Blasts from the Past: U-8 becomes U-00 “Maverick”, U-9 becomes U-3 “Tahoe Miss”
Auburn, Washington , April 8, 2026
Strong Racing is excited to welcome a new primary title sponsor on both unlimited hydroplanes for the 2026 H1 Unlimited season.
Stephen Hayden, of Ellensburg, Washington, and his Tahoe Unlimited Museum have finalized an agreement to sponsor both Strong Racing boats for 2026. This partnership brings more than just a new name to the team, introducing a unique concept rooted in the rich heritage of unlimited hydroplane racing.
As part of this collaboration, the looks, names and numbers of both hulls will be throwbacks to earlier days of the sport. The former U-8, driven by J. Michael Kelly, will be renamed “Maverick” and carry the number U-00, while the former U-9, piloted by Corey Peabody, will run as “Tahoe Miss” with the number U-3. The boats will sport the paint themes of their restored vintage counterparts, both owned by Stephen Hayden.
The initiative reflects a shared vision between Strong Racing and the Tahoe Unlimited Museum to celebrate the legacy of the sport while competing at the highest level today.
Announcing the news, Darrell Strong said, “I think it’s cool that we’ll be bringing renewed attention to these Gold Cup winning boats in such a way and I thank Stephen for coming aboard with Strong Racing. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season!”
With two proven drivers, a bold new identity, and a partnership grounded in history, Strong Racing is set to make a strong impression throughout the 2026 season.
Blasts from the Past: U-8 becomes U-00 “Maverick”, U-9 becomes U-3 “Tahoe Miss”
Auburn, Washington , April 8, 2026
Strong Racing is excited to welcome a new primary title sponsor on both unlimited hydroplanes for the 2026 H1 Unlimited season.
Stephen Hayden, of Ellensburg, Washington, and his Tahoe Unlimited Museum have finalized an agreement to sponsor both Strong Racing boats for 2026. This partnership brings more than just a new name to the team, introducing a unique concept rooted in the rich heritage of unlimited hydroplane racing.
As part of this collaboration, the looks, names and numbers of both hulls will be throwbacks to earlier days of the sport. The former U-8, driven by J. Michael Kelly, will be renamed “Maverick” and carry the number U-00, while the former U-9, piloted by Corey Peabody, will run as “Tahoe Miss” with the number U-3. The boats will sport the paint themes of their restored vintage counterparts, both owned by Stephen Hayden.
The initiative reflects a shared vision between Strong Racing and the Tahoe Unlimited Museum to celebrate the legacy of the sport while competing at the highest level today.
Announcing the news, Darrell Strong said, “I think it’s cool that we’ll be bringing renewed attention to these Gold Cup winning boats in such a way and I thank Stephen for coming aboard with Strong Racing. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season!”
With two proven drivers, a bold new identity, and a partnership grounded in history, Strong Racing is set to make a strong impression throughout the 2026 season.