Episode 62: 1995 Thunder On The Ohio Radio Broadcast

As we race through the waves of nostalgia, lets visit the legacy of Doug Brow. Hear the echoes of roaring engines and feel the spray of the Seattle waters as Doug shares stories of his father's influence, the racing community that was as close as family and the racing specifics that make hydroplane racing a spectacle unlike any other. His narrative weaves through the history of the sport, from the early days of the unlimited lights series, to racing the unlimiteds, to the story of a son stepping into his father's cockpit chasing the horizon and a legacy built on speed and sportsmanship. The episode steers through the personal tales of triumph. Amidst the challenges and the cheers, we end our episode with the restoration of the Miss Vitamilk, a symbol of the passion for hydroplane racing that Doug Brow personified. Join us on this tribute episode, where every wave tells a story, and every story is a tribute to a family legacy.

Photo by Digital Roostertail

Roostertail Talk is back again for its debut episode for season 6.  In episode 113 I talk about what has been going on during the offseason for myself and the H1 Unlimited racing league. I also ask to hear from you, the listener, on what you want to hear this season.  Please reach out with your thoughts via email to roostertailtalk@gmail.com or on our Facebook or Instagram page.

You can show your support for the podcast and get some merch on our online shop. Currently we have a shirt and some decal stickers, we will be adding more products throughout this season!  

Welcome to Episode 112! Gregg Mansfield, a key player and an integral part of the Bayfair Board of Directors, joins the program. Greg opens up about his journey from his early days as a writer for Powerboat Magazine to his journey as becoming Board of Governor for Bayfair.  We talk about the current state and explore the future of the Bayfair Regatta. Greg offers insight on the strategies being implemented to make the event more appealing to the younger generation. Join us to hear about Greg's thrilling experiences and his vision for the future of hydroplane racing on Mission Bay!

For decades, Bill Connolly has been entranced by the sheer velocity of the boats, the pulsating energy of the crowds, and the heart-stopping drama of the races, all of which started with a single televised race in the 1950s. His account of the iconic Gold Cup in Seattle will transport you right to the water's edge, feeling the spray of the water and hearing the thunderous roar of the engines.

Join us as we journey through the history of this adrenaline-soaked sport, touching on the legendary teams, drivers, and the unexpected connection between the world of hydroplane racing and Boeing. You'll also hear about Bill's personal experiences and his favorite race sites, with Seattle topping the list. Tune in for a fascinating journey across the waves and through time in the world of hydroplane racing.

Prepare to feel the spray of the water and the roar of the engines as we take you back to the 1983 Houston UIM World Championship, where 18 boats from three separate nations went head-to-head on the water. It truly was an unlimited race, with a variety of designs and engine types on display. Thanks to John Osterberg of Peoh Point Publishing, you'll be able to experience the raw thrill of the event as if you were there, so buckle up!

Jim Hendrix, Sam Cole and Phil Cole offer compelling insights into the final heat of the 1983 Budweiser UIM World Championships in Clear Lake, Texas.

This nostalgia-filled episode culminates with the unexpected triumph at the 1983 Budweiser UIM World Championships. Relive the heart-stopping final moments as Miller Irwin in the Miss Renault outperformed favorites like Jim Kropfeld in the Budweiser and Jack Shafer Jr. in the American Speedy to claim victory. If you're loving our journey through hydroplane history, we would appreciate your support through our website's support tab. Enjoy the ride!

Ready to relive the action of the Gold Cup race in Seattle? We've got you covered! Join us as we dissect the water-churning drama that led to J. Michael Kelly claiming his second Gold Cup and his first-ever national championship. We unpack the stunning upset of odds-on favorite Corey Peabody, which proved that in hydroplane racing, anything can happen!

Our retrospective on the 2023 H1 Unlimited season delves into the teams, the drivers, and yes, the unexpected triumphs that left us all wanting more. We also explore how drone technology has forever changed hydroplane racing, making it even more thrilling and accessible to fans worldwide. We also discuss what improvements should be discussed this offseason. So tune in, strap in, and let's dive into the high-octane world of hydroplane racing on Roostertail Talk!

Photo by Digital Roostertails

Get ready to journey back in time 38 years ago to the shores of Lake Washington for the historic 1985 Budweiser APBA Gold Cup Hydroplane race. This is your chance to experience the thrill of the competition, the roar of the engines, and the strategic battle for the lead as we recount every moment of this epic race. We're talking the legendary Miller American, Miss Budweiser, and Miss 711, as well as exclusive insights from iconic racers including Chip Hanauer, Todd Yarling, Jim Kropfeld, and Steve Reynolds.

 You'll discover how Chip Hanauer's triumph in the Miller American not only set new records but also paved the way for the future of hydroplane racing. Imagine being in the cockpit of the Miller American, taking the lead, and holding your breath as Steve Reynolds' 7-11 suffers a setback. Listen to the highs and lows of the race as Pat O'Day describes the nail-biting final laps leading up to Hanauer's victorious finish to his 4th Gold Cup.

So, buckle up and get ready for some high-speed action as we take you back to the unforgettable 1985 APBA Gold Cup. This is a trip down memory lane you don't want to miss.

Buckle up, race fans! We're cranking up the nostalgia and taking a lightning-fast journey back to the 1973 Gold Cup boat race in Tri-Cities, Washington. Revel in the high-octane thrill as we revisit the unforgettable face-offs, from the intense preliminary rounds (heats 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A and 3B) to the final showdown that keeps your heart pounding. We've got a fascinating line-up for you, featuring interviews with iconic names from racing history - Bob Gilliam, Bill Muncey, Bernie Little, and Dean Chenoweth. Not only that, we also hear from legendary announcers Jim Hendricks, Phil Cole, and Pete Gross, injecting life into the heart-stopping races with their iconic commentary.

The episode culminates with the fierce competition between  the intensity as Mickey Remund in the Pay'n'Pak, and Bill Muncey in the Atlas Van Lines and Dean Chenoweth in the Miss Budweiser go head-to-head in the 1973 Gold Cup race finale. We promise you an exhilarating ride as we relive the epic battle, the record-breaking speeds and the nail-biting suspense. Don't miss out on this thrilling trip down memory lane, reliving the high-speed excitement of the 1973 APBA Gold Cup!

Prepare to time travel with us and revisit the thrilling 1973 Gold Cup! We're dusting off the archives to bring you the heart-pounding sounds of the roaring Merlin and Allison engines, the electrifying pre-race show, and the intense competition along the Columbia River. Hear from some of the top names to grace the race like Mickey Remond, Jim Lucero, and Fred Alter, and feel the excitement of the spectators who were there to witness this historic moment. Red Loomis, a former driver, gives his perspective on the race and the drivers, sharing that the one who breaks first will likely win. This is only the first flight of heats (Heat 1A, 1B, and 1C).  Next week will give you the conclusion to this exciting chapters in boat racing history! 

Buckle up, hydroplane racing enthusiasts! We're taking you on an exhilarating trip down memory lane, back to the golden era of Thriftway Racing, the team that dominated the sport in the 1950s and 60s. With the help of a vintage 1994 audio cassette from Thunder on the Water, we'll explore the legacy of Thriftway Racing through the eyes of the legendary Don Poier. You'll get to relive the triumphs of the Miss Thriftway team and understand why this brand still resonates with hydroplane fans today.

But that's not all, folks! We've got some thrilling news about the return of Thriftway to the scene, thanks to a newfound partnership with the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing team. We'll share the emotional story of Greg O'Farrell, the determined owner of Go Fast Turn Left, and his lifelong connection to Thriftway. With a mix of nostalgia and newfound excitement, you're in for a real treat with this episode!

Photo from Roger Newton Collection