As the Tri-Cities Water Follies and 2025 Gold Cup quickly approach, BWR Racing is one of the most ambitious and energized teams on the H1 Unlimited circuit. With two elite drivers, a growing fleet, and a passionate Tri-Cities-based owner, BWR is poised for a breakout moment in front of its hometown crowd.
Building a Powerhouse
Owner Bruce Ratchford, a lifelong Tri-Citian and longtime supporter of H1 racing through Apollo, made waves
when he fully dove into the sport. “I don’t think there’s a race I haven’t been to,” Ratchford said. “I love the sport and I love the community that surrounds it.”
After sponsoring a boat in 2023, Ratchford expanded dramatically—acquiring the Miss Madison boat (rebranded as the U-91 Goodman Real Estate) piloted by two-time national champion Andrew Tate, and bringing the legendary Dave Villwock—the winningest driver in H1 history—on board in the U-27 Miss Apollo. With multiple boats, a top-tier crew led by Mike Hanson, and home-field pride, BWR is racing for more than just trophies—they’re racing for legacy.
Tate’s Turn to Shine
Tate enters the Gold Cup as the defending national champion and a driver hungry to make history with BWR.
“What’s gone is gone,” said Tate. “If you’re not focused on the heat at hand, you’re doing something wrong.”
Tate showcased blistering speed in Guntersville, nearly breaking the course record before weather cut the event short. “The boat wasn’t even in the water coming down the stretch,” he said, reflecting on his memorable qualifying run.
With nearly no points awarded in Guntersville, every lap in the remaining races—including the Gold Cup—matters even more. “We’ve got a good piece of equipment and a great team. Now it’s about execution.”
Villwock Chasing No. 11
While Tate represents the present, Dave Villwock is chasing history. With 10 Gold Cup wins to his name, h
e’s one shy of tying Chip Hanauer for the all-time record. And he’s not taking the opportunity lightly.
“Yeah, that sucks,” Villwock joked when asked about being second on the list. “We’ll have to work on that.”
After a crash in Guntersville sidelined the U-27, Villwock raced the famed “Sharkey” hull in Madison before returning to his primary boat—polished and ready—for the Gold Cup in the Tri-Cities.
“It’s about the people,” said Villwock. “This team is built from decades of experience and success. Bruce and Ryan Ratchford know how to build teams in business, and now in racing.”
A Hometown Dream
For Ratchford, who’s built Apollo into a cornerstone of the Tri-Cities business community, bringing home a Gold Cup win would be a full-circle moment.
“How exciting would it be if BWR actually won the Gold Cup?” Ratchford said. “Over the moon kind of stuff.”
But it won’t come easy. Strong Racing and defending Gold Cup winner Corey Peabody, J. Michael Kelly, and others stand in the way.
“We’re proud to be from Hydro Town, Tri-Cities,” said Ratchford. “Now we want to give our fans something to celebrate.”