The engines are roaring, the river’s ready, and the countdown is over—Hydroplane racing’s crown jewel, the APBA Gold Cup, is set to take center stage at the 2025 Apollo Columbia Cup and Water Follies, July 25–27 along the banks of the Columbia River.
Now celebrating its 60th year, the Water Follies isn’t just the Pacific Northwest’s premier summer tradition—it’s a full-fledged festival. With air shows, multiple racing classes, and meet-and-greets with drivers, the event continues to build on its legacy of community, speed, and celebration. But this year’s edition is more than just a summer staple—it’s the most important stop on the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane tour.
The Gold Cup Returns West
“This is the biggest race of the season,” said Brad Luce, longtime H1 Unlimited host and voice of hydroplane racing, in an interview on The Sports Council. “The Gold Cup is what every driver, every team circles on the calendar.”
Held in conjunction with the Columbia Cup for the first time since 2015, the Gold Cup brings extra weight to this year’s Tri-Cities race. Not only are double the points on the line due to the extended heat format, but the race also features more boats, new course adjustments, and a national spotlight.
With only five official races on the 2025 circuit—two of which have been impacted by weather—this weekend could prove pivotal.
“We’ve got unfinished business,” Luce said. “Tri-Cities is shaping up to be the first complete race of the season—and the most competitive.”
Tight Race at the Top
Andrew Tate, driving for BWR Racing, enters the weekend as the high points leader after capturing the Governor’s Cup in Madison, Indiana. Tate, already a former Gold Cup champion, is looking to give his new ownership group—led by Bruce Ratchford—its first Gold Cup win.
“From the outside, it looks like the same boat, same driver, same crew chief,” said Luce. “But there’s a new owner and a lot of pride riding on this.”
Not far behind Tate is J. Michael Kelly of Strong Racing, and local favorite Cory Peabody, who has never lost on the Columbia River since joining Strong Racing. That includes victories in 2021 and 2023, while he missed 2022 due to boat damage.
“He feels a responsibility to deliver for Darrel and Vanessa Strong,” said Luce. “He’s told them, ‘I got your back.’ And so far, he’s delivered every time.”
Also surging is Jamie Nilsen, piloting the U-11 Flav-R-Pack—a boat with local sponsorship and growing momentum. Nilsen claimed third in Madison and has quietly built a reputation as the sport’s most consistent driver this season.
“He’s got a knack for getting the inside lane,” Luce explained. “One of these days he’s going to put it all together and win one—and I hope I’m there when it happens.”
New Names, Big Returns
Among the new storylines is Brandon Kennedy, who became fully qualified at Madison after an emotional community push to keep the legendary Miss Madison boat in the hometown regatta. With a leased boat and just 87 days to prepare, the team got the boat water-ready for a hero’s welcome and a roaring crowd.
And then there’s Dave Villwok—the winningest driver in H1 history with 67 career victories—who returns to Tri-Cities with one goal: Gold Cup #11, which would tie him with Chip Hanauer for the all-time lead.
“This boat has cutting-edge equipment,” Luce said of Villwok’s newly assembled U-27. “It’s dangerous fast—and we haven’t even seen its full potential yet.”
After a dramatic crash in Guntersville that damaged the boat, Villwok sat out Madison to focus on being fully prepared for this weekend. “Here we come, Gold Cup,” he said in a previous appearance on The Sports Council.
A Festival of Speed
Beyond the H1 Unlimited boats, fans can expect Grand Prix boats, E350s, and 2.5-liter classes racing throughout the weekend. Plus, the aerial acrobatics of the Water Follies Air Show will take flight each day at 11:00 a.m., bringing action to the skies while the river rests.
The Tri-Cities layout remains one of the best in the sport, offering strong sightlines and a newly adjusted course designed to avoid past depth issues. “We’re looking at a wider turn one and a tighter top corner, but it’s still fast,” Luce explained. “We saw it during the June test session—this is going to be a very quick course.”
Don’t Miss the Action
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, there’s never been a better year to experience the Water Follies. It’s speed, spectacle, and Pacific Northwest pride all wrapped into one.
“This is the pinnacle of our sport,” Luce said. “It’s bigger than ever this year. Don’t miss it. Come down to the river—it’s going to be incredible.”
For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit www.waterfollies.com.