The Columbia River will once again roar to life as the 2025 Columbia Cup and APBA Gold Cup returns to the Tri-Cities, bringing with it the biggest names in hydroplane racing—and few are bigger than those in the Strong Racing camp set up under Bernie’s Tree in the far side of the pits..
Led by hometown ownership and backed by a pair of veteran drivers in Corey Peabody (U-9 Miss Beacon Plumbing) and J. Michael Kelly (U-8 Miss Beacon Electric), Strong Racing enters this year’s Gold Cup not just as contenders—but as defending kings. The team has won the Gold Cup each of the last three years.
“Hydro Town” Welcomes the Gold Cup
“This is a community event through and through,” said Aaron Stephens, race director of the Tri-City Water Follies. “Everyone in the Columbia Basin rallies around this race, and bringing the Gold Cup back to Tri-Cities makes it even more special.”
Stephens, who also sits on the board for the American Powerboat Association, knows the work behind the scenes. From safety logistics to scheduling to overseeing vendor and fan experiences, he’s one of the reasons the Water Follies has grown into more than just a boat race—it’s a full-blown summer festival. “We’re Hydro Town,” he said proudly. “It’s sunny, it’s beautiful, and there’s not a bad view in the house.”
Stephens is also keeping history alive, helping bring in a fully restored 1984 Atlas Van Lines display boat for fans to engage with—a nod to the sport’s legacy as it looks to the future.
Peabody’s Perfect Run on the Columbia
When it comes to the Columbia River, Corey Peabody feels right at home—and the results prove it.
“Since 2019, he hasn’t lost a race here,” noted H1 Unlimited host Brad Luce, who joined The Sports Council for a separate preview. “There’s something about this course and this community. He always shows up and shows out.”
Peabody agrees, but credits preparation and trust in his team over superstition.
“We’ve just been in the right spot at the right time,” he said. “You have to nail turn one, and then it’s just running strong for five laps.”
This year’s redesigned course—featuring a wider turn one and tighter turn two—doesn’t faze Peabody. If anything, it plays into the meticulous coordination he has with his crew chief.
“It’s all about setup,” Peabody explained. “Some crews will optimize for tight turns, others for speed. But once we know what we’ve got under us, it’s about executing.”
Peabody is still chasing his first High Points Championship, something teammate J. Michael Kelly earned in 2023. But Gold Cup victories? He’s got two—and he’s eyeing a third, right here in front of Strong Racing’s home crowd.
“To win it here again, on their course, for Daryl and Vanessa Strong—that’d be huge,” Peabody said. “But you’ve got to stay clean, get to the final, and win the first turn. Then we’ll see.”
Kelly’s Quiet Confidence
For J. Michael Kelly, the Gold Cup is already familiar territory. He’s a two-time winner himself, and one of the most consistent driver in the H1 field over the past decade. This season, though, he’s racing smarter than ever.
“I just want a clean year,” Kelly said. “No penalties, no broken parts—just consistent, strong runs.”
Kelly made his Unlimited debut right here in Tri-Cities back in 2004 and hasn’t looked back. Now a father and mentor to the next generation—including his own son Carson, a rising racer in smaller classes—Kelly reflects on how special this place is.
“To still be doing this after all these years, and at a high level, it means a lot,” he said. “Especially here. This was my first H1 race.”
Kelly and the U-8 crew have spent the offseason applying lessons learned from Peabody’s U-9 to help streamline their own setup. The result? A boat that’s faster, more balanced, and ready to compete with anyone.
Strong Racing’s Standard
No matter which driver takes the checkered flag, Strong Racing has set the standard in the sport—not just for speed, but for culture.
“They’re the only team with two top-tier drivers capable of winning every race,” said Luce. “And they race for each other.”
That chemistry—and a bit of home-field advantage—could make the difference once again. But with heavy competition from defending National Champion Andrew Tate and Dave Villwock, the sport’s winningest driver of BWR Racing — and Jamie Nilsen, there’s no room for error.
“This field is stacked,” Luce added. “But Strong Racing is built for moments like this.”
The Festival Around the Finish Line
Of course, the Water Follies are more than just racing. Fans can expect air shows each morning at 11 a.m., food vendors, a Wednesday night meet-and-greet, and full days of non-stop action on the water across multiple boat classes.
“People love the big boats, but there’s something for everyone here,” Stephens said. “We’re growing the sport. This is about family, about celebration, and about going fast.”
Don’t Miss It
The 2025 Tri-City Water Follies and APBA Gold Cup run July 26–28 along the Columbia River. With history on the line, legends on the course, and a hometown team chasing glory again, it’s shaping up to be a weekend you won’t forget.
For tickets and details, visit www.waterfollies.com.