Hydro News

07/11/2025

Hydro News is closed for the season.

We’re taking a break from the hydro news biz for a while, a winter hiatus if you will.

Hopefully we’ll see you back here next summer.

05/11/2025

Seven-time unlimited hydroplane racing champion Jimmy Shane announced his short retirement is at an end and he will join BWR Racing.

04/11/2025

H1 UNLIMITED MEDIA RELEASE

JIMMY SHANE RETURNS TO H1 UNLIMITED WITH BWR RACING IN2026

Tri-Cities, Washington –November 4, 2025 – BWR Racing announced today that Jimmy Shane, one of the most accomplished and
respected drivers in the history of H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing, will return to competition for the 2026 season. The signing marks the comeback of a seven-time National Champion and five-time Gold Cup winner whose record of consistency, professionalism, and
success has made him one of the sport’s modern legends. The selection of the boat for the 2026 season is still under review and will be announced at a later date.

After stepping away from the sport at the conclusion of the 2022 season to spend more time with his family, Shane now returns to the cockpit with renewed focus and determination. His career achievements include 25 race victories, tying him for fourth all-time in H1 Unlimited history, and seven National Championships, including a dominant 2022 campaign that featured five race wins and another season title.

Known for his precision, clean driving, and respect for competitors, Shane has long been recognized as both a champion
on the course and an ambassador off it.

BWR Racing, led by team owner Bruce Ratchford, views Shane’s addition as a strategic and symbolic moment in the team’s growth. The partnership brings together one of the sport’s most successful modern drivers with an organization focused on high-performance racing, technical advancement, and meaningful sponsor engagement. The team’s objective is to combine Shane’s championship- winning experience with BWR Racing’s forward-looking approach to competition, engineering, and brand development.

“Signing one of the greatest and most accomplished drivers in H1 Unlimited is a statement of intent,
” said Bruce Ratchford, owner of
BWR Racing.
“Jimmy’s record, character, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our team’s values and goals. We are proud to welcome him to BWR Racing as we look ahead to what will be a defining season. I’m incredibly proud of the group of drivers we have under contract. Each one brings something unique to our program, and together, they represent the strength, depth, and future of our organization and sport.”

Reflecting on his return, Jimmy Shane added:
“I’m beyond excited to be back in H1 Unlimited racing, especially with BWR Racing.
Stepping away in 2022 to focus on my family was the right decision, but the passion for this sport never left. Bruce and his team have built something truly impressive, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that vision. I’m coming back motivated, focused, and ready to give everything I’ve got.”

H1 Unlimited officials welcomed the news, noting that Shane’s return strengthens the competitive field and underscores the continued growth of the series.
“Jimmy Shane’s record speaks for itself,” said Mike Denslow, Chairman of H1 Unlimited.
“Having a seven-time
champion return to the sport adds tremendous excitement for fans, sponsors, and race sites alike. His presence elevates every aspect of the series, and we’re proud to see him back representing the best of H1 Unlimited.”

04/11/2025

BREAKING: 7-time H1 Champion Jimmy Shane returns to the driver's seat with BWR Racing for the 2026 season!


📰: https://www.h1unlimited.com/2025/11/jimmy-shane-returns-to-h1-unlimited-in-2026-with-bwr-racing/

03/11/2025

02/11/2025

02/11/2025

All pack and ready for Blowering Dam on the 8th & 9th, engine ground run was great, we've been checking the dam levels ( which has dropped to 43%) and the weather, we have been watching this closing. and made the late decision to run🇦🇺🇦🇺

02/11/2025

What a way to start the season! Jack Lupton takes out the Round 1 Oil NZ Hydro Thunder final in style

02/11/2025

Looking ahead to 2026 H1 Unlimited season, BWR Racing’s Charlie Grooms is already preparing for year two for the Bruce Ratchford owned team.

In the November issue of the Unlimited News Journal, Grooms said, “ I am working on BWR Racing plan for next year. It will require additional invested dollars and includes the possibility of running a third boat, the Wiggins/ Apollo hull. We’ll see what Bruce says.”

The newest of the three boats in the BWR stable, the former Wiggins owned and built U-27, only saw activity in barely one race in 2025, the season opener in Guntersville.

In the first heat of racing of the year, Dave Villwock blew the boat over, and it never raced the remainder of the summer while being repaired.

The team used the former Miss Madison “Sharky” hull as the U-27 Miss Apollo.

📷 U-27 Chris Denslow, Digital Roostertails

01/11/2025

31/10/2025

Jack Lupton takes pole position with a flying lap of 29.91 seconds!
2nd Ken Lupton - 30.75
3rd David Alexander - 31.81
4th Scott Coker - 34.57
5th Peter Dudson - DNF

Mangakino - 2025-26 Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder - R1

31/10/2025