H1 RETURNS TO SEAFAIR AND THE APOLLO MECHANICAL CUP
Seattle, Washington — The world’s fastest boats are back on Lake Washington as the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series returns to Seattle at the 2025 Seafair Weekend Festival, taking place August 1–3, 2025. The series will compete for the prestigious Apollo Mechanical Cup, with multiple qualifying heats and a Sunday final, all part of a thrilling weekend of speed, tradition, and celebration.
A SEATTLE TRADITION ROOTED IN SPEED
Seafair began in 1950 as a city-wide celebration of civic pride and community spirit. That same year, hydroplane racing was introduced on Lake Washington and the city’s love affair with the sport began. In 1951, Seattle hosted its first APBA Gold Cup, and with Stan Sayres’ Slo-Mo-Shun IV bringing home victory, the city quickly became the epicenter of the sport.
Over the decades, Seafair and hydroplanes have become inseparable. Millions have gathered over generations to watch legends like Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Dave Villwock thunder down the course at speeds over 200 mph.
VILLWOCK RETURNS AFTER HISTORIC GOLD CUP WIN
Hydroplane legend Dave Villwock, driver of the U-27 Miss Apollo, returns to Seattle just weeks after capturing the 2025 APBA Gold Cup in Tri-Cities. The win was his 11th career Gold Cup victory, tying him with Chip Hanauer, and his 68th career win, making him the winningest driver in H1 Unlimited history.
The Gold Cup also marked the first for Apollo Mechanical, Villwock’s sponsor and boat owner, and his return to Seattle is anticipated to be one of the weekend’s highlights.
DEFENDING SEAFAIR CHAMPION: J. MICHAEL KELLY
J. Michael Kelly, pilot of the U-8 Beacon Electric, enters the weekend as the defending Seafair champion. With six Seattle wins to his name (2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), Kelly looks to add a seventh title and continue his incredible run on Lake Washington.
JIMMIE JOHNSON TO PILOT ICONIC “BLUE BLASTER”
A unique moment awaits fans on Friday, August 1 at 12:05 PM, as seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson steps into the cockpit of the legendary Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster”. The vintage hydroplane, restored to its original condition—including a 2,500-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin engine—will make a one-time exhibition run, paying tribute to the sport’s history and Johnson’s personal connection to the boat dating back to childhood.
H1 UNLIMITED RACE SCHEDULE AT SEAFAIR 2025
Apollo Mechanical Cup
(All times Pacific)
Friday, August 1
- 8:50 AM – 11:20 AM: H1 Testing
- 12:05 PM – 12:20 PM: Jimmie Johnson Exhibition Run
Saturday, August 2
- 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM: Qualifying
- 11:25 AM – 11:55 AM: Heats 1A & 1B
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Autograph Session
- 2:40 PM – 3:10 PM: Heats 2A & 2B
Sunday, August 3
- 8:45 AM – 10:20 AM: Final Testing
- 10:35 AM – 10:45 AM: Opening Ceremonies
- 11:10 AM – 11:40 AM: Heats 3A & 3B
- 2:50 PM – 3:10 PM: Apollo Mechanical Cup Final
Livestream available at H1Unlimited.com
TRIBUTES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Honoring Service Members and First Responders
On Friday, Seafair will recognize 277 uniformed personnel, including military, law enforcement, fire and EMS representatives. The tribute is led by Chief James A. Delissio and made possible through the generosity of William Cahill, owner of Beacon Plumbing.
Behind the Badge Foundation Collaboration
Each H1 Unlimited team will race in honor of a fallen officer through a partnership with Behind the Badge Foundation. Families will be present on site, and boats will proudly display names of the fallen.
Spirit of America Racing for a Cause
The U-21 Spirit of America, driven by Gunnar O’Farrell, will race in support of Rise Up Academy, an early learning nonprofit in Everett, WA. On Saturday, 30 students will attend the event, with their names featured on the boat’s hull.
2025 H1 UNLIMITED CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
|
Position |
Driver |
Boat |
Points |
|
1 |
Corey Peabody |
U-9 Beacon Plumbing |
2,809 |
|
2 |
J. Michael Kelly |
U-8 Beacon Electric |
2,486 |
|
3 |
Andrew Tate |
U-91 Goodman Real Estate |
2,375 |
|
4 |
Dave Villwock |
U-27 Miss Apollo |
2,319 |
|
5 |
Jamie Nilsen |
U-11 Miss Flav-R-Pac |
2,275 |
|
6 |
Gunnar O’Farrell |
U-21 Spirit of America |
1,175 |
H1 RETURNS TO SEAFAIR AND THE APOLLO MECHANICAL CUP
Seattle, Washington — The world’s fastest boats are back on Lake Washington as the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series returns to Seattle at the 2025 Seafair Weekend Festival, taking place August 1–3, 2025. The series will compete for the prestigious Apollo Mechanical Cup, with multiple qualifying heats and a Sunday final, all part of a thrilling weekend of speed, tradition, and celebration.
A SEATTLE TRADITION ROOTED IN SPEED
Seafair began in 1950 as a city-wide celebration of civic pride and community spirit. That same year, hydroplane racing was introduced on Lake Washington and the city’s love affair with the sport began. In 1951, Seattle hosted its first APBA Gold Cup, and with Stan Sayres’ Slo-Mo-Shun IV bringing home victory, the city quickly became the epicenter of the sport.
Over the decades, Seafair and hydroplanes have become inseparable. Millions have gathered over generations to watch legends like Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Dave Villwock thunder down the course at speeds over 200 mph.
VILLWOCK RETURNS AFTER HISTORIC GOLD CUP WIN
Hydroplane legend Dave Villwock, driver of the U-27 Miss Apollo, returns to Seattle just weeks after capturing the 2025 APBA Gold Cup in Tri-Cities. The win was his 11th career Gold Cup victory, tying him with Chip Hanauer, and his 68th career win, making him the winningest driver in H1 Unlimited history.
The Gold Cup also marked the first for Apollo Mechanical, Villwock’s sponsor and boat owner, and his return to Seattle is anticipated to be one of the weekend’s highlights.
DEFENDING SEAFAIR CHAMPION: J. MICHAEL KELLY
J. Michael Kelly, pilot of the U-8 Beacon Electric, enters the weekend as the defending Seafair champion. With six Seattle wins to his name (2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), Kelly looks to add a seventh title and continue his incredible run on Lake Washington.
JIMMIE JOHNSON TO PILOT ICONIC “BLUE BLASTER”
A unique moment awaits fans on Friday, August 1 at 12:05 PM, as seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson steps into the cockpit of the legendary Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster”. The vintage hydroplane, restored to its original condition—including a 2,500-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin engine—will make a one-time exhibition run, paying tribute to the sport’s history and Johnson’s personal connection to the boat dating back to childhood.
H1 UNLIMITED RACE SCHEDULE AT SEAFAIR 2025
Apollo Mechanical Cup
(All times Pacific)
Friday, August 1
- 8:50 AM – 11:20 AM: H1 Testing
- 12:05 PM – 12:20 PM: Jimmie Johnson Exhibition Run
Saturday, August 2
- 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM: Qualifying
- 11:25 AM – 11:55 AM: Heats 1A & 1B
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Autograph Session
- 2:40 PM – 3:10 PM: Heats 2A & 2B
Sunday, August 3
- 8:45 AM – 10:20 AM: Final Testing
- 10:35 AM – 10:45 AM: Opening Ceremonies
- 11:10 AM – 11:40 AM: Heats 3A & 3B
- 2:50 PM – 3:10 PM: Apollo Mechanical Cup Final
Livestream available at H1Unlimited.com
TRIBUTES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Honoring Service Members and First Responders
On Friday, Seafair will recognize 277 uniformed personnel, including military, law enforcement, fire and EMS representatives. The tribute is led by Chief James A. Delissio and made possible through the generosity of William Cahill, owner of Beacon Plumbing.
Behind the Badge Foundation Collaboration
Each H1 Unlimited team will race in honor of a fallen officer through a partnership with Behind the Badge Foundation. Families will be present on site, and boats will proudly display names of the fallen.
Spirit of America Racing for a Cause
The U-21 Spirit of America, driven by Gunnar O’Farrell, will race in support of Rise Up Academy, an early learning nonprofit in Everett, WA. On Saturday, 30 students will attend the event, with their names featured on the boat’s hull.
2025 H1 UNLIMITED CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
|
Position |
Driver |
Boat |
Points |
|
1 |
Corey Peabody |
U-9 Beacon Plumbing |
2,809 |
|
2 |
J. Michael Kelly |
U-8 Beacon Electric |
2,486 |
|
3 |
Andrew Tate |
U-91 Goodman Real Estate |
2,375 |
|
4 |
Dave Villwock |
U-27 Miss Apollo |
2,319 |
|
5 |
Jamie Nilsen |
U-11 Miss Flav-R-Pac |
2,275 |
|
6 |
Gunnar O’Farrell |
U-21 Spirit of America |
1,175 |