Hydros Hit Their High Point

If you’re claustrophobic, this is not the sport for you.

Don’t like to go fast? Also probably not the best activity.

Afraid of getting banged around and emerging covered with bruises? Don’t even think about taking the wheel.

The world of hydroplane racing is not for the meek. In the unlimited events—which include the Seafair races on Lake Washington Aug. 5-7—drivers careen around lakes at speeds of 200 mph. Though they don’t expect to crash, most have experienced collisions at one time or another.

Yet for hydroplane drivers, such marquee races as Seafair are the reason they embrace the sport. Driver Brian Perkins, who will handle the U-21 Albert Lee Appliance hydroplane this year, recalls watching the races on Lake Washington each year with his family.

Now, he relishes the chance to be a part of it.

“Hydroplane racing is part of who we are in the Pacific Northwest,” said Perkins, 26, who grew up in Black Diamond.

Indeed, hydroplane races in Seattle date to 1950, when local business leaders organized the city's first annual summer festival. They called it Seafair. That year, star hydroplane driver Stan Sayres brought his Slo Mo Shun IV to race in Seattle. The races became an integral part of Seafair festivities.  

As for Perkins, he began driving hydroplanes at age 15. His parents, longtime Seafair race volunteers, bought him a small vintage boat for $700. The all-wood craft had a 1977 Honda Civic motor in it and lacked a cockpit and decks. With his father’s help, Perkins worked to piece the hydroplane back into working order.  

Though Perkins had never stepped into a hydroplane cockpit before, he took to driving right away. Since Lake Washington only allows hydroplanes during designated race or practice times, he drove on Lake Tapps and American Lake.

Perkins began racing in the limited class (speeds of up to 100 mph) and then graduated to unlimited. He now does a combination of both types of events each year. Several years ago, Perkins was hired by Greg and Brian O’Farrell to race the U-21 Albert Lee Appliance boat.

Though hydroplanes' main racing season takes place during the summer, Perkins trains all year. He stays in shape by running, hiking, biking and lifting weights.

Gym time is key because driving a hydroplane requires significant upper and lower body strength, Perkins explained. The steering wheel turns the boat with a pulley system, and maneuvering a 7,000-pound craft going 200 mph demands muscle force.

A driver also must operate the wings by switching the left foot back and forth between two separate pedals. The pedals, connected to cables, move the wings up and down. Perkins performs leg presses in the weight room to build the strength necessary to push the pedals at high speed.

Drivers also must maintain overall conditioning to handle the lateral force thrown at them while going at top speed. After a few rounds of racing, Perkins finds himself exhausted. Often, he’s covered in bruises from being flung against the seat belts.

“Unlimited races literally kick the crap out of you,” Perkins said. “They are very physically demanding.”

Hydroplane racing can also bring injury. Perkins has never flipped his boat, but has come close. Twice, he has collided with other crafts. In a race in Madison, Wis., he hit the rescue boat. Another time, a teammate and his boat ran over Perkins while he was driving in a hydroplane with an open cockpit. (A design that is no longer legal in racing for safety reasons.) The latter incident left Perkins shaken and with a broken hand.

Since the sport is so physically and mentally demanding, Perkins appreciates taking time away from the cockpit each winter. He works for the local family business, Perkins Glass and Mirror, and distances himself from the pressures of racing.

Perkins is still young in the world of hydroplane racing. While some athletes burn out quickly, other drivers hang in the sport for years. Perkins points to veterans Dave Villwock and Steve David as examples of experienced drivers who take good care of themselves and continue racing for years and years.

“I plan to race until I can’t anymore,” Perkins said.

For Perkins and many of the other drivers, Seafair marks the highlight of racing season. It takes place right in Seattle, receives media and television coverage, and brings out the top drivers.

It’s the race everyone wants to win, Perkins said.

“Seafair weekend is better than Christmas for us,” he said.

For those planning to attend hydroplane races at Seafair, here is the full schedule:

2011 Hydroplane Racing Schedule
Friday, Aug. 5
8:30 a.m.   GATES OPEN
8:30 a.m.   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Testing 
9:50 a.m.   Unlimited Hydroplane Testing Session A
12:30 p.m. Unlimited Light Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
1 p.m.   Unlimited Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
2:35 p.m.   Vintage Hydroplane Practice Session 1
2:45 p.m.   Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying Session
5:25 p.m.   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Qualifying 1
6 p.m.    GATES CLOSE
Saturday, Aug. 6
8:30 a.m.    GATES OPEN
8:30 a.m.    Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Testing
9:30 a.m.    Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
11:05 a.m.   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 1A presented by Graham Trucking
11:20 a.m.   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 1B presented by Graham Trucking
11:30 a.m.   Vintage Hydroplanes
12:30 p.m.   Unlimited Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
1 p.m.     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
2:50 p.m.     VintageHydroplanes
3:05 p.m.     Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 1A Racing presented by AT&T and LG Mobile
3:25 p.m.     Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 1B Racing presented by Western Washington Hyundai Dealers
4:45 p.m.     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 2A presented by Sicklesteel Crane
5 p.m.     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 2B presented by Graham Trucking
5:15 p.m.     Vintage Hydroplanes
6 p.m.     GATES CLOSE
Sunday, Aug. 7
7:30 a.m.    GATES OPEN
8:30 a.m.    Unlimited Hydroplane Testing Session C
9:20 a.m.    Unlimited Light Hydroplane Testing Session 3
10 a.m.   Opening Ceremonies / National Anthem
10:25 a.m.   Vintage Hydroplanes
10:40 a.m.   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 2A Racing presented by 76
11 a.m.   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 2B Racing presented by 76
Noon   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 3A Racing presented by Tulalip Resort Casino
12:20 p.m.   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 3B Racing presented by Western Washington Hyundai Dealers
12:35 p.m.   Vintage Hydroplanes
3 p.m.     Unlimited Hydroplane Provisional Heat Racing
4:20 p.m.     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Final Racing presented by Graham Trucking
4:40 p.m.     Unlimited Hydroplane Final Racing presented by Albert Lee Appliance
5:15 p.m.     Albert Lee Cup Awards Presentation
6 p.m.     GATES CLOSE