History

Legendary Designer/Builder/Owner Ron Jones Jr. Passes

Walt Ottenad2024-04-22T14:05:14-07:00April 22nd, 2024|

The sport of hydroplane racing has lost an icon.

Ron Jones Jr. passed away at the age of 67 on Sunday evening, April 21^st. Family members were at his bedside.

Ron, better known to friends as JR, was the […]

Billy Schumacher: 1942-2023

Walt Ottenad2023-10-17T10:34:48-07:00August 31st, 2023|

All of those involved in the sport of H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Billy Schumacher, one of boat racing’s greatest champions. He […]

Super Crewman: Tommy Alfano

Walt Ottenad2023-08-31T13:09:32-07:00August 15th, 2023|

Tommy Alfano

The sport of H1 Unlimited Hydroplane racing relies on lots of things to run successfully: money (and lots of it), technology (same), and most importantly, people. All of the […]

A Recent History: Columbia Cup

Walt Ottenad2023-07-24T21:26:23-07:00July 25th, 2023|

A Recent History: Columbia Cup

Along the banks of the Columbia River in South Central Washington, the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland are known as the Tri-Cities. The Tri-Cities have hosted H1 Unlimited races since 1966 when Bill Brow won […]

A Recent History: Madison Regatta

Walt Ottenad2023-08-03T09:57:22-07:00June 27th, 2023|

The small Ohio River community of Madison, Indiana has a rich tradition in boat racing. First conducting a regatta in 1954, the tight and treacherous river course is one of the most challenging on the H1 Unlimited circuit.

The city owns […]

A Recent History: Southern Cup

Walt Ottenad2023-06-26T07:23:16-07:00June 20th, 2023|

In 2018, the H1 Unlimited series returned to the state of Alabama bringing back hydroplane racing after nearly a half century hiatus. Guntersville, Alabama last hosted a H1 Unlimited race in 1969 with Bill Sterett claiming victory in the […]

Bob Hughes – Long Time Leader of Miss Madison Team Passes

Walt Ottenad2023-06-16T18:10:05-07:00June 14th, 2023|

We learned this morning of the passing earlier today of Bob Hughes, the patriarch of the Miss Madison Racing Team. He died in a health center in Sandusky, Ohio, at the age […]

2023 H1 Unlimited Writer’s Panel Volume 2: Jimmy Shane

Walt Ottenad2023-07-13T10:17:13-07:00May 31st, 2023|

Jimmy Shane retired at the conclusion of the 2022 season winning his seventh National Championship. Finishing his career with twenty-five victories, what is your favorite Jimmy Shane memory and what do you think his legacy will be in the sport?

Craig […]

Remembering Jim Lucero

Walt Ottenad2023-05-10T00:07:24-07:00May 2nd, 2023|

Jim Lucero, the winningest crew chief in Unlimited history with 69 wins, died Saturday, April 29 at age 77.

Jim worked on high profile teams such as Pay n’ Pak, Atlas Van Lines, […]

H1 Unlimited Mourns Referee Howard Shaw

Walt Ottenad2023-05-23T21:58:13-07:00December 31st, 2021|

H1 Unlimited mourns the unexpected passing of a beloved member of our racing family, Howard Shaw.

Howard spent several stints as an Unlimited official, most recently as the Assistant Referee for H1 Unlimited. […]

H1 Tech Inspector Steve Peterson Passes

Walt Ottenad2023-05-23T21:57:42-07:00December 7th, 2019|

It is with great sadness that H1 Unlimited has learned that long-time Unlimited crewman and ex-H1 Unlimited tech inspector Steve Peterson passed away on November 23rd.