Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds (ERCU), the premier organization for electric RC unlimited hydroplane racing, is proud to announce Skidfin Solutions LLC as the Championship Series Sponsor for the upcoming ERCU racing season.

The series will be known as the Skidfin Solutions Championship Series.

Skidfin Solutions LLC, a leader in innovative strategy and effective marketing and public relations primarily targeted at the motorsports industry. Skidfin also provides a limited amount of pro-bono work annually for nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. The partnership reinforces ERCU’s commitment to elevating the sport through cutting-edge exposure and strong collaboration within the hobby.

“Skidfin Solutions is a perfect fit for ERCU,” said ERCU board secretary Jerry Dunlap. “Their focus on innovation and proven performance aligns directly with what our racers demand and what our series represents. We’re excited to have them headline the championship and support the continued growth of fast electric unlimited hydro racing.”

As Championship Series Sponsor, Skidfin Solutions LLC will receive prominent branding across ERCU championship communications, season graphics, and event promotions, while playing a key role in supporting racers and advancing the competitive landscape.

“ERCU represents the past and present, not to mention the best, of RC unlimited hydroplane racing,” said Skidfin crew chief & principal Nelson Holmberg. “We are really proud to support a series that emphasizes innovation, sportsmanship, and electric performance. This partnership allows us to give back to the racing community that drives our passion.”

ERCU continues to grow as a national platform for high-performance electric RC unlimited racing, attracting racers, fans, and partners dedicated to the evolution of the sport.

For more information about Skidfin Solutions LLC, visit www.skidfin.biz. To learn more about Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds, visit www.ercu-hydros.com.

BALLARD, Wash. - News came last evening that Bardahl, a historic and famous lubricant company and prominent presence in unlimited hydroplane racing, will be the presenting sponsor of the 2026 ERCU Gold Cup.

The race will be known this year as the Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup.

Bardahl Oil Company was founded in 1939 by Ole Bardahl, a Norwegian immigrant to the United States. Ole arrived in Seattle in 1922 as a 20 year old with $29 in his pocket. He became a millionaire by age 39 as a general contractor in Seattle, building homes. After that, he founded the Bardahl Oil Company in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The company is still owned and managed by the Bardahl family.

The Bardahl product line included over 250 products, including engine oils, motor oil and fuel additives, and specialty lubricants

Bardahl has been involved in racing, using events as proving grounds for its products, as well as for the new technologies produced by the company's research and development arm. Types included Unlimited Hydroplanes, offshore powerboats, unlimited air racing, IndyCars, CART Racing, NASCAR, motorcycle and snowmobile racing.
​
Many thanks to Mark Manchester for his leadership and help with making this possible. The Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 on the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course at Woodland Creek Park in Lacey.

ERCU is happy to announce a new sponsor partnership with Wes Ellet of Ellet RC and Wesley's Custom Graphics.

Ellet RC has more than 300 sets of custom RC scale boat decals available in its catalog. In 2026, Ellet RC will donate a gift certificate for one complete set of decals to an ERCU member at one of our events. 

The race where this giveaway will happen hasn't yet been determined, but stay tuned and we'll announce that soon.

Many thanks to Wes Ellet for his support of ERCU. We're happy to have him on board. We're also grateful for the work of our own Jim McKeon who made this happen.

Thank you for all who participated in the rules process this year. Whether it was submitting suggested rule changes, participating in our December winter meeting when we discussed the proposed changes, voting on the proposals or all of the above, your involvement is appreciated. ERCU is currently enjoying unprecedented member engagement in the club, even in the offseason. That’s very exciting — especially being that we’re just nine weeks away from the season-opening Champion Spark Plug Regatta in Elma. 

The 2026 ERCU Rule Book is now available. It’s three distinct sections, so please read all three by clicking here. 

Changes for 2026 are highlighted in green inside each section of the book.

Here are highlights of the changes. Full details of the changes are in the book:

• A legal heat may now be based on just two boats (heats will be shortened to three laps with a five lap final) — General Rules A. III.
• Flexibility for creating longer courses, allowing for 4-lap heats for 1/10 if the course is too long for the smaller boats — Racing Rules A. X.
• Deletion of the “most recognizable form” rule, with the intent to clear up vague language and allow members to build the versions of boats they want to build, provided boats still achieve the threshold of “the real boats that have attempted to qualify on the unlimited circuit”. — General Rules
• Inspection of motors, a new rule has been included (Technical Manual D) expressing the rule, consequence and inspection process.
• Clarified the propeller rule (hub is part of the propeller) — Technical Manual
• Clarified in 1/7 scale motor rules that bearings and connectors may be replaced at any time — Technical Manual
• Changed strut/shaft rule to allow for all classes/both divisions to have a shaft that does not need to maintain a straight line through the strut — Technical Manual

Please be sure to read this year’s rule book so you’re familiar with the rules and understand the changes for 2026, and consider printing copies to have in the pits with you in case you need them.