New guys, Returnees make big splash in windy opener at Elma

ELMA — The 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series roared to life Saturday at Vance Creek Park, where a deep and energized field kicked off the season at the Champion Spark Plug Regatta with speed, spray and a renewed sense of momentum.

Under cool, and sometimes windy and rainy, skies in Elma, nearly 40 electric-powered unlimited hydroplanes packed the pits and delivered a full day of tight racing that signaled a resurgence for the club. From the first heat, it was clear the offseason had done nothing to dull the competitive edge — if anything, it sharpened it.

A turnout of 38 boats is a record for the ERCU season opener.

Veteran drivers wasted no time asserting themselves on the tight, technical course, trading lanes and throwing roostertails as they fought for early-season points. The fleet showed impressive parity, with multiple heat winners and frequent lead changes keeping spectators on edge along the shoreline.

Adding to the buzz were two new faces making their club debuts. Marc Connelly and Wayne Beeson each turned heads with composed performances in their first outing, navigating the crowded field with confidence and showing flashes of front-running pace.

“It’s a tough group to jump into,” one competitor said, “but both of those guys came ready to race.”

The day also marked a welcome return for Brad Lewis, who climbed back into competition after a two-year hiatus. Lewis showed little rust, steadily improving through the heats and ultimately making a major statement in the finals.

When the spray settled, the championship finals delivered standout performances across all classes:

In 1/10-scale modern, Paxton Reunanen powered the 2021 Beacon Plumbing to victory, holding off David Heilbrunn in the 2015 Dalton Industries, with David Newton taking third in the 2015 Graham Trucking (owned by Tom Markos).

The 1/10-scale classic final belonged to Lewis, who capped his return with a win in the 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto. Nelson Holmberg finished second in the 1986 Squire Shop Brittania, while Newton added another podium with third in the 1971 Country Boy (owned by Markos).

Lewis doubled up in 1/10-scale vintage, guiding the 1961 Miss Supertest II to victory. Newcomer Beeson impressed with a second-place finish in the 1967 Gale’s Roostertail, and Dray Newton secured third in the 1957 Hawaii Kai III.

In 1/7-scale classic, Scott Whitestine drove the 1972 Notre Dame to the top step of the podium, followed by Craig Mullen in the 1971 Pay ’n Pak. Holmberg added another podium with third in the 1974 Lincoln Thrift (owned by Carl Lewis).

Whitestine completed a strong day in 1/7-scale vintage, taking the win in the 1962 Notre Dame.

By day’s end, the opening event had delivered exactly what the series hoped for: strong turnout, competitive racing and a glimpse of what could be a wide-open championship chase in 2026. With returning veterans, fast-rising newcomers and a re-energized field, the Skidfin Solutions Championship Series is off to a blistering start.