Roostertail Talk

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exhilarating ride into the world of unlimited hydroplane racing as we sit down with Mike Hall, a passionate crew member hailing from Indiana. With stories that date back to building RC models in his uncle's garage, Mike shares a heartfelt narrative of nostalgia and technical prowess, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of the sport and the behind-the-sce...

Send us Fan Mail Roostertail Talk is back with season 7.  The first episode for the new season features a conversation with Eric Christensen revealing his journey from enthusiastic fan to team owner and driver. Eric discusses the challenges of starting a new racing team, acquiring his boat, and his goals for the upcoming season, emphasizing safety and community involvement. Christensen Motorsports...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exhilarating ride as we wrap up our journey with hydroplane racing legends, Mark and Mitch Evans. These two icons share vivid recollections from their illustrious careers, filled with thrilling adventures and strategic partnerships. From Mitch's collaboration with Jerry Rise during the Apian Jeronimo years to Mark's strategic maneuvers in the sport, they r...

Send us Fan Mail Join part 3 of my chat with Mark and Mitch Evans as they share thrilling stories from their racing careers during the transformative 90s in hydroplane racing. This episode highlights their experiences with race day triumphs, the evolution of boat designs, and the profound impact of regulations on the sport.  Tune in next week on New Year's Eve, as we're going to have par...

Send us Fan Mail Mark and Mitch Evans, legendary figures in the world of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing, join us for part 2 of their 4 part interview. We revisit their riveting exploration of their high-octane careers in the late 80s. From Mark's poignant hiatus after a personal tragedy to his triumphant return, their stories are filled with the adrenaline and heart that's powered their ico...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine growing up with the roar of hydroplane engines as your lullaby. Join me as I sit down with Mitch and Mark Evans, legendary figures in hydroplane racing, who share their exhilarating journey from childhood escapades around heavy machinery and boats to the adrenaline-pumping world of competitive racing. Their story is a testament to the influential guidance of their father,...

Send us Fan Mail Chris Martin and Jason Colean continue their interview in Episode 132.  Listen in as they continue to share their experience on the U-27 Wiggins Racing team.  They go into more detail about the 2024 racing season for Apollo Mechanical as well as what is in store for next year.  *Note: Jason reminds you that this is part 2 of his interview in the photo Support the show Help the pod...

Send us Fan Mail After a 2 month hiatus we are back and streaming with part 1 of my interview with Chris Martin and Jason Colean.  Chris and Jason are crew members for the U-27 Apollo Mechanical racing team.  Listen to their story as they went from hydroplane fans to crewing for the winningest hydroplane driver of all time! Part 2 of my interview with Chris and Jason will stream November 19th.  En...

Send us Fan Mail Jeff Campbell returns to the podcast for part 2 and the conclusion of his interview.  Jump back into the conversation about setting up hydroplanes for the more challenging courses on the circuit. Jeff shares more about Strong Racing, the future for the team and himself. You’ll also hear about the emotional highs and lows of working with memorable drivers who’ve left an indelible m...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could relive the golden days of hydroplane racing through the eyes of an industry veteran? Join us for part 1 of my chat with Jeff Campbell, the crew chief of Nine Beacon Plumbing and general manager of Strong Racing. Jeff shares candid anecdotes from his storied career. Listen in as he recounts pivotal moments from national events, offering invaluable insights into th...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to bring the prestigious Gold Cup back to San Diego's Mission Bay after three decades? Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes efforts and challenges with Greg Mansfield, a key member of the Board of Directors for Bayfair. Fans of hydroplane racing are in for a treat as Greg delves into the collaboration with the H1 Unlimited group, the legacy of Mission...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a coffee company could light up the world of hydroplane racing? Join us for an conversation with Jonathan Casteel, Director of Operations for Mercury Coffee, as he shares the journey of Mercury Coffee's entry into the sport. Discover the deeply-rooted passion that founder Morgan and his father Mike have for hydroplane racing, leading to Mercury Coffee's...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 126 checks in and gives a report on how the H1 season has progressed. Andrew Tate, Corey Peabody and JMK have all won races this year.  Who will win in San Diego for the Gold? How has the new mill rule gone with the fans? Tune in to find out! Photo by Digital Roostertails Support the show Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is...

Send us Fan Mail Buckle up as we take you back to the scorching summer of 1985 and the unforgettable Budweiser Columbia Cup. Relive the fierce rivalry between Jim Kropfeld's Miss Budweiser and the high-powered turbine boats of 7-11 and Miller American. Feel the heat of the Columbia River as we recount the action-packed heats narrated by the legendary Jim Hendrick, Pat O'Day, and Don Poie...

Send us Fan Mail Ricky McQueen, SuperFan of Unlimited Hydroplanes joins the podcast in Episode 124.  Ricky shares his passion of the sport along with his journey to create Hydro2D a free hydroplane video game which is available on the H1 Unlimited website. He talks more about the sport he loves, boxing, sonics and everything in between. Ricky also makes predictions for the Columbia Cup and Seafair...

Send us Fan Mail Listen in to part 2 (of 2) of my talk with hydroplane driver Brent Hall.  Brent talks more about his passion for the sport and how things are improving.  He also shares more light into the decision to not race the 440 this year and what his options are for returning to the driver seat.  Don't miss out on the conclusion of my interview with Brent Hall.  Support the show Help t...

Send us Fan Mail Brent Hall joins the podcast! Listen to part 1 of 2 as Brent talks with host David Newton about his racing passion and journey to be the first black qualified H1 Unlimited hydroplane driver. Last year proved to be challenging, but even without a boat this season, Brent’s commitment to creating unforgettable fan experiences and promoting hydroplane racing remains unshaken. Don&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we wrap up our trilogy with hydroplane racing icon Jerry Schoenith. In this episode he shares his candid thoughts on the state of H1 Unlimited and hydroplane racing as well as reminisces about hydroplane days past. Jerry also reflects on the fading legacy of boat racing on the Detroit River and his personal and family history within the sport, shedding light on efforts...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we continue our riveting conversation with Jerry Schoenith (part 2 of 3), the former owner of the Miss Renault Racing Team. Jerry reflects on the highs and lows of owning a racing team, including the unforgettable World Championship. Jerry also takes us on a journey back to the 1980s, sharing his firsthand experience with the rise of turbine engines and his innovative p...

Send us Fan Mail Hydroplane racing champion Jerry Schoenith joins us for the first part of an electrifying three-part series. You won't want to miss his nostalgic stories and unique insights! Ever wondered what it was like growing up in a family that lived and breathed hydroplane racing? Jerry takes us back to his roots in Detroit, sharing the passion that ignited the Gale racing team and hig...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping episode of Roostertail Talk as we welcome back racing aficionado Hydro Dan for the third year in a row! This time, we're diving headfirst into the thrills and challenges of the 2024 H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing season. Listen to our recap of the H1 Spring Testing and listen to some predictions for the upcoming H1 racing season. Fantasy hy...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this episode of Roostertail Talk as we sit down with the legendary hydroplane racer Steve David, who takes us on a nostalgic journey through his storied career. From his early days in South Florida filled with limited resources but boundless passion, to his encounters with racing legends like Bill Muncy and Dean Chenoweth, Steve opens up about the life lessons racing im...

Send us Fan Mail In episode 116 I continue my conversation with Dave Valancourt. Last week left us on a cliffhanger and now we're back to delve into the nitty-gritty of Dave's latest 1/25th scale hydroplane model kits. These aren't just any model kits; they're a labor of love, intricately crafted with turbine engines akin to the various hydroplanes on the circuit today (or a me...

Send us Fan Mail Dave Vaillancourt joins the podcast in episode 115.  Dave is an unsung hero of H1 behind a lot of marketing, sponsor relations and merchandizing decisions in the past 20 years or so.  Dave talks about his history in the sport and the beginning of his marketing and merchandising career with H1 in part 1 of a 2 part episode.  You can learn more about Dave's business and access...

Send us Fan Mail As we race through the waves of nostalgia, lets visit the legacy of Doug Brow. Hear the echoes of roaring engines and feel the spray of the Seattle waters as Doug shares stories of his father's influence, the racing community that was as close as family and the racing specifics that make hydroplane racing a spectacle unlike any other. His narrative weaves through the history...