Roostertail Talk

Dave Vaillancourt joins the podcast in episode 115.  Dave is an unsung hero of H1 behind a lot of marketing, sponsor relations and merchandizing decisions in the past 20 years or so.  Dave talks about his history in the sport and the beginning of his marketing and merchandising career with H1 in part 1 of a 2 part episode. 

You can learn more about Dave's business and access to his website that will house more inform...

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 l...

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 a...

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 ap...

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 thr...

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 buck...

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 ...

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 ico...

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 nam...

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 w...

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...

Welcome to episode 103 of Roostertail Talk.  The creator of Deck2Deck joins the podcast to preview the 2023 H1 Unlimited racing season.  I get his reactions to the H1 test session that took place earlier in June over in Kennewick, Wa and we make bold predictions on what will happen in the upcoming season.  Don't forget to to join the fun this summer and become a member of the hydro fantasy league Deck2Deck. You can do so by ch...

Welcome to episode 102! In the conclusion of my interview with Billy, Jane Schumacher joins the podcast.  Jane reflects on what hydroplane racing meant to her while growing up in the PNW.  I talk with both Jane and Billy about how they met and became owners of an unlimited hydroplane racing team.  They both reflect on their favorite and not so favorite times in the sport and what they both look forward to.  Enjoy!

Support ...

Welcome to episode 101! In the part 2 of a 3 part interview we focus on the early years of Billy's racing career.  We dive into his driving career post Miss Bardahl days.  Billy discusses his time racing the Parco O-Ring Miss, Pay'n'Pak, tunnel boats and for Leslie Rosenburg.  Look for part 3 of the Schumachers interview to begin streaming on October 11th at 5AM PST.  Enjoy!

Photo from Roger Newton Collectio...

Welcome to episode 100! To celebrate 100 episodes Billy and Jane Schumacher joins the podcast.  In the first part of a 3 part interview we focus on the early years of Billy's racing career.  We chat about growing up in Seattle, driving outboards and early years driving for various Unlimited teams to his years racing for Ole Bardahl.  Look for part 2 of the Schumachers interview to begin streaming on October 11th at 5AM PST.  E...

Welcome to episode 99! Lets take a look and revisit the last race of the 2022 H1 Unlimited Racing Series which was held on Mission Bay in beautiful San Diego, Ca. In this episode we talk about the highlights of the race, some milestones and examine some of the possibilities for next year.  This episode is shorter than most of our episodes, but look for us to get back to the interview format for our next episode as we will celebrate...

Welcome to episode 98! In the conclusion of my 3 part interview with Bill Osborne we continue our conversation about some of the more notable personalities he has met in his 50+ years around hydroplanes.  Bill also talks about his book, which is available to purchase. Bill is the author of the book "Fifty 5 Years, A Personal History Of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing". The new book is 360 pages, 48 more than the original. New...

Welcome to episode 97! In part 2 of a 3 part interview I talk with hydroplane photographer Bill Osborne.  Bill has been a long time fan and photographer of hydroplane racing.  In this episode we talk about some favorite and not so favorite spots to shoot hydroplanes.  Bill also shares some personal accounts with some notable people around the sport of hydroplane racing.  Enjoy!

Bill is also the author of the book "Fif...