I arrived in Washington just in time to enjoy the Hydroplane Racing from July 24 through the 26th.
Along with a couple thousand other people, lining the shores of the Columbia River.
Every year for the last 43, the Columbia River between Pasco and Kennewick, Washington has been the site for Unlimited Hydroplane Racing and associated entertainment sponsored by the Tri-City Water Follies, a non-profit organization.
One of the first things you’ll notice in Washington is…you ain’t in Texas no more, this here is Seahawk Country!
Of course there were plenty spectators in boats of their own for all the fun.
Back at the beer garden, I managed to find a couple cowgirls! Err, sorry about that…just taking a little cowboy break here.
Back at the boat pits, crews are readying their hydroplanes for action.
And getting their hydroplanes into the Columbia River.
If you’re the Oberto team, you gotta find enough pepperoni to power the boat.
Two past Budweiser boats are resurrected to race another day with another team.
If your gonna…do it Like An Alpha!
Oh Boy! Oberto.
The Oberto boat took first place at the Lamb Weston Columbia Cup in the Tri-Cities.
They also put on a air show, which I managed to get a couple pictures of.
If you were at the Tri-City Hydroplane Races this weekend you might have seen me. I was the only one wearing Wranglers, a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots.
Have you ever been to a hydroplane race? If so tell us your story.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Great action shots! I’ve never seen a hydroplane race, although I’ll bet it’s very exciting. I like Indy racing and have seen a few of them live when they used to run the race on our city streets. I like to sit across from the pit. The crew are incredibly fast when they descend on the cars to change tires, refuel, and give the driver a drink of water. In the time it takes to snap your fingers, the car is back on the track. It’s an incredibly strategic sport. Is it the same with hydroplaning, or do they just have to beat the fastest time set?
Ha that is awesome!!! Great pictures!!! I think it’s great that you were the only Cowboy there!!! That makes you special!! And noticeable!!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Wow! How exciting! I’ve never been to a hydroplane race (why do they call it “plane” when they are boats (?) ). But I grew up in N.C. and went with my family to Rockingham to the races (before it became as popular as it is these days). Back then you could take your car on the track the day before race day. My Dad had a ‘van’ and he would sit me in his lap and let me ‘drive’ around (I was probably 5 years old). I blame my Dad for all my speeding tickets I’ve had in my lifetime.. hence my need for speed
Back then, you could also get THE BEST hotdogs in the pit area and eat and drink with the NASCAR racers… man those were the good ole days….
P.S. How do you suppose that Cowgirl was walking in those wedge/high heels on that terrain, let alone all day in them… ouch! Give me some boots to wear around so my feet wouldn’t hurt…
Well, that’s something I’ve not experienced in Texas… Looks like fun, though!
.-= HoustonGurly´s last blog ..After The Rain =-.
Are you sure those were cowgirls? I didn’t see any boots!
.-= Blond Duck´s last blog ..Coconut Queen 12 =-.
Thanks everybody, wish I had a better lens though.
Carolynn ~ Hydroplane racing consists of numerous heats to determine the winner, rather than continuous racing.
Michelle ~ I’d like to think so, but probably not!
Erasue ~ I believe it is because the boats are skimming the water, not really in it, like when you hydroplane in your car. I agree with you about the boots!
HoustonGurly ~ If ya get a chance, I recommend…it’s a lot of fun!
Blond Duck ~ Those two looked like your typical “Dukes of Hazard” cowgirls…probably high maintenance too! Just kidding now.
Great pictures! Nice blog! Yes, we’ve been to hydroplane races (several years ago). Unfortunately, all I remember: the boats were ‘pretty’ and they sure were fast!
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Long Ears Psychology 101 =-.
How fun and what great pictures. I would love to experience a hydroplane race.
Um, cowgirl picture, not too sure about that one – lol.
Are they really fast?
.-= Tanya´s last blog ..How did you do that? =-.
Thanks Tammy and Tanya, the Oh Boy! Oberto boat averaged a little over 150 miles an hour! I was just taking a break with that picture Tanya. lol
Yep. You ARE a cowboy….
.-= Heart of a Cowgirl´s last blog ..Raffle Time! =-.
Ya Huhh!
Umm, excuse me Ms. Cowgirl.. did you know your pants are unbuttoned? I shouldda been there to help them.
I watch the Hydroplane races sometimes on TV, scares the carp outta me.
.-= Dandy´s last blog ..Birthdays and Memories =-.
This post is great! My husband loves hydroplanes! I’m going to forward this to him..he’ll love it! Although the bikini cowgirls might just give him his 8th heart attack! (no kidding..he really has had 7 already!)
Fantastic photos! ESPN should hire you!
Urban Cowboy, I really enjoyed your pictures! I went to high school in Pasco, WA and the Boat Race weekends were the best! I can truly say, I miss watching the races and hanging out at Columbia Park. Back in the 70′s there weren’t a lot of houses on the Pasco side of the river, however, looks like that has drastically changed!