Roostertail Talk

Send us Fan Mail Charlie Grigg takes us behind the scenes of hydroplane racing sponsorship, revealing how what began as financial support for the U3 team evolved into profound friendships and becoming part of the racing family. The conversation with Charlie and co-host Mike Hall explores the human side of boat racing that fans rarely glimpse. Charlie shares how simple comforts like providing chair...

Send us Fan Mail Charlie Grigg shares his journey from being a riverside kid watching unlimited hydroplanes in the 1960s to becoming a key sponsor for Ed Cooper's piston-powered racing team. Along with co-host Mike Hall, a longtime Cooper team member, we explore how passion and community spirit drove Charlie's decision to bring the thunder back to the Columbia Cup. Join us next week for...

Send us Fan Mail Brandon Kennedy returns for part 2 of his interview with Roostertail Talk.  He will share news on the future of the Madison Racing Program as well as other fun stories along the way. He also talks more about his own weekly podcast called Chasin' Tails.   Next week we'll be back with more interviews and surprises... enjoy! Chasin' Tails Podcast Miss Madison Racing *P...

Send us Fan Mail Brandon Kennedy's life has been intertwined with hydroplane racing from birth. Kennedy embodies the rare fourth-generation racer whose path to the highest levels of the sport seemed almost predetermined. In this revealing conversation, Kennedy takes us through his remarkable journey from those early days watching his father, grandfather, grandmother, and other family members...

Send us Fan Mail In this revealing conclusion to our three-part interview with Brad Luce, the voice of H1 Unlimited pulls back the curtain on race officiating, broadcasting challenges, and the passionate people working to grow the sport we love. Throughout the interview, Brad's passion for hydroplane fans shines through. As an H1 board member, he constantly advocates for improved fan experien...

Send us Fan Mail The voice behind the rooster tails opens up about life in the broadcast booth. In this candid conversation, veteran hydroplane racing broadcaster Brad Luce reveals many things that keep him going to announce the races for H1 Unlimited. Brad has an immense commitment to keep viewers informed, engaged, and part of the racing family that spans generations. Whether you're a devot...

Send us Fan Mail The roar of engines and spectacular roostertails captivated Brad Luce at just two years old, igniting a passion that would transform him from wide-eyed fan to the voice of H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing. This candid conversation reveals how deeply racing can embed itself in someone's life, creating an unbreakable bond spanning decades. Through fascinating anecdotes Brad captu...

Send us Fan Mail The unsung heroes of hydroplane racing deserve more recognition - the people behind the scenes who make this thrilling sport possible through their passion and dedication. This week, I sit down with one such unsung hero: Chris Denslow, H1 Unlimited's official photographer for over two decades. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a hydroplane racing fan, or simply ap...

Send us Fan Mail Legendary hydroplane racer Mark Tate takes us behind the scenes of one of racing's most thrilling eras in this final installment of our three-part interview series. With candid reflections and genuine emotion, Mark shares stories that showcase the deep personal connections formed in this high-octane sport. Through Mark's stories, we experience the golden age of unlimited...

Send us Fan Mail Mark Tate's path to hydroplane racing greatness wasn't just about raw talent—it required technical mastery, strategic thinking, and adapting to different race courses. In this revealing conversation, Tate takes listeners inside his 1994 Gold Cup victory with Smokin' Joe's Racing, explaining how this second Cup win differed from his first with Winston. Make sure...

Send us Fan Mail David Newton sits down with hydroplane racing legend Mark Tate to discuss his remarkable career from outboard racing to becoming a Gold Cup champion in the Unlimited class. Mark shares stories about his family's racing legacy and his journey through the sport's highest levels. Join us next week for part two of our interview with Mark Tate where we'll continue explor...

Send us Fan Mail The voice that defined an era of hydroplane racing returns for the captivating conclusion of our three-part interview with legendary broadcaster Steve Montgomery. Take a nostalgic journey through the golden age of unlimited racing as Steve shares extraordinary stories from his decades behind the microphone. Photo by Digital Roostertails Support the show Help the podcast by subscri...

Send us Fan Mail Radio waves meet rooster tails in this captivating continuation of our conversation with broadcasting legend Steve Montgomery. From creating iconic KISW "Miss Rock" advertisements to becoming the voice of unlimited hydroplane racing on ESPN, Steve reveals the creative genius and determination that defined his career. This is part 2 of 3 of the Steve Montgomery interview....

Send us Fan Mail The legendary voice of hydroplane racing, Steve Montgomery, takes us on a nostalgic journey through his extraordinary career and lifelong passion for the sport in this captivating conversation. Steve shares the path that led him to becoming a broadcasting legend. This episode is packed with insider stories and connections that shaped hydroplane racing for decades. Don't miss...

Send us Fan Mail The tides are turning for hydroplane racing. In this revealing conversation with H1 Unlimited Chairman Mike Denslow, we explore how a passionate group of business leaders and lifelong fans is systematically rebuilding one of America's most unique motorsports. Growing up in Pasco watching hydroplanes thunder across the Columbia River, Denslow shares how his childhood fascinati...

Send us Fan Mail Time to dive into hydroplane racing's 2025 season following the H1 pre-season test session in Tri-Cities, where boats hit impressive speeds and fans got their first glimpse of this season's contenders. HydroDan (one of the creators of the Deck2Deck Hydroplane Fantasy League) joins the podcast as we chat about what to expect this season with H1. Also, don't forget to...

Send us Fan Mail Ted Porter shares the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments from his decade-plus career as a hydroplane racing team owner. His journey from rookie team to dominating the sport includes winning the national high points championship in their first season, securing five world championships in Doha, and finally capturing the elusive Gold Cup in Detroit. I pick up that talk from last...

Send us Fan Mail Ted Porter shares his journey from Formula Boats family business to becoming an H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing team owner who claimed 18 victories and multiple championships. His decade-plus career in the sport represents one of the most successful ownership tenures in modern unlimited racing history. Join us next week for Part 2 of our interview with Ted Porter as he shares more...

Send us Fan Mail We take time to remember and celebrate Don Mock, a great friend of the hydroplane racing community who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. His extraordinary contributions as a talented craftsman, museum board member, restoration specialist, and musical composer shaped the hydroplane community in countless ways that often went unrecognized. Please share your memor...

Send us Fan Mail David Newton steps back from his host duties as Don Mock from the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum turns the microphone around for part two of an in-depth conversation about David's lifetime in RC hydroplane racing. This fascinating conclusion dives deep into the technical aspects of driving radio-controlled boats from the shore—a completely different challenge than being in...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? In this special episode, the microphone flips as Don Mock of the Hydroplane Race Boat Museum sits down with host David Newton to uncover the story behind the voice of Roostertail Talk. Don asks David about his childhood and where the love of hydroplane racing began.  They talk about big hydros, small RC hydros and everythi...

Send us Fan Mail John Walters pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey through the world of unlimited hydroplane racing in this captivating conclusion to our three-part interview. After surviving a catastrophic crash in 1982, Walters shares the remarkable story of love and support from family, friends and others kept him in the sport. Throughout the interview, a powerful thread emerges...

Send us Fan Mail The evolution of hydroplane racing sits at the heart of this captivating conversation with John Walters as he picks up where our previous episode left off, diving deep into his pivotal years working alongside the sport's most influential innovators. From working with Muncey, Lucero, Heerensperger and other greats from the sport, John shares his insight and stories from a spec...

Send us Fan Mail Few have shaped the world of hydroplane racing like John Walters. In part 1 of this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of a legend whose impact spans more than five decades of boat racing evolution. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of human determination, mechanical innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, John Walters' journey embod...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I conclude my interview with Mike Hall, a true veteran of the sport, who takes us behind the scenes of this charismatic community. The episode is filled with Mike's colorful anecdotes. His vivid storytelling paints a picture of a close-knit community where camaraderie and friendship thrive both on and off the water. We explore his technical adventures in building i...