Many thanks to Chuck Murray (aka "BobbyBigRigger"), for his generousity.

Murray stepped up with his own money this morning and offered a presenting sponsorship of ERCU for the 2023 season. He also will sponsor a lunch for club members at one of the races during the 2023 season.

"Chuck has been a very active member of ERCU since 2014 and he's always been one who cares deeply about the club," said ERCU Board Chair Nelson Holmberg. "His sponsorship is one way that he's able to give back to the club he truly enjoys, and we're deeply appreciative of his support."

Murray's support is in recognition of the good times he has in the club.

"I just am happy with the club and how all of the members make my summers," Murray said. "This is from the heart as you all give me a great summer."

With many thanks to the ERCU Competition Committee, the 2023 proposed rules changes have been posted to the website for membership review and vote.

Please review this year's proposed changes, and vote, by clicking here. Voting opens immediately (Thursday, Feb. 17 at 12:30 p.m.) and closes at 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28. This gives members 11 days to vote, and allows for updating of the rule book with at least a three week publication and notice of the new 2023 ERCU Rule book prior to the April 1 ERCU Opening Day - the Champion Spark Plug Regatta at Woodland Creek Park in Lacey.

MUKILTEO, Wash. – Seatown Services has become the newest sponsor of Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds and will be the presenting sponsor of the first-ever ERCU Driver of the Year award as a part of the package.
 
The new sponsorship takes effect immediately and continues through the 2023 ERCU racing season.
 
“We are so excited to welcome Seatown Services as ERCU’s official HVAC, plumbing and electrical partner and as part of our racing family,” said ERCU Board Chair Nelson Holmberg. “The addition of the Driver of the Year award that Seatown presents with this sponsorship is something unprecedented for our club, and I expect it to motivate even more participation in our growing club.”
 
A lifelong fan of unlimited hydroplane racing and former RC racer himself, Seatown Services Owner/CEO Brandon Phillips is looking forward to his company’s new partnership with this racing organization.
 
“The models that these craftsmen build and race are unbelievable – especially that some of them reach speeds of up to 70 mph with radio control…that’s absolutely crazy,” Phillips said. “We are so proud to support an organization that not only cares about hydroplane racing, but also produces family-friendly fun across western Washington. The fact that their boats are powered by electric motors is icing on the cake for us.”
 
Located in Mukilteo and established in 2014, Seatown Services is the greater Seattle area’s premier HVAC, plumbing and electrical services contractor. The company is equipped to handle maintenance of plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, heating, installations, repairs and replacements. Phillips and his company also take pride in giving back to the community that they serve.
 
“We are delighted to partner with ERCU as their events provide us with the kind of opportunities, we look for to give back and help important events within the communities we are fortunate to serve,” Phillips said. “Just as ERCU members strive to be the best at what they do, so does Seatown Services.”
 
Holmberg is especially grateful for the new Driver of the Year award.
 
“I truly believe that the Driver of the Year award will attract more new drivers to the hobby,” he said, “and I’m confident it will add some suspense to our annual End of Season Celebration and awards presentation.
 
“As ERCU strategically continues to build and grow as an organization, the credibility that comes from partnerships like Seatown Services and all of our other sponsors can only help,” Holmberg said.
 
Founded in 2003, ERCU is celebrating its 20th year this season. Members build and race radio controlled replicas of the real unlimited hydroplanes that have raced in Seattle for 70 years. It’s not uncommon to see models of the 1957 Miss Wahoo, 1984 Executone or the 2015 Dalton Industries in a pit area full of as many as 50 or more boats on a race day. The club has two divisions suiting 1/10-scale and 1/7 scale replicas and boats can reach speeds approaching 70 mph.
 
To learn more about Seatown Services visit their website at www.seatownservices.com. Learn more about ERCU at its website, www.ercu-racing.com.

One day last month, Mike Hughes had three hours to burn so he went out to the shop and whipped out some work on his new 1/10 scale vintage boat.

Like many of us this time of year, Hughes has "a few things" going on in his shop, one of which is the construction of his 1971 Hallmark Homes (red) that is expected to debut in ERCU this season.

The defending champion of the modern class high points - and Gold Cup - is hard at work getting ready for the 2023 ERCU season.

Don't forget to attend the Roger Newton Memorial RC Boat Show at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and bring your boats - in whatever state of offseason work they are in to show them off!