 The final race of the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series is the Atomic Cup, presented by Skidfin Solutions LLC and Hobby Chef Racing, set for Saturday, Sept. 26, at Vance Creek Park in Elma.
The Atomic Cup brings the 2026 ERCU season to a close with a race that combines the history of unlimited hydroplane racing with the fast, competitive action of ERCU scale unlimiteds. Here is everything you need to know to prepare for the final race of the season. LOCATION Vance Creek Park 76 Wenzel Slough Road Elma, WA 98563 CONTEST DIRECTORS Nelson Holmberg & Tom Markos RACE OFFICIALS Chief Referee: Modern classes: Mick Shutt Chief Referee: Classic classes: David Heilbrunn Chief Referee: 1/10 vintage: John Havens, Jr. Chief Referee: 1/7 vintage: Chuck Murray Drivers Representative: Scott Whitestine Drivers Meeting: Approximately 9:15 a.m. First Heat: Approximately 9:30 a.m. THE ATOMIC CUP The Atomic Cup name carries more than six decades of unlimited hydroplane racing history. The cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland first joined the unlimited hydroplane racing scene in 1966, when the Tri-Cities hosted its first Atomic Cup. There had been discussion about bringing the unlimiteds to the Columbia River as early as 1958, but it finally became reality in 1966. The inaugural Atomic Cup proved to be a landmark race — and a landmark victory. Bill Brow drove Bernie Little's Miss Budweiser to victory, giving Little his first career unlimited hydroplane race win. Miss Budweiser won all three heats and averaged 94.937 mph for the event. The race continued under the Atomic Cup name through 1976, when it became the Columbia Cup. The Atomic Cup name returned for one year in 2006 before the event again became the Columbia Cup in 2007. ERCU has carried that historic name forward as part of its own racing tradition. The club has contested the Atomic Cup at Vance Creek Park numerous times, including races in 2012, 2013 and every season since 2023. And now, the tradition continues. WHAT TO EXPECT The Atomic Cup will feature ERCU's 1/10-scale vintage, classic and modern classes, with the race format designed to build toward winner-take-all championship finals. The current 2026 format calls for:
The Atomic Cup has traditionally provided plenty of drama, and the 2025 finale was no exception. Last year's event featured challenging wind and water conditions, multiple hard-fought finals and victories by David Newton, Craig Mullen, Jerry Dunlap, Paul Dunlap and Scott Whitestine. FREE HOT DOG LUNCH Thanks to Hobby Chef Racing, a free hot dog lunch to include the dogs, chili, grilled onions, chips, condiments and bottled water will be provided for racers, crews and their guests, but not the general public.. ERCU's Atomic Cup tradition has included a lunch break during the day's racing, providing an opportunity to grab something to eat, enjoy some open-water action and get ready for the afternoon's racing. RACE DAY NOTES The drivers meeting is mandatory for all drivers and classes. Racers should plan to arrive early, be prepared for changing weather and water conditions, and allow enough time for setup and preparation before the drivers meeting. ERCU's 2026 racing schedule includes 12 championship-series races, with the season championship determined from a driver's best 10 results. That makes the Atomic Cup not only the final race of the season, but the final opportunity for drivers to make their mark on the 2026 championship standings. Following racing, club equipment cleanup and trailer packing will take priority. Once the equipment is packed, the awards presentation will be held. ERCU asks members to stick around and help with teardown and to support their fellow racers during the awards presentation. ONE LAST RACE. ONE BIG PIECE OF HISTORY. From Bill Brow and Bernie Little's first Atomic Cup victory on the Columbia River in 1966 to today's electric scale unlimiteds racing at Vance Creek Park, the Atomic Cup has always connected the past, present and future of hydroplane racing. Join ERCU in Elma on Saturday, Sept. 26, as the 2026 Skidfin Solutions Championship Series comes to the checkered flag. Comments are closed.
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