Sun, Speed, and a Fresh Hull Shine at 2026 ERCU Presidents Cup

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Under a mostly sunny sky and unusually calm conditions, the 2026 ERCU Presidents Cup delivered one of the most picturesque and competitive days of model hydroplane racing the series has seen in years.

For a venue often known for predictable sustained winds, Ellensburg showed a different side — glassy water and warm sunshine setting the stage for tight racing across five classes.

“This was the best weather I’ve seen at Ellensburg in the 26-plus years I’ve been racing model hydroplanes,” said ERCU Board Chair Nelson Holmberg. “Hats off to Paxton for doing a great job of running the Presidents Cup. It’s especially cool that he and his grandpa both are keeping the tradition alive in two different model racing clubs.”

Modern Class Headlines a Breakout Performance
The 1/10 scale modern class saw a statement victory from Scott Whitestine, who piloted the brand-new 2021 Graham Trucking to a decisive win in its debut race. The fresh hull showed both speed and stability, holding off veteran competitor David Heilbrunn in the 2015 Dalton Industries, while Dray Newton rounded out the podium in the 2015 Albert Lee.

Reunanen Doubles Down on a Special Day
Contest Director Paxton Reunanen not only kept the day running smoothly — he also delivered on the water. Reunanen drove the 1983 Miss Rock KISW to victory in the 1/10 scale classic class, dominating Holmberg’s zippy 1986 Squire Shop Brittania and John Havens Jr.’s steady backup 1976 Olympia Beer.

“This event is special to me and it means a lot to both my grandpa and I,” Reunanen said. “It was a beautiful day and we lucked out without the traditional ‘Ellensburg winds.’”

Vintage and Classic Classes Showcase Depth
In 1/10 vintage, Chuck Murray guided the 1964 Savair’s Mist to victory over Wayne Beeson’s Gale’s Roostertail and Newton’s Hawaii Kai III.

The 1/7 scale classic class featured another strong showing from Whitestine, who added a second podium with a runner-up finish behind Craig Mullen’s winning 1972 Pay ’n Pak. Carl Lewis secured third in the 1974 Lincoln Thrift.

Meanwhile, the 1/17 vintage class saw Reunanen back in victory lane, piloting the 1969 Pay ’n Pak Outrigger (owned by Mike McIntosh) to the win. David Newton and Whitestine completed the podium.

A Day to Remember
Across all classes, the Presidents Cup combined competitive racing with a sense of tradition and community — a hallmark of ERCU events. From a brand-new modern hull making an immediate impact to multi-generational ties keeping the event alive, the 2026 edition will be remembered as much for its atmosphere as its results.

"I really appreciate everyone who turned out for this race and made it special," Reunanen said. "Many thanks to all who helped put on the race, set up and cleaned up."

And perhaps most notably, for one rare day in Ellensburg, the wind stayed quiet — and the racing spoke loudly.