols has decided to retire from competition, leaving the U-40 devoid of a driver.

 

And with Sharon and Kelly Stockton, longtime owners of Bucket List Racing and the U-40’s main sponsor Flav-R-Pac moving onto the U-11’s flanks as its new primary sponsor, Y’all have to wonder the status of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Unlimited Hydroplane this season.

 

Once again, the H1 Unlimited website has suffered another compressor stall, since I couldn’t find anything on its apathetic website about the seismic shift of the competing teams landscape…

 

According to the Madison Courier, Miss Madison Racing which had gotten itself into hefty financial debt due to it’s 2018 sponsorship agreement with Home Street Bank. With the former Miss Budweiser Tukwila race shop becoming an albatross around its neck due to the hefty mortgage, has led to Miss Madison president Charlie Grooms selling the entire assets of the championship winning team! Having just won their twelfth championship last year…

Seattle’s Bruce Ratchford, the founder and proprietor of Apollo Mechanical, who not only became Seafair’s title sponsor last year. When the Apollo Mechanical Cup joined Seafair for its 75th anniversary.  Also sponsored the U-27 Miss Apollo last season. With the newly created race team stepping up with the acquisition of Miss Madison Racing’s two Unlimited Hydroplane Hulls. Along with adding the U-27 to its fleet.

 

Thus, defending APBA National High Points Drivers Champion Andrew Tate has become teammate this season with Dave Villwock. With Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate and Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo for the new BWR Racing team, forming a new powerhouse race team to challenge Strong Racing…

 

Initially, I Arse-sumed BWR Racing would be run out of the former Miss Madison Tukwila race shop. Although re-reading the Madison Courier story, it notes that the entire Tukwila inventory was sold, making me wonder if the building wasn’t included?

 

As Grooms and four other Board members of Miss Madison Racing Inc have been fired over this travesty, with the immediate future of the team unknown.

 

Yet H1 Unlimited blissfully reported in February, that Miss Madison racing Inc had sold one of it’s Hulls to eric Christensen over the winter. Who’ll compete aboard the U-2 this season, driving for His newly founded Christensen Racing team. Making me wonder just how many Hulls did Miss Madison Racing own?

 

Christensen clamed they’d have the U-2 Fraternal Order of Eagles and Albert lee Appliance Hydroplane ready for May’s Spring training event on the Columbia River, but the race boat, based out of Buckley, WA didn’t appear at Guntersville. Making me wonder if this will just be another west coast partial season Hydroplane?

 

A la the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing Hydroplane, that Gunnar O’Farrell dramatically flipped during testing in Pasco this May! Although the team’s confident they’ll be ready in time for the Water Follies event.

 

Meanwhile, following the sale of Miss Madison Racing’s assets to BWR Racing, the series notes that in conjunction with representatives of Marshall County Tourism and Sport, the Madison Regatta and Miss Madison Racing, the team will attempt competing in the season’s first two East coast races, i.e.; Guntersville and Madison.

 

Subsequently, Miss Madison Racing announced that rookie skipper Brandon Kennedy will be at the tiller of it’s U-6 Hydroplane, as the organization regroups and hopefully secures it’s long term future. AS I’d like to think the team can rebound and return to a full season campaign in the near future…

 

Cannot say I’m overly impressed by only six Unlimited Big Boyz’ Boats showing up at Guntersville, but think we’ve had worse. As I tend to recall some of the races having a paltry four Hulls. But with the cloud hanging over the storied Miss Madison operation right now, guess I should see this as a good thing overall.

 

Another interesting side note is that Bruce Ratchford has joined forces with Darrel Strong, owner of Strong Racing, the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane’s other two boat team owner in Hydrotown Racing Inc.

 

As Hydrotown Racing Inc was created in 2023 to promote and market the Unlimited Hydroplanes, while apparently APBA is the sport’s governing body thru its ABRA association.

 

Yet Hydrotown Racing’s got a long way to go towards marketing and promoting the sport properly! Especially if Guntersville is their media template for success…

 

Whilst opining for nine Unlimited Hydroplanes competing in the Gold Cup and Seafair this summer. I think the best will be eight Hulls, since the U-6 Miss Madison is slated to run just the first two races. Meaning it will be Strong Racing vs. BWR Racing this season jousting for the National High Points Championship titles. 

HYDROS: San Diego’s Gold cup Finale becomes Unlimiteds “Rubber” Match

As who’ll take home the prestigious APBA Gold Cup this Year?

 

This weekend’s Bayfair Cup on the bill Muncey Sand diego Mission Bay’s season finale will decide this year’s Nathonal High Points champion. Along with whom gets bragging rights over the winter’s offseason for winning the prestigious APBA Gold cup. As I’d like to Arse-sume that All eight Unlimited Hulls that participated at Seattle will make the trip south down Interstate Freeway I-5…

 

I say rubber match because I’mthinking that’s what this final race has become between the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate of Andrew Tate vs. the two Strong Racing Hulls; the defending champion J. Michael Kelly in the U-1 Beacon Electric and the U-9 Beacon Plumbing with Cory Peabody at it’s tiller.

 

The season’s two main protagonists have been Tate and Peabody, who seemed destined for an epic showdown on Lake Washington in the winner take All Seafair Apollo Mechanical cup final this August.

 

As I did manage to listen to All seven Heats from Seattle both days via a very sketchy Youtube channel livestream. Even though Saturday saw their pit reporter’s transmissions completely garbled or non-existan. Along with having to Jack up the volume ridiculously in order to barely hear colour commentator John Walters…

 

Saturday’s preliminary Heats saw Tate win Heat 1A, followed by Peabody winning Heat 1B. While the best race of the day for Mwah was Dustin Echols impressive victory in Heat 2A! Being His and the U-40 Flav-R-Pac’s first Heat victory of the season, winning ahead of J. Michael Kelly!

 

Heat 2B pitted Tate against Peabody. As Peabody claimed the inside lane-1 and subsequently “motored” away from Tate, who finished second.

 

Sunday’s Heat 3A saw Tate win convincingly from the inside lane-1. And when asked about it afterwards during the winner’s interview bluntly said: We got Beat! When asked why He’d run inside on lane-1; referring to Heat 2B.

 

As John Walters, whose also an H1 Unlimited Inspector said that He’d noticed that the U-91 was running a different Skid Fin today in order to get better “Bite” off the corners on Seattle’s relatively short, tight 2.0-mile race course.

 

While later in the day, Walters mentioned an interesting factoid. Stating that today’s modern three bladed propellers used are made from castings. And last only 100 minutes! Before becoming doorstops or knickknacks…

 

Then lead announcer Brad Luce chimed in that years ago Nate Brown had proclaimed to Him: “Thin is Fast, but Doesn’t last!” Regarding an Unlimited Hydroplane’s propeller’s lifespan. With Walters noting that every single time the blade hits the water it bends…

 

Heat 3B saw Peabody ultimately victorious, albeit being pushed hard by teammate Kelly in a resurgent U-1 after an overnight engine change. With the Strong Racing duo finishing 1-2…

 

Meanwhile, leave it to John Walters, who won the sport’s very first race with a turbine engine in 1982, driving the Pride of Pay ‘n Pak during the H1 Unlimiteds pathetic Seafair livestream broadcast. Casually mentioning that Jim Lucero, the sport’s winningest Crew chief had died earlier this year. With Walters saying “We lost a Good One”. With Lucero taking the chequord Flag at age 77, just six days after Ron Jones Jr. death.

 

Huh, how come I haven’t read a word about this on H1 Unlimiteds webpage? Oh yeah, that’s the same (lame) site that not only couldn’t post stories during race weekends. But failed to post a race report of Sunday’s Apollo Columbia Cup in Tri-Cities at All!

 

Hmm, why did it take me until Tuesday morning after Seafair to find the race report Hidden on the website’s innocuous results tab! Only after I started huntin’ and peckin’ around their pathetic website! Whilst I still haven’t been able to locate a current National High Points championship points standings tally anywhere on the web, Urgh!

 

Brad (Luce) also asked Walters how driver’s felt after causing their team’s to have to rebuild their boat?  In regards to J. Michael Kelly feeling bad after His narly Blowover at Tri-cities the week prior!

 

Walters mused, Jim (Lucero) would say, “What did you do to it John? It was perfect when it left the dock”.

 

As Lucero won a record 69 races as the Sport’s winningest Crew Chief, including ten APBA Gold cups and eight National High Points championships before retiring in 1998.

 

Luce and Walters salivated over how they expected four boats to be gunning for lane-1 in the finals! And then during the Milling period before the new “Score Up” at 1:15 before the start. Luce said is that the U-1, U-9 and U-91 All together in the south turn? As we’ll keep an eye upon that triumvirate! Before Luce said that Kelly had bailed from the Argie-Bargey before exclaiming that Tate had gone Dead in the water!

 

Kelly got a legal start ahead of the rest of the field before Peabody was battling for the lead on the outside, with the two Beacon Hydros’ going Mano e Mano! With Kelly getting His first W’ of the season and Peabody second, with Tate a dejected fifth! Having never recovered from His dust-up with Peabody before the start…

 

Then the Officials ruled that Peabody had encroached upon Tate during the start and handed Him a one minute time penalty, with Kelly still being the winner. Now followed by Jamie Nilsen in the U-11 Miss Mercurys coffee second. Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo third and Tate fourth. With Dustin Echols fifth, the U-35 of Gunnar O’Farrell sixth and Peabody relegated to seventh.

 

Now I’m not suggesting this, but after waiting and waiting, and still Ah-Waitin’ to hear the post race drivers interviews which never happened, Urgh! As I really wanted to hear Tate’s assessment over what happened?

 

My mind sprung to having recently read an old interview with Ron Jones Jr. where He mentions rebuilding the Miss Circus Circus that burned in Hawaii for Steve Woomer as a “Truck” Boat. And whomever was driving it? His sole task was to crash into Mark Evans to prevent Him from winning the National High Points Championship, Youza!

 

And although I’m not implying this happened in Seattle, since I think Peabody was still chasing Tate for the championship at that point; but why do we live in such a conspiracy laden society these days?

 

Especially when one of the Strong Racing Hulls won at Seafair; being J. Michael Kelly’s second win in-a-row. With the Miss Madison Racing website stating that Tate substained damage during said milling period. Which obviously would have been caused by Peabody in the U-9!

 

Yet Andrew Tate and the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate lead the National High Points Championship by 949 points, which represents two first place and nearly fifth place finish in Heat points! With Tate having two wins vs. Peabody and Kelly having one apiece. Making you believe that this triumvirate are the odds-on favourites for winning the Gold Cup this Sunday in San Diego.

 

As I’m firmly rootin’ for my Numero Uno Skipper Andrew Tate to seek His revenge upon Strong Racing at Mission Bay this Sunday. And claiming His second Gold cup victory enroute to His second High Points championship title!

    

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!