 It is, again, the time of year when ERCU begins the process to elect members of its board of directors.
The first step, of course, is nominating ERCU members to run for election. As such, there is a nomination form posted on the club’s website. Nominations close on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. Club members may nominate another member, or themselves, to be added to the board of directors ballot. The nomination form can be found by clicking here. Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31. Nominations can also be made in person at the Bernie Little Memorial in Marysville on Saturday, Aug. 22. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, an online ballot will be posted on the club’s website to select four to serve on the seven-person board. Those with expiring terms this year are Jerry Dunlap, Nelson Holmberg, Mike McIntosh and Jim McKeon. If a member prefers a paper ballot, one may be requested during the Detroit Memorial Regatta on September 5 in Lacey, or by mail. Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, and the election results will be announced shortly thereafter.  The 10th race of the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series is the Bernie Little Memorial, returning to Twin Lakes Park in Marysville on Saturday, August 22. The Bernie Little Memorial honors one of the most influential figures in unlimited hydroplane racing history and a longtime supporter of radio-controlled hydroplane racing.
LOCATION Twin Lakes Park — North Lake 16324 Twin Lakes Ave. Marysville, WA 98271 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 Drivers Meeting: Approximately 9:15 a.m. First Heat: Approximately 9:30 a.m. All times are approximate and subject to change. BERNIE LITTLE MEMORIAL Bernie Little (1926-2003) was the most successful owner in unlimited hydroplane racing history. His legendary Miss Budweiser team won 134 of the 354 races it entered, captured the high-points championship 22 times in 40 years of competition, and won the APBA Gold Cup 14 times. Little's first unlimited hydroplane victory came on the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities in 1966. His team also became known for pioneering an enclosed driver's cockpit as a significant advancement in driver safety. Little was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He also supported RC hydroplane racing throughout the country and sponsored R/C Unlimited racing for several years. His contributions to hydroplane racing — both full-size and radio-controlled — are an important part of the legacy celebrated by this event. The Bernie Little Memorial was placed on hiatus after ERCU shortened its racing schedule in 2019 and returned to the schedule in 2023. RACE OFFICIALS Contest Directors: Mike McIntosh & Bob Van den Akker Chief Referee — All Classes: Beau Rarig Course Setup & Chase Boat: Paxton Reunanen Drivers Representatives: Mike McIntosh & Bob Van den Akker Pit Boss: Bob Van den Akker Turn Judges: First- and second-place finishers from the previous heat will judge the next heat. It is the responsibility of first- and second-place finishers to provide a replacement turn judge if they have a conflict. WHAT TO EXPECT
PRE-REGISTRATION Pre-registration for the Bernie Little Memorial is available through the ERCU website. Bernie Little Memorial registration and race information. Please check the registration page for the current pre-registration deadline and payment information. After the pre-registration deadline, drivers must register in person at the race site before the on-site registration deadline. DRIVERS MEETING The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes. The meeting will begin at the scorer's tent within approximately five minutes of the conclusion of the testing period. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat, regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. RACE FORMAT All classes will utilize the Love Plan:
FLIGHT SCHEDULE The planned flight schedule will include:
2025 DEFENDING CHAMPIONS The 2025 Bernie Little Memorial champions are:
2026 ERCU INSPECTIONS As part of ERCU's 2026 inspection program, the inspection team will endeavor to inspect and test boats before the first race each boat runs at. Drivers should:
VISITING DRIVERS & ROOKIE TESTING ERCU welcomes new members and visiting racers from other clubs. Rookie driver testing may be offered during the open-water period as needed. The racecourse will be closed during rookie driver testing. Visiting racers are welcome to compete; however, visiting racers may not take home an ERCU perpetual trophy in the event they win the race. COURSE & CHASE BOAT Course Setup & Chase Boat: Paxton Reunanen The racecourse will be established in the morning prior to practice water. Drivers should be prepared for course and water conditions to be reviewed during the drivers meeting. All drivers and crew members are expected to cooperate with race officials and course personnel throughout the event. POST-RACE CLEANUP & AWARDS Club equipment cleanup and re-packing the trailer will take priority following the completion of racing. Once the trailer is re-packed, awards will be presented. Awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place finishers. All members have a responsibility to assist with setup and breakdown of club equipment. As a courtesy to your fellow racers, please stick around for the awards presentation and celebrate the day's competitors. RESTROOMS Public restrooms are available at the park and they are expected to be open. ELECTRICITY There is no access to electricity in the pits. Drivers who need to charge batteries during the day should plan to bring a generator or other appropriate power source. LACEY — The preliminaries can build the drama, but at the Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup, it is the final heat that provides the moment everyone remembers. When the checkered flags flew Saturday at the 2026 Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup, Paxton Reunanen had plenty to remember. Reunanen captured four of the six Gold Cup finals he entered, Scott Whitestine added a dominant victory of his own, and John Sjostrom came from a difficult preliminary campaign to steal the 1/7 modern title. But perhaps the best stories of the weekend weren't written by the favorites. Four drivers who earned their way into the Gold Cup through the Ted Jones Memorial program didn't simply make up the numbers when they reached the championship heats. They made an impact. The 1984 American Speedy Printing in 1/10 classic, the 1977 Natural Light in 1/7 classic, the 1972 Miss Budweiser in 1/10 vintage and the 1962 Miss U.S. 1 in 1/7 vintage all advanced to Gold Cup final heats. Three of those boats finished on the podium, while the Miss Budweiser was unable to start its final. For Jim Hagen and the American Speedy Printing, the weekend produced a first ERCU race victory. For John Havensand the Miss U.S. 1, it marked the second consecutive year they had won a Ted Jones Memorial. The result was a Gold Cup weekend filled with everything that makes Electric Radio Controlled Unlimited hydroplane racing so entertaining: dominant performances, unlikely heroes, late-race comebacks, mechanical heartbreak and final results that looked very different from the preliminary standings. With 61 boats in the pits and six Gold Cups up for grabs, the Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup proved once again that getting to the final is only half the battle. Ted Jones Memorial racers crash the party The Ted Jones Memorial is designed to give racers a chance to fight their way into the Gold Cup finals. This year, four of those racers did more than simply qualify. They made noise. The 1984 American Speedy Printing advanced into the 1/10 classic final and then delivered a runner-up finish, earning second place in the Gold Cup final after coming through the Memorial. The 1977 Natural Light also reached the podium, finishing third in the 1/7 classic final. In 1/10 vintage, Mick Shutt won the Ted Jones Memorial in the 1972 Miss Budweiser, but the boat was unable to start the Gold Cup final. And in 1/7 vintage, the 1962 Miss U.S. 1 completed the journey from the Ted Jones Memorial to the Gold Cup final and came away with third place. That's a remarkable achievement in a field loaded with drivers and boats that had been battling at the front throughout the weekend. It also gave the Gold Cup something every good sporting event needs: a few underdogs who refused to read the script. The Ted Jones Memorial racers weren't content to sit back and admire the view once they reached the championship heats. They came to race. Reunanen puts a bow on 1/10 vintage Reunanen's weekend got off to a spectacular start in 1/10 vintage, where he piloted Kerry Kjos' 1960 Miss Thriftway to four preliminary victories. But the driver saved his best for last. Reunanen won the final, finishing ahead of John Earnest in the 1962 Gale V and Wayne Beeson in Gale's Roostertail. The class also featured one of the weekend's biggest heartbreaks. Paul Dunlap and the 1964 Miss Exide had been among the fastest boats in the preliminary heats, winning two rounds. But Dunlap could not complete the final, opening the door for Reunanen to claim the Gold Cup. Reunanen completes the 1/10 classic comebackIf the 1/10 vintage final was a display of dominance, the 1/10 classic final was a reminder that a Gold Cup can change hands in a hurry. Reunanen, driving the 1983 Miss Rock KISW, entered the final with three preliminary victories under his belt. Then came a DNF in the fourth preliminary. Suddenly, the door was open. Nelson Holmberg, driving the 1986 Squire Shop Brittania, had also been one of the class's strongest performers, winning three preliminary heats. Paul Dunlap had put together an impressive preliminary record in the 1971 Country Boy, while Jim Hagan was consistently near the front in the 1983 American Speedy Printing, which earned its place in the Gold Cup final through the Ted Jones Memorial. When the final arrived, however, Reunanen delivered. He took the checkered flag, with Hagan finishing second and Mike Walcker bringing the Red Man Too home third. The Country Boy, owned by Tom Markos, couldn't duplicate its strong preliminary performance and failed to finish the final. Holmberg also saw his Gold Cup hopes disappear with a DNF. 1/10 modern belongs to Reunanen Reunanen added another Gold Cup victory in 1/10 modern, but this one came with an unusual twist. Driving the 1995 Miss Budweiser, Reunanen had been the class's dominant preliminary performer, winning Heat 2 and posting strong runs throughout the other rounds. Then came the final. Reunanen won. The 1995 Miss Budweiser crossed first, giving the driver another Gold Cup trophy and another reminder that preliminary success means little if it doesn't carry over to the final. Holmberg, who had driven the 2015 Graham Trucking to preliminary victories in Heats 1 and 4, was unable to finish the final. Ron Daum, with the 2004 Llumar Window Film also drew a DNF in the final. For Reunanen, it was another example of making the most important heat count. For Holmberg, it was a frustrating end to what had been a promising day. Whitestine is perfect in 1/7 classic If there was one driver who could challenge Reunanen for the title of most dominant performer of the weekend, it was Scott Whitestine. Driving the 1972 Notre Dame, Whitestine simply owned the 1/7 classic class. He won all four preliminary heats. Then he won the final. The Gold Cup was never really in doubt. But even in Whitestine's dominant class, the Ted Jones Memorial produced another surprise. The 1977 Natural Light earned its way into the Gold Cup final through the Ted Jones Memorial and then went out and finished on the podium. Mike McIntosh brought the 1973 Red Man Too home second, while Chuck Murray drove the 1976 Natural Light to third. Murray's run was particularly impressive considering the DQ he suffered earlier in the weekend. He recovered, returned to the front and ultimately stood on the podium. Craig Mullen finished fourth in the 1971 Pay 'n Pak. Sjostrom flips the script in 1/7 modern The most dramatic final of the weekend may have belonged to John Sjostrom. Driving the 2003 Miss Chrysler Jeep, Sjostrom entered the 1/7 modern final after a rocky preliminary campaign. He had a DNF in Heat 1 and did not start Heat 2. But Sjostrom rebounded with second-place finishes in Heats 3 and 4, putting himself in position to make something happen. Then he did exactly that. And he won the 1/7 modern final. It was a spectacular turnaround and one of the weekend's best examples of why you never count a hydroplane out before the final flag. Behind him, Reunanen had a story of his own. Driving the 2023 Beacon Plumbing, Reunanen had been virtually unbeatable in the preliminaries, winning all four heats. But the final didn't go his way. A DNF ended his bid for a fifth consecutive heat victory and handed the Gold Cup to Sjostrom. Reunanen finishes the weekend in 1/7 vintage Reunanen's final Gold Cup victory came in the 1/7 vintage class, where he drove the 1969 Pride of Pay 'n Pak Outrigger. Once again, he was perfect through the preliminary rounds. Once again, he saved the best for the final. Reunanen won the Gold Cup final, with Jay Fonville bringing the 1974 Kirby Classic home second and the 1962 Miss U.S. 1 finishing third. The Miss U.S. 1 was another of the weekend's Ted Jones Memorial success stories. After earning its place in the Gold Cup final through the Memorial, the 1962 boat didn't waste the opportunity. It won its Memorial race, advanced to the championship final and finished third against the Gold Cup field. That's an impressive progression: qualify through the Memorial, win a race against the Gold Cup field and finish on the podium. It was one of the weekend's clearest examples of the Ted Jones Memorial doing exactly what it was intended to do — giving racers a pathway to the sport's biggest stage and then allowing them to prove they belonged there. The Gold Cup final isn't reserved for the drivers who dominate the preliminary rounds. The Ted Jones Memorial creates another route to the big show. And this year's qualifiers made the most of it. They didn't arrive at the final heats simply hoping to stay out of trouble. They came to race. Ted Jones Memorial Champions for 2026.
 The ninth race of the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series is perhaps the biggest. It’s almost time for the 2026 Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup. The stage is set for Saturday, August 8 at the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course at Woodland Creek Park in Lacey. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for most coveted trophy of the year.
As usual, there will be giveaways, prizes, and lunch provided by our sponsors, supporters and the club itself. It's going to be a long day of racing, with the extra set of heats and a high likelihood of a big turnout, so be sure and be prepared. The Gold Cup is the granddaddy of them all in boat racing, so you won't want to miss it! With much appreciation, Jerry & Paul Dunlap, David Heilbrunn and Dennis Caines will do the work to get the race course set in the afternoon on Friday, Aug. 7, so event set up can happen between 6-7 a.m. on Saturday, and open water can be held 7-8 a.m. and we can get an early start to the day. Location Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course, Woodland Creek Park 6729 Pacific Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98503 Contest Directors ERCU Board of Directors Context The Gold Cup has long been held in high regard. It’s been referred to as “boat racing’s Indy 500” – the granddaddy of them all. It’s no different in model boat racing. In ERCU, the Gold Cup is the most coveted of all trophies. Consistent with boat racing history and the tradition of the Gold Cup, the race is one of endurance and survival. Thus, the course will be longer than others during the 2023 season, and there will be four flights of heats rather than the regular three. Winner-take-all finals will determine the winners of our club’s Gold Cups for 2026. There will be six Gold Cups awarded at the end of the day: 1/10 scale modern; 1/7 scale modern; 1/10 scale classic; 1/7 scale classic; 1/10 scale vintage and 1/7 scale vintage. What to Expect Race Format (All times approximate, and may change) 7-8 a.m. Open water 8:05 a.m. Mandatory Gold Cup Drivers Meeting & heat draw announcement 8:30 a.m. First flight of heats (1/10 modern, 1/7 modern, 1/10 classic, 1/7 classic, 1/10 vintage, 1/7 vintage) 9:45 a.m. Second flight of heats (1/10 modern, 1/7 modern, 1/10 classic, 1/7 classic, 1/10 vintage, 1/7 vintage) 11-11:30 a.m. Lunch break 11:30 a.m. Third flight of heats (1/10 modern, 1/7 modern, 1/10 classic, 1/7 classic, 1/10 vintage, 1/7 vintage) 1:15 p.m. Fourth flight of heats (1/10 modern, 1/7 modern, 1/10 classic, 1/7 classic, 1/10 vintage, 1/7 vintage) 3 p.m. Ted Jones Memorials (consolations) for all appropriate classes. Gold Cup first connie are the Ted Jones Memorial and count as race wins. Winners also move up to the Gold Cup finals as trailer boats. 4 p.m. Winner-take-all Gold Cup Final Heats (1/10 modern, 1/7 modern, 1/10 classic, 1/7 classic, 1/10 vintage, 1/7 vintage) 5 p.m. Club equipment breakdown and packing — ALL HANDS 6 p.m. Awards presentation Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the 2026 ERCU Bardahl Gold Cup is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/ercu-gold-cup.html, where you will find the pre-registration link in a gray box near the top of the page. Pre-registration will close at 11:59 p.m., Friday, August 7. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. You can also find pre-registration by going to www.ercu-hydros.com, then selecting “ERCU Gold Cup” from the main menu, and “ERCU Gold Cup” from the schedule itself. Drivers Meeting The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes and will begin at the scorer’s table within five minutes of the closing of the testing period. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. Race Officials Contest Directors: ERCU Board of Directors (Jerry Dunlap, David Heilbrunn, Nelson Holmberg, Mike McIntosh, Craig Mullen, Jim McKeon, Paxton Reunanen) Heat Draws/Scoring: Paxton Reunanen & David Heilbrunn Chief Referee 1/10 Modern: Jerry & Paul Dunlap Chief Referee 1/10 Classic: David Heilbrunn & Mike McIntosh Chief Referee 1/7 Classic: David Heilbrunn & Mike McIntosh Chief Referee 1/10 Vintage: Nelson Holmberg & Craig Mullen Chief Referee 1/7 Vintage: Nelson Holmberg & Carl Lewis Drivers Representatives: Jim Mckeon & Paxton Reunanen Pit Boss: Tom Markos Turn Judges: First and second place finishers will judge the next heat ERCU Gold Cup Defending Champions
Race Format
Post-Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Club equipment cleanup and re-packing the trailer will take priority once each day’s racing is complete. Once the trailer is re-packed, awards will be presented. Because it's already going to be a long day anyway, we are asking everyone to please chip in as many hands make light (and quick) work. All members have a responsibility to help with set up and breakdown of club equipment. As a courtesy to your fellow racers, please stick around for the awards presentation whether you’ve won one or not. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place finishers, and Bardahl is providing keeper trophies for the first place finisher in each class. Restrooms Restrooms are available in the park and are expected to be open. Electricity There is no access to electricity in the pits. It would be wise to bring a generator or other power source to charge your batteries if you need to charge during the day. TOLEDO — Sunshine, smooth water and fast racing produced a full day of memorable action Saturday as the Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds brought the annual Seafair Trophy Race to South County Park in Toledo, with dramatic final heats deciding championships across six competitive classes.
While preliminary heats set the stage in the points race format, the afternoon finals determined the trophy winners, rewarding drivers who could deliver when the pressure was highest. In 1/10 scale modern, David Heilbrunn's Dalton Industries was a rocket all day, gaining two heat wins and a DNF before a second in the final to clinch the race win. That consistency was rewarded in the final when Heilbrunn was able to run a comfortable cruise enough to finish second. By doing so, he held off Nelson Holmberg's 2023 Flav-R-Pac for the points race win, 1,100-1,000. Holmberg benefited from the cruise to win the final heat. Tom Markos rounded out the podium in the 2015 Graham Trucking with 850 points. The 1/10 classic class featured one of the day's strongest performances as Paul Dunlap drove the 1971 Country Boy to a dominant, and perfect, 1,600-point victory after sweeping every preliminary heat and the final. Nelson Holmberg's 1986 Squire Shop finished second with 1,400 points, while Wayne Beeson's 1976 Mark 'n Pak claimed third with 1,094 points. Scott Whitestine was equally impressive in 1/7 classic, guiding the 1972 Notre Dame to 1,600 boat points and another wire-to-wire victory. Dennis Caines finished second aboard the 1975 Pay 'n Pak with 1,269 points, followed by Wayne Beeson's 1976 Mark 'n Pak at 1,050 points. The 1/10 vintage division produced one of the day's closest championship battles. Dunlap's 1964 Miss Exide held off Heilbrunn's 1965 Blue Chip, finishing with 1,295 boat points to Blue Chip's 1,194. Utah visitor Ken Boyle - in the Pacific Northwest for the NAMBA Nationals next week - ran his 1972 Timex to a podium finish, taking third with 1,050 points. The Miss Exide captured the final heat to seal the championship. In 1/7 vintage, Whitestine added another trophy by steering the 1962 Notre Dame to 1,325 boat points. Joey Caines' 1970 Pay 'n Pak finished second with 1,200 points, while John Havens guided the 1962 Miss U.S. to third with 1,100 points. Havens' Miss U.S. won the final heat, but Whitestine's consistency throughout the day proved enough to secure the overall Seafair Trophy championship. The lone 1/7 modern entry still running at the end of the day was John Havens in the 1991 American Spirit, finishing with 525 boat points. It was Havens' first career race win in ERCU. Saturday's racing once again showcased one of ERCU's unique formats, where consistent preliminary performances build the foundation, but championship finals often produce the day's biggest drama. Several classes saw drivers rise to victory in the finals, while others relied on dominant preliminary performances to withstand late challenges and carry home Seafair Trophy hardware.  Now that all seven boats present in Madison have attempted to qualify (in fact, qualified), there are seven new legal registrations available in ERCU (both 1/10 and 1/7 scales) and they are as follows:
If you'd like to register one of these 2026 beauties, please click on this link to do so. https://www.ercu-hydros.com/registration.html
LACEY — The familiar whine of electric motors echoed across Woodland Creek Community Park Saturday as more than 50 meticulously crafted unlimited hydroplanes took to the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course for one of the biggest events of the ERCU season.
By the time the spray had settled and the final checkered flag waved, one name had risen above the rest. Paxton Reunanen turned in a spectacular three-win performance to headline the Roger Newton Memorial, one of the Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds' three premier races of the season and the seventh stop on the 12-race Skidfin Solutions Championship Series. Reunanen started by capturing the 1/10-scale modern division aboard the iconic 2004 Miss Budweiser, then survived an attrition-filled 1/7-scale modern final to take another victory in the 2023 Beacon Plumbing. He completed his hat trick in the 1/7-scale vintage class, driving Mike McIntosh's beautifully prepared 1969 Pride of Pay 'n Pak Outrigger to victory. While Reunanen was nearly flawless, the 1/7-scale modern final proved that even the favorites aren't immune to bad luck. Mike McIntosh's distinctive 1989 Winston Eagle (driven by David Newton) — known throughout the pits simply as "The Lobster" — was out before the finish, and David Heilbrunn's 2024 Goodman Real Estate was unable to start, clearing the way for Reunanen to add another trophy to an already memorable afternoon. Brian Perkins continued to show why he belongs in the drivers area at ERCU events. He earned runner-up honors in the 1/10-scale modern class with the 2016 All Access Rentals before collecting another second-place finish in the 1/10-scale classics aboard the 1983 Miss Rock KISW. Jamie Nilsen rounded out the modern podium with the 2019 J&D's. One of the day's feel-good victories belonged to Paul Dunlap, who piloted Tom Markos' beautiful 1971 Country Boy to the 1/10-scale classic championship. Dunlap held off Perkins and Mike Walcker's 1973 Red Man Too in a competitive final while later adding a third-place finish in the vintage division with his own 1964 Miss Exide. Scott Whitestine continued his consistently strong season by winning the 1/7-scale classic class with the 1972 Notre Dame. Craig Mullen finished second in the 1971 Pride of Pay 'n Pak, while Carl Lewis brought home third with the 1974 Lincoln Thrift. The vintage divisions once again showcased the rich history of unlimited hydroplane racing. Mitch Dillard claimed top honors in the 1/10-scale vintage class aboard his 1955 Tahoe Miss, with Mike Dunn finishing second in Rick Stafford's 1968 Miss Budweiser. Dunn also earned bragging rights for making the longest journey to the race, traveling from Riverside, California, to compete in Lacey. Paul Dunlap completed the podium. In the 1/7-scale vintage final, Reunanen wasn't finished collecting trophies. Driving McIntosh's 1969 Pride of Pay 'n Pak Outrigger. He secured his third victory of the day ahead of Whitestine's 1962 Notre Dame and Bob Van den Akker's 1962 $ Bill. Away from the water, the Roger Newton Memorial reminded everyone why it has become one of ERCU's signature weekends. Drivers, families and spectators gathered between heats to enjoy a Papa John's pizza lunch sponsored by Skidfin Solutions Racing Team, while competitors fine-tuned boats, traded stories and admired the craftsmanship that makes the sport unique. The relaxed atmosphere in the pits contrasted sharply with the intense racing that unfolded each time the boats launched. The event was made possible through the support of Offshore Electrics, Roostertail Talk, Newton Marine and ERCU, organizations that continue to honor Roger Newton's legacy while helping the club stage one of its marquee events year after year. With just five races remaining on the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series schedule, every point is becoming increasingly valuable. If Saturday's action in Lacey is any indication, the championship chase is heading for an exciting finish.  The eighth race of the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series season is the 24th annual ERCU Seafair Trophy race. Set for Saturday, July 11 at South County Park, Wallace Pond in Toledo. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the eighth event of the year.
Location Wallace Pond, South County Park 212 Ray Road Toledo, WA 98591 Contest Director David Heilbrunn Context In August 1951, the feature event of Seafair in Seattle was the Gold Cup. For the first time, Seattle had a major league sport; unlimited hydroplane racing. Stan Sayers Slo-Mo-Shun IV had won the 1950 Gold Cup in Detroit and earned for the Seattle Yacht Club the right to put on the race for 1951. So let us hearken back to a Seafair 70 years ago when the grass was green, the skies were blue, the Gold Cup was now in Seattle and Slo-Mo-Shun IV was defending. A time when the boats roared and thundered, the Seafair Pirates were not politically correct and the Buicks, well they were two-tone. Please join us to race on Wallace Pond at South County Park on Saturday, July 11 and relive those golden days of yesteryear if only in 1/10 and 1/7 scale form. What to Expect (All times approximate, and subject to change)
Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Seafair Trophy Race is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/seafair-trophy-race.html where you will find the pre-registration link in a blue box just under the race site map. Pre-registration will close at 10 p.m., Friday, July 10. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. You can also find pre-registration by selecting “Schedule” from the main menu, and “Seafair Trophy Race” from the schedule itself. Drivers Meeting The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes and will begin at the scorer’s table within five minutes of the closing of the testing period. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. Seafair Trophy Race Defending Champions
Race Format
Post-Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Club equipment cleanup and re-packing the trailer will take priority once the race is over. Once the trailer is re-packed, awards will be presented. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place finishers. All members have a responsibility to help with set up and breakdown of club equipment. As a courtesy to your fellow racers, please stick around for the awards presentation whether you’ve won one or not. Restrooms Public restrooms are available on site. Electricity There is no access to electricity in the pits. It would be wise to bring a generator or other power source to charge your batteries if you need to charge during the day.  The seventh race of the 2026 ERCU Skidfin Solutions Championship Series season is the Roger Newton Memorial, set for Saturday, June 27 at the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course in Woodland Creek Park, Lacey. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the seventh event of the year.
Location Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course, Long’s Pond at Woodland Creek Park 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Contest Director David Newton Context This will mark the 19th running of the Roger Newton Memorial. Roger Newton, club founder and hall of fame RC scale racer, passed away in the summer of 2008. Since then, the club has been dedicated to racing in his honor. Roger spent his lifetime promoting and racing scale RC hydroplanes of all sizes. In the early 1970s he created Newton Marine, a side business that sells 1/8-scale hydroplane plans. He then created R/C Unlimiteds in 1976, the first club dedicated to racing nothing but scale hydroplane models. He helped to form Classic Thunder in 1994 and then created ERCU in 2003. In 2000, he was crew chief for Dr. Ken Muscatel's Superior Racing Team when the Miss FreeI set the still-standing mile straightaway speed record with Russ Wicks at the wheel. Newton was influential with scale RC racing around the world and spent his life fulfilling that dream. David Newton will again direct the race. This will be a race you won’t want to miss! What to Expect (All times approximate, and subject to change)
Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Riger Newton Memorial is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/roger-newton-memorial.html, where you will find the pre-registration link in a blue box just under the race site map. Pre-registration will close at 10 p.m., Friday, July 26. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. You can also find pre-registration by going to www.ercu-hydros.com, then selecting “Schedule” from the main menu, and “Roger Newton Memorial” from the schedule itself. Drivers Meeting The drivers meeting is mandatory for ALL divisions and all classes and will begin at the scorer’s table within five minutes of the closing of the testing period. Drivers who do not attend the drivers meeting will be scratched from the first heat regardless of whether they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Drivers arriving after the drivers meeting will not be added to the event until the draw for the second flight of heats. Race Officials
Roger Newton Memorial Defending Champions
Race Format
Post-Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Club equipment cleanup and re-packing the trailer will take priority once the race is over. Once the trailer is re-packed, awards will be presented. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place finishers, first connie and Triple Crown winners. All members have a responsibility to help with set up and breakdown of club equipment. As a courtesy to your fellow racers, please stick around for the awards presentation whether you’ve won one or not. Restrooms Public restrooms are available on site, at the west end of the parking lot. Electricity There is no access to electricity in the pits. It would be wise to bring a generator or other power source to charge your batteries if you need to charge during the day. |
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