Just days after the unofficial start of summer, a group of H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes will be on the Columbia River to give race fans a preview of of the Tri-Cities' most distinguishable weekends.

The hydroplanes plan to hit the water from the Lampson Pits at Columbia Park in Kennewick on Friday, May 31, 2019.

The race teams are getting ready for the first race of the season-- the second annual Southern Cup on Lake Guntersville, Alabama June 28-30.

A temporary river course representing the 2 1/2-mile racecourse will be available for H1 Unlimited hydroplane testing starting at 9 a.m. The course is scheduled to be open until 5 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the free event.

The teams confirmed to participate include the U-1 Delta/RealTrac--Jones Racing, driven by Andrew Tate of Walled Lake, Mich.; the U-6 Miss HomeStreet, driven by Jimmy Shane of Maple Valley, Wash.; the U-11 J&D’s presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, driven by Tom Thompson of Cambridge, Md.; the U-12 Graham Trucking, driven by J. Michael Kelly of Bonney Lake, Wash.; and the U-440 Bucket List Racing, driven by Dustin Echols of Sultan, Wash.

Graham Trucking purchased the U-99.9 CARSTARS powers Miss ROCK from the estate of Stacey Briseno, who died unexpectedly last year just days before the last race of the season.

“I was concerned that losing another boat could be a problem, especially for race sites and fans,” Rob Graham explained. “I also believe we have the resources to make it a competitive team.”

The daylong testing event held on the Columbia River is hosted for the 12th year by the Tri-City Water Follies organization, promoters of the July 26-28 HAPO Columbia Cup race.

Kathy Powell, Tri-City Water Follies event director said, “We are happy to host the hydroplane racing community and to kick-off the start of their racing season. The hydroplane testing is a great way for us to signal the start of summer in the Tri-Cities community, as well. You know when there are hydros on the river, it must be summer,” she said.

Several food trucks from the area will be at the Lampson Pits, and Newsradio 610 KONA, official radio sponsor of the Water Follies, will broadcast live from the banks of the Columbia River.

2019 H1 UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE RACING SERIES SCHEDULE

May 31, 2019 • Pre-Season Testing • Columbia River • Kennewick, Wash.

June 28-30, 2019 • 2nd Annual Southern Cup • Lake Guntersville • Guntersville, Ala.

July 5-7, 2019 • 69th Madison Regatta A.P.B.A. Gold Cup • Ohio River •  Madison, Ind.

July 26-28, 2019 • 54th Annual HAPO Columbia Cup • Columbia River • Kennewick, Wash.

August 2-3, 2019 • 69th Annual Seafair Trophy Race • Lake Washington • Seattle, Wash.

September 13-15, 2019 • 50th San Diego Bayfair • Mission Bay • San Diego, Calif.

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