60 Years of Speed: Tri-Cities to host iconic 115th APBA Gold Cup at Water Follies
TRI-CITIES, WA — The 60th anniversary of the Tri-Cities Water Follies will be celebrated in spectacular fashion this weekend as the region welcomes the 115th running of the APBA Gold Cup, the oldest and most prestigious trophy in powerboat racing. Held July 25–27 along the Columbia River, the event will showcase the fastest boats and most iconic names in H1 Unlimited racing history.
The Gold Cup, officially known as the American Power Boat Association Challenge Cup, was first contested in 1904 and is considered the crown jewel of hydroplane racing. This year marks only the sixth time the Gold Cup has been hosted in the Tri-Cities, with previous editions in 1973, 1975, 1977, 1984, and 2015.
“It’s a perfect alignment of history and horsepower,” said Mike Denslow, H1 chairman. “To celebrate 60 years of Water Follies by bringing the APBA Gold Cup back to the Columbia River is an honor for our region and for our fans.”
Notable debuts and Patriotic tribute
This year’s event will feature two significant team entries making their 2025 season debut:
- The U-21 Spirit of America, driven by Gunnar O’Farrell, returns with a new name and a powerful message. Formerly racing under the Go Fast Turn Left banner, the boat has been rebranded to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and unity of the American spirit.
Racing in tribute to veterans, active-duty military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and all first responders, the U-21 aims to remind fans and fellow competitors of the values that bind communities together: service, courage, and patriotism.
The boat’s striking livery and mission have already captured the hearts of many across the sport, and its debut in Tri-Cities — during both the Gold Cup and Water Follies’ 60th anniversary, serves as a timely and emotional salute to the heroes who protect and serve. The Spirit of America identity will also proudly continue into next week’s Seafair in Seattle, ensuring that the tribute extends across two of the sport’s most celebrated stages.
“This is more than a name change,” said Greg O’Farrell, team owner. “Spirit of America is a way to give back and represent the people who stand for something bigger than themselves. We want to carry that energy on the water and inspire pride in the stands.”
- The U-12 Graham Trucking will also hit the water for the first time this season, with veteran Jeff Bernard at the wheel, bringing back one of the most respected brands in H1 racing. Bernard is thrilled to return to the Unlimited ranks, crediting Rob Graham and Tom Anderson for their unwavering support. After long hours in the shop and significant progress, the team is ready to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
“From the moment I stepped into the shop, it’s been full throttle, long hours, hard work, and a shared goal to get this boat ready to compete at the highest level. And what better way to kick off this chapter than by racing for the most prestigious trophy in motorsports, the APBA Gold Cup. Let’s go!” added Jeff Bernard, driver of the U-12 Graham Trucking
Additionally, the U-27 Miss Apollo will compete with the crowd-favorite “Sharky” hull, the same boat that ran in Seattle in 2023 and again earlier this month in Madison. With 10 Gold Cup wins, driver Dave Villwock brings unmatched experience and championship pedigree to the Columbia River.
“We know this boat runs well on this course,” said Bruce Ratchford, team owner. “Bringing Sharky back to Tri-Cities is a strategic move for consistency and performance.”
Competitive lineup and tight points battle
The 2025 H1 Unlimited season has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, and the Gold Cup will play a pivotal role in the championship chase. Heading into Round 3, the current point standings are:
- U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate – Andrew Tate – 1,225 pts
- U-8 Beacon Electric – J. Michael Kelly – 1,130 pts
- U-9 Beacon Plumbing – Corey Peabody – 960 pts
- U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC – Jamie Nilsen – 925 pts
- U-27 Miss Apollo – Dave Villwock – 655 pts
- U-21 Spirit of America – Gunnar O’Farrell – 0 pts
- U-12 Graham Trucking – Jeff Bernard – 0 pts
Defending Gold Cup champion Corey Peabody returns to Tri-Cities where he claimed the title in 2024. Meanwhile, Andrew Tate, fresh off a win in Madison, now holds 11 career H1 Unlimited victories, tying him with Mickey Remund for 18th all-time. One more win would place him alongside his father Mark Tate, George Henley, and Gar Wood, tied for 15th on the all-time win list.
A Historic Weekend on the Columbia
First run in New York City in 1904, the APBA Gold Cup has been hosted by some of the most iconic venues in racing history — including Detroit, Seattle, Madison, and San Diego. The opportunity to host it once again during the 60th anniversary of Water Follies is a source of pride for the Tri-Cities region.
“This is more than a race — it’s a tribute to the past, present, and future of our sport,” said Darrell Strong, Strong racing team owner. “Bringing the Gold Cup back during the Water Follies’ 60th anniversary makes it a celebration on every level.”
Fans can expect breathtaking speed, side-by-side action, and a patriotic atmosphere all weekend long.
60 Years of Speed: Tri-Cities to host iconic 115th APBA Gold Cup at Water Follies
TRI-CITIES, WA — The 60th anniversary of the Tri-Cities Water Follies will be celebrated in spectacular fashion this weekend as the region welcomes the 115th running of the APBA Gold Cup, the oldest and most prestigious trophy in powerboat racing. Held July 25–27 along the Columbia River, the event will showcase the fastest boats and most iconic names in H1 Unlimited racing history.
The Gold Cup, officially known as the American Power Boat Association Challenge Cup, was first contested in 1904 and is considered the crown jewel of hydroplane racing. This year marks only the sixth time the Gold Cup has been hosted in the Tri-Cities, with previous editions in 1973, 1975, 1977, 1984, and 2015.
“It’s a perfect alignment of history and horsepower,” said Mike Denslow, H1 chairman. “To celebrate 60 years of Water Follies by bringing the APBA Gold Cup back to the Columbia River is an honor for our region and for our fans.”
Notable debuts and Patriotic tribute
This year’s event will feature two significant team entries making their 2025 season debut:
- The U-21 Spirit of America, driven by Gunnar O’Farrell, returns with a new name and a powerful message. Formerly racing under the Go Fast Turn Left banner, the boat has been rebranded to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and unity of the American spirit.
Racing in tribute to veterans, active-duty military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and all first responders, the U-21 aims to remind fans and fellow competitors of the values that bind communities together: service, courage, and patriotism.
The boat’s striking livery and mission have already captured the hearts of many across the sport, and its debut in Tri-Cities — during both the Gold Cup and Water Follies’ 60th anniversary, serves as a timely and emotional salute to the heroes who protect and serve. The Spirit of America identity will also proudly continue into next week’s Seafair in Seattle, ensuring that the tribute extends across two of the sport’s most celebrated stages.
“This is more than a name change,” said Greg O’Farrell, team owner. “Spirit of America is a way to give back and represent the people who stand for something bigger than themselves. We want to carry that energy on the water and inspire pride in the stands.”
- The U-12 Graham Trucking will also hit the water for the first time this season, with veteran Jeff Bernard at the wheel, bringing back one of the most respected brands in H1 racing. Bernard is thrilled to return to the Unlimited ranks, crediting Rob Graham and Tom Anderson for their unwavering support. After long hours in the shop and significant progress, the team is ready to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
“From the moment I stepped into the shop, it’s been full throttle, long hours, hard work, and a shared goal to get this boat ready to compete at the highest level. And what better way to kick off this chapter than by racing for the most prestigious trophy in motorsports, the APBA Gold Cup. Let’s go!” added Jeff Bernard, driver of the U-12 Graham Trucking
Additionally, the U-27 Miss Apollo will compete with the crowd-favorite “Sharky” hull, the same boat that ran in Seattle in 2023 and again earlier this month in Madison. With 10 Gold Cup wins, driver Dave Villwock brings unmatched experience and championship pedigree to the Columbia River.
“We know this boat runs well on this course,” said Bruce Ratchford, team owner. “Bringing Sharky back to Tri-Cities is a strategic move for consistency and performance.”
Competitive lineup and tight points battle
The 2025 H1 Unlimited season has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, and the Gold Cup will play a pivotal role in the championship chase. Heading into Round 3, the current point standings are:
- U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate – Andrew Tate – 1,225 pts
- U-8 Beacon Electric – J. Michael Kelly – 1,130 pts
- U-9 Beacon Plumbing – Corey Peabody – 960 pts
- U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC – Jamie Nilsen – 925 pts
- U-27 Miss Apollo – Dave Villwock – 655 pts
- U-21 Spirit of America – Gunnar O’Farrell – 0 pts
- U-12 Graham Trucking – Jeff Bernard – 0 pts
Defending Gold Cup champion Corey Peabody returns to Tri-Cities where he claimed the title in 2024. Meanwhile, Andrew Tate, fresh off a win in Madison, now holds 11 career H1 Unlimited victories, tying him with Mickey Remund for 18th all-time. One more win would place him alongside his father Mark Tate, George Henley, and Gar Wood, tied for 15th on the all-time win list.
A Historic Weekend on the Columbia
First run in New York City in 1904, the APBA Gold Cup has been hosted by some of the most iconic venues in racing history — including Detroit, Seattle, Madison, and San Diego. The opportunity to host it once again during the 60th anniversary of Water Follies is a source of pride for the Tri-Cities region.
“This is more than a race — it’s a tribute to the past, present, and future of our sport,” said Darrell Strong, Strong racing team owner. “Bringing the Gold Cup back during the Water Follies’ 60th anniversary makes it a celebration on every level.”
Fans can expect breathtaking speed, side-by-side action, and a patriotic atmosphere all weekend long.