Record-Shattering Upset in Apollo ABP Hydroplane Gold Cup

A Master of Precision and Timing

Dave Villwock has always been known for his exceptional ability to time his starts perfectly in unlimited hydroplane racing. For decades, he has studied the Columbia River, memorizing exact positions and times needed to gain a competitive edge. On Sunday, Villwock demonstrated this mastery once again, securing a victory in the Apollo APBA Gold Cup on the Columbia River.

Villwock was one of only five front-line drivers who did not cross the starting line early, which ultimately led him to win the race. This victory marks his 11th career Gold Cup win, tying with Chip Hanauer for the most wins in the event's history.

"I could remember when I first started working as a crew chief with Chip Hanauer, and he already had 46 victories at the time," said an emotional Villwock, who drives the BWR Racing U-27 Miss Apollo for Bruce Ratchford. "I thought it was incredible."

This win also brings Villwock’s total career victories in unlimited hydroplane racing to 68, making him the sport’s all-time leader in wins. His last victory before this one came in 2012 at the Detroit Gold Cup.

Before the final, Villwock shared a message with his new crew chief, Taylor Evans, who had recently been promoted to that role. "I said, 'Time to make some magic,'" Villwock recalled.

However, the race wasn’t without its challenges. The officials took time to determine the winner after the final, as several issues arose at the start of the 5-lap race. Villwock was among the five drivers on the final front line, positioned in lane 4.

Gunnar O'Farrell, driving the U-21 Spirit of America, was on the outside lane 5. He accelerated just before the start, attempting to secure an early advantage. This action caused J. Michael Kelly (U-8 Miss Beacon Electric) and Corey Peabody (U-9 Miss Beacon Plumbing) to also cross the line too early, resulting in 1-minute penalties.

As a result, Jamie Nilsen, driving the U-11 FLAV-R-PAC, became the first legal boat to cross the start line. Villwock followed closely behind, effectively nailing the start. Meanwhile, Andrew Tate, in the U-91 Goodman Real Estate, started as the trailer boat, 5 seconds behind the front line. Tate was the leader in the national high points championship and had been the fastest qualifier on Friday, but his position as the trailer boat significantly impacted his chances.

"Not my best effort. Not by my best day," Tate admitted.

The race featured a close battle between Kelly and Peabody, teammates from the Strong Racing team. Fans were aware that at least one boat had crossed the line too early, but it wasn't clear which one. While attention was focused on the earlier boats, Villwock quietly moved up the ranks, overtaking Nilsen to take the lead.

By the time the race concluded, there were many questions about who had actually won. Nilsen arrived at the dock with fans celebrating, but he hadn’t won. Later, he said, "That's racing. We'll be back. We'll take another swing at it. And we'll get the Gold Cup trophy some day."

Despite the confusion, Villwock finished ahead of Nilsen, giving Kennewick’s Bruce Ratchford his first Gold Cup victory and his second win in as many starts since acquiring the U-27 and U-91 boats.

At the awards ceremony, Villwock turned to Ratchford and said, "I am so lucky to race with an old sheet metal worker, just like me. Bruce shares that message of family and excellence. This is a group that looks after each other."

Ratchford then took the microphone, stating, "This is all about people. Always." He then acknowledged Taylor Evans, saying, "Taylor Evans, you are a good crew chief."

Peabody finished fourth after his penalty, while Kelly placed fifth and O'Farrell sixth.

For Villwock, this win might be one of the sweetest of his career. "It'll be fun to grab on to that Gold Cup again," he said. "It's been a while."