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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. 6/15/2026 Heilbrunn, Murray, McIntosh Headline Action-Packed Jack Regas Memorial at Twin LakesRead Now MARYSVILLE -- The Skidfin Solutions Championship Series made its first of two stops at Gissberg Twin Lakes Park on Saturday for the Jack Regas Memorial, and while the weather was beautiful, the racing was anything but predictable as drivers battled for bragging rights across six classes of radio-controlled hydroplane competition.
A strong turnout of racers and spectators enjoyed a full day of competition honoring longtime hydroplane supporter Jack Regas, with close heats, dramatic mechanical issues, and several dominant performances highlighting the event. Heilbrunn Sweeps the 1/10 Scale Modern Division In 1/10-scale modern competition, David Heilbrunn put together a near-perfect day aboard the 2015 Dalton Industries, winning two preliminary heats before capping the afternoon with a victory in the final. His 1,500-point total easily topped the field. Chuck Murray experienced a frustrating day in the 2000 Miss Elam. After opening with a heat victory, mechanical trouble struck in the remaining preliminaries and prevented a challenge in the final. Murray Dominates 1/10 Classic The 1/10-scale classic division belonged to Chuck Murray and the 1976 Olympia Beer. Murray swept all three preliminary heats and then completed the clean sweep with a win in the final, finishing with a class-best 1,600 points. The battle behind him was tight. Greg Roth piloted the 1982 Executone to second place, while Jim Hagan brought the 1983 American Speedy Printing home third. John Havens Jr. rounded out the field in the backup Olympia Beer. Blue Chip Cashes In The vintage 1/10-scale class saw another standout performance from Heilbrunn, this time driving the 1965 Blue Chip. After collecting 1,100 preliminary points, Heilbrunn powered to the final victory and another 1,500-point total. Ron Daum and the 1957 Thriftway Too showed plenty of speed during the heats but were unable to capitalize in the final, while Chuck Murray's 1964 Savair's Mist was sidelined by a tough day of mechanical gremlins. McIntosh Soars in 1/7 Modern The largest boats of the day took to the water in the 1/7-scale modern class, where Mike McIntosh was nearly untouchable in the 1989 Winston Eagle. McIntosh swept every preliminary heat and then closed the show with a final victory, finishing with a perfect 1,600-point performance. David Heilbrunn's 2024 Goodman Real Estate showed flashes of speed but was unable to challenge after difficulties in the final. Squire Takes Classic Crown The deepest field of the day came in the 1/7-scale classic division, where eight boats battled through multiple qualifying heats. When the spray settled, Mike Gossler emerged on top in the 1977 Squire Shop, winning all three preliminary heats and the final for a commanding 1,600-point total. Rob Edwards secured second place in the 1982 Gilmore Special, while Carl Lewis finished third in the 1974 Lincoln Thrift. The division also featured plenty of drama. Craig Mullen's 1971 Pride of Pay 'n Pak entered the final with the highest preliminary score but was disqualified in the championship heat. Several other contenders, including John Havens Jr., Chuck Murray, and Jim McKeon, saw their afternoons interrupted by mechanical issues. Evergreen Roofing Rises to the Top The final class of the day, 1/7-scale vintage, delivered one of the closest battles on the schedule. Craig Mullen guided the 1980 Evergreen Roofing to victory, edging a talented field after a strong preliminary performance. Dennis Caines finished second aboard the 1968 Eagle Electric, while John Sjostrom claimed third with the 1960 Miss Thriftway. Bob Van den Akker finished fourth in the 1962 $ Bill, and John Havens Jr. rounded out the top five in the 1962 Miss U.S. Looking Ahead By day's end, Twin Lakes once again provided a picturesque backdrop for a full slate of competitive hydroplane racing. Dominant performances by Heilbrunn, Murray, McIntosh, Gossler, and Mullen ensured the Jack Regas Memorial delivered plenty of memorable moments as the ERCU season continues toward the heart of the summer schedule. And we're already on the clock for one of the season's majors -- the Roger Newton Memorial — Saturday, June 27 at the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course in Lacey. Pre-registration is open now by clicking here.  The sixth race of the 2026 ERCU Skidfin Solutions Championship Series is the Jack Regas Memorial, set for Saturday, June 13, at Gissberg Twin Lakes Park in Marysville. Here is all you need to know to be prepared for the sixth event of the year.
Location Gissberg Twin Lakes Park 16324 Twin Lakes Ave Marysville, WA 98271 Contest Director Craig Mullen Context This race had been known as the ERCU Apple Cup since its inception in 2010, when Ben Keller created the event, complete with an exhibition race drawing as many boats as possible that ran in the 1957 Apple Cup in Chelan, Wash., to recreate that final heat. After Jack Regas passed away in early 2014, Keller requested permission from the ERCU Contest Board to change the name of the event to the Jack Regas Memorial, in honor of the onetime Hawaii Kai III driver, who had not only met with Keller to see his models of the “Pink Lady”, but also followed the boat’s seasons in ERCU and ESU. After ERCU high points championships in 2011 and 2012, Keller presented Regas with plaques commemorating the wins. Jack Regas meant a lot to not only the Hawaii Kai history, Keller, and Choral Enterprises, but also to unlimited hydroplane racing in general. ERCU is proud to have an event named for his memory. What to Expect (All times approximate, and subject to change)
o First connie second place is alternate for the final o Second connie winner starts on the front line in first connie
Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Jack Regas Memorial is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/jack-regas-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 6 p.m., Friday, June 12. 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 “Jack Regas 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. Jack Regas Memorial Defending 2025 Champions
Race Format
o First connie winner advances to the final as a trailer boat. Second place in first connie is alternate in the final. o Boats 11-15 in cumulative event points qualify for the second connie.
Flight Schedule
Inspections In 2026, ERCU inspection team will endeavor to inspect/test all boats before the first race each boat runs at. Please print out the Hull Inspection Form, found on the “Resources” tab of the club website (www.ercu-hydros.com) and complete the member information at the top of page one prior to arriving at the race site. Please also remember to bring a photo of the real boat (a photo on your phone or tablet is acceptable) that your boat models. Visiting Drivers ERCU always welcomes new members to the club and visiting racers from other clubs. Rookie driver testing will be offered during the open water period as needed. The course will be closed for rookie driver tests. Visiting racers may not take home an ERCU perpetual trophy, in the event they win the race. Post-Race Cleanup and Awards Presentation Awards will be given to the first, second and third place finishers immediately upon the completion of the days last race. Club equipment cleanup and re-packing the trailer will take priority once the awarded ceremony is over. All members have a responsibility to help with set up and breakdown of club equipment. As a courtesy to your fellow racers. Restrooms Public restrooms are available on site 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. Pre-Registration Pre-Registration for the Jack Regas Memorial is now open. To find the pre-registration form, navigate your web browser to https://www.ercu-hydros.com/jack-regas-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 6 p.m., Friday, June 12. After that deadline, please register in person on site before 8:30 a.m. |
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