In this episode of Chasin Tails, hosts sit down with unlimited hydroplane driver Dustin Echols to discuss the excitement leading up to the Gold Cup at San Diego Bayfair. They dive into the history and prestige of the Gold Cup, the intense competition for lanes on saltwater, and the challenges of transitioning to the unlimited class. Dustin shares his personal journey, including his Madison accident and predictions for the upcoming races. The episode also explores the evolution of H1 racing formats, engine developments, and race strategies for the APBA US Nationals.

Join us for an action-packed episode of Chasin Tails as we sit down with all five Hydroplane Racing League champions to recap the 2024 season! From technical difficulties and lighthearted banter to in-depth discussions on boat setups, race strategies, and future plans, this episode has it all. Hear from rookie champion Jacob Haineault on his impressive season and what’s next, and listen as HRL champion Jimmie Stewart shares his unique experiences and upcoming APBA circuit schedule. We also dive into Ken Lupton’s dominant GP season, Fred Couturier’s journey to becoming H350 champion, and the exciting technological advancements in the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of hydroplane racing, this episode offers an exclusive inside look at the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes action of the 2024 season. Don’t miss out!

In Episode 20 of the Chasin’ Tails Podcast, we dive into the high-stakes world of hydroplane racing as we gear up for the iconic Gold Cup in San Diego. Join us as we sit down with three of the sport’s top drivers—Corey Peabody, J. Michael Kelly, and Jamie Nielsen—for an in-depth discussion on what it takes to win the most prestigious race of the season.

The drivers share their insights on the unique challenges of racing in saltwater, the critical five-minute warmup, and the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. We also explore the significance of the Gold Cup, delve into their pre-race rituals, and get their thoughts on the San Diego course.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the importance of unity among different racing classes, the need for better coordination between race sites, and how racing statistics and sponsorships shape the sport. Plus, we throw in some rapid-fire questions and lighthearted banter, revealing the personalities behind the helmets.

We wrap up with predictions for the upcoming championship battles in the Hydroplane Racing League, thoughts on the points penalty system, and a shoutout to our sponsor, H8eraide Salt B Gone. Don’t miss this exciting episode packed with insights, fun, and a deep dive into the world of hydroplane racing!

🔥 Welcome to Episode 19 of Chasin’ Tails! In this episode, we dive into the heart of the hydroplane racing season, discussing the standout moments, upcoming events, and the thrilling resurgence of races. From the intense competition at Mot Lake to the much-anticipated return of Decatur, we cover it all. Plus, we reveal Richard’s Racing Fleet’s brand new Grand Prix Hydroplane and share some hilarious off-track moments. Don’t miss out as we also break down key races, boat classes, and predictions for San Diego. Tune in for a mix of serious racing talk and light-hearted banter!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Technical Difficulties

06:13 - Favorite Races of the Year

15:37 - Reveal of Richard’s Racing Fleet’s New Grand Prix Hydroplane

27:01 - Introduction and Boat Racing Discussion

30:01 - Humorous Conversation about Beach Attire

33:12 - Explaining the Toilet Bowl Award

36:19 - Recalling Memorable Heats and Races

38:00 - Discussion on the One Liter Mod Class

42:03 - Using Social Media to Grow the Sport

44:21 - Combining Boat Classes for Exciting Races

46:18 - Increasing Boat Count and Providing a Better Show

47:44 - The Thrill of Racing and the Importance of Boat Count

49:36 - Mixing Boat Classes at Races

56:25 - Predictions for the San Diego Race

01:09:11 - The Joy of Boat Racing

01:13:53 - Racing, Skiffs, and the Importance of Clothing

01:15:08 - The Competitiveness of the Skiff Class

01:16:13 - Freezing Records and the HRL App

01:19:08 - Upcoming Races and the Hydro Sim Game

01:25:37 - Excitement for the Next Episode and Thanking the Sponsor

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with all things hydroplane racing! 🚤💨”

In this conversation, Kyle, Austin, Brandon, and Mathis-Gabriel discuss their recent races and the challenges they faced. They talk about the Mott Lake Regatta and the upcoming San Diego race. They also discuss the tight competition in the HRL events and the unexpected results. The conversation then shifts to the characteristics of different race courses and the potential of the Mott Lake course. Mathis-Gabriel shares his experience of racing in Tonawanda and the improvements he made to his boat. They also discuss the Honda engine and its evolution in the sport. Mathis-Gabriel Chiasson discusses the benefits of using Honda engines in boat racing, highlighting their durability and low maintenance requirements. He shares his personal experience of running the same Honda engine for several years without any major issues. The conversation also touches on the importance of having a mentor in the sport and the camaraderie among competitors. The hosts and Mathis-Gabriel reflect on the competitiveness of the HRL championships and the exciting races throughout the season. They discuss the growth of the sport and the efforts to improve the live stream and social media presence to engage fans. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of social media in growing the sport, the marketing advantages of showcasing team activities, the impact of different engine manufacturers on the sport, and the potential switch to a new engine in the Australian league. The hosts also discuss the upcoming race in San Diego and the growth of the GPA. They highlight the competitive field and the potential for different course sizes to shake up the competition. The conversation covers various topics, including the upcoming races, the importance of collaboration between organizations, the potential for growth in the sport, and the use of different engines in racing boats. The hosts discuss the possibility of the GP Challenge ending in San Diego and the potential for increased boat count and corporate sponsorship. They also mention the close points battle in the GPA and APBA classes and the excitement it brings to the fans. The conversation concludes with lighthearted discussions about future races and the experiences of riding in different boat classes. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss vintage boats and the potential for modifying them to improve performance and safety. They also talk about the benefits of longer boats in rough water conditions and the need to open up the box rule for 350s to allow for longer boats. The hosts give shoutouts to the organizers and sponsors of the Mott race and discuss plans for future episodes, including educational content and interviews with industry experts. They also mention the possibility of sim racing and invite suggestions from listeners.

Chasin Tails Podcast Ep. 17 | Special Guest: Jeff Ayler 🎙️ In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by legendary announcer Jeff Ayler! Jeff dives into the excitement of the Seattle Seafair and Thunder on the Niagara races, sharing his insider perspectives on these iconic events. We also get into the nitty-gritty of hydroplane racing as we talk about: • Navigating rough water conditions 🌊 • The intense battle for lanes 🏁 • Racing in tight quarters at high speeds ⚡ • How Jeff got his start in the world of hydroplane racing 🚤 Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Tune in and don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more great content!