54 hydroplanes race in Manson Hydrofest

MANSON - The Manson Chamber of Commerce and the Seattle Inboard Racing Association hosted the 7th Annual Manson Hydrofest September 23-25. Temperatures on beautiful Manson Bay were in the high 70’s to low 80’s. The skies were clear and there was no wind. Racing conditions were perfect for the 54 hydroplanes that raced in 12 different classes.
This was a full weekend event with members and friends from the Seattle Inboard Racing Association arriving Friday afternoon. Many came in motorhomes, camping out in spacious Leffler Field. Soon the town was filled with hydroplanes. Todd Link, owner of WineGirl Wines and a major sponsor of Hydrofest, hosted a huge kickoff party at 3 p.m., featuring excellent wines, beer on tap, great food and live music by the Fred Bauer Band at 6 p.m.
The weather on Saturday morning couldn’t have been better for racing. A captain’s meeting took place at 11 a.m., before the first heat. Many people purchased a “Pit Pass”, which allowed them to meet crews and drivers and see the hydro’s up close and personal, others purchased an amazing Hydrofest t-shirt.
Once inside the pits, I had to keep my antenna up, as the big crane was lifting boats in and out of the water with amazing speed. Race Chairman, Gordy Cole and his crew worked like a well-oiled machine keeping racing safe, on time and exciting!
 “As the Chief Referee, Matt Yarno did a great job keeping the pace up all day long. Too many others to mention who contributed to the great event in Manson this year. Thanks to the local businesses for their great support,” Gordy said. "It was a well-run event and it was so good to see all of our friends, especially the racers from Canada," stated Johnny Jackson, driver of A-39.
Both Saturday and Sunday, Fire Chief Arnold Baker and Manson’s Volunteer Firefighters offered an open house serving some amazing hamburgers and hotdogs across the street from the racecourse. Meals were by donation, and money collected will go towards their 'Season of Hope' project, helping folks struggling during the holidays. Manson Firefighter, Chris Willoughby told me they sold 320 burgers, 275 hotdogs and made $3,000.
WineGirl Wines hosted the award ceremony on Saturday night with Jeff Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce Board member serving as MC. Boats continued to race on Sunday, accumulating points for the Nationals.
First place winners for Manson Hydrofest included:
1 LITRE – Brad Sanchez – Auburn
2.5 STOCK – Cory Peabody – Covington
2.5 MOD – Jason Aslaskson – Olympia
E-350 – Steve Huff – Sea-Tac
SE – Travis Ulsh – Eatonville
SPORT C – Mike White - Sedro Wooley
FORMULA 150 = Brook Butler – Sidney, B.C.
CHAMP – Mike Nass – Surry, B.C.
J HYDRO Carson Kelly – Bonney Lake
J RUNABOUT – Brody Wyant – Black Diamond
Two of the drivers, J. Michael Kelly and Cory Peabody also drive unlimited hydroplanes. Ron Magnuson was the only driver from Manson. He was racing in the Vintage Class. There were eight boats represented in the Vintage Class and they will return to Chelan for “Mahogany and Merlot”, September 30 to October 2. “The youngest driver was nine and there were several drivers in their 70’s,” said Pat Yarno, Chief Scorer.
Jeff Conwell, Manson Chamber Board member said, “It was a great weekend for Manson and the Lake Chelan Valley with so many drivers, crews and families visiting the area. A big shout out to SIRA, Gordy Cole, Matt Yarno and their people who come here and put on an amazing experience for everyone! This event could not be possible without our sponsors and volunteers who give of their finances and time to create this great event for the community. We’re already looking forward to 2023 with new experiences for our visitors and community.”
Visit the Manson Chamber’s Facebook page for more photos.