Triple Crown Day: Reunanen Steals the Spotlight at Roger Newton Memorial

​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.