Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

Driver: J. Michael Kelly, Bonney Lake, WA
Home Port: Tri-Cities, WA
HydroDan Says: Arguably the most talented driver of his generation, JMK, will be behind the wheel of the U-00 Maverick. Same boat, new exciting colors. Gone is the race for lanes where JMK excelled, perhaps more than many since the likes of Hanauer, Villwock, and David roamed the water. Although down on some speed at Spring Training, we look for JMK to undoubtably challenge for heat and race wins in 2026. He has 18 wins in a career that spans 22 seasons. The team plans to run full circuit in 2026. 

Driver: Andrew Tate Walled Lake,MI
Home Port: Tri-Cities, WA
HydroDan Says: Back in the BWR Racing stables speediest hull is the formidable Andrew Tate. Tate has amassed 13 career wins in 10 seasons and is the defending National Champion. There is no doubt in our mind that the Best Hull/Driver Combo on the circuit is this one, but with the new starting procedure and H1 racing format, the experienced Tate will have to outrun many supreme competitors from outside lanes. When it is all said and done we believe that Tae will repeat as your H1 National High Points Champion barring unforeseen mishaps. The team plans to run full circuit in 2026. 

Driver: Corey Peabody – Tacoma, WA
Home Port: Tri-Cities, WA
HydroDan Says: The fearless and ultra-competitive Corey Peabody will be behind the wheel of the rebranded U-3 Tahoe Miss. Peabody has accumulated 7 wins in a career spanning 10 seasons and is no stranger to the H1 podium. Much like his teammate and childhood friend, JMK, we look for Peabody to push the H1 fleet for race wins. Peabody has a punchers chance in any race he is in, and the new starting procedure and format may play into his hands if he can keep her shiny side up. The team plans to run full circuit in 2026. 

Driver: Brandon Kennedy – Newark, Delaware
Home Port: Madison, IN
HydroDan Says: After a challenging 2025 off season in which the Madison Teams stable was sold to BWR, the Madison team picked themselves up off the mat and leased a rarely run hull from the Bartush camp in Detroit. Their one race season ended with a hard right turn toward Kentucky due to mechanic issues during its home race.  The Madison Team spent the offseason fine tuning their leased hull, including a diet in which several hundred pounds was removed from the hull.  The good news is the Madison will be running on her home waters and will be coming west to Washington.

Driver: Jamie Nilsen – Federal Way, WA
Home Port: Cle Elum, WA
HydroDan Says: Jamile Nielsen is back being the wheel of the URG’s entry for a seventh season. Nielen captured 3 out of 4 podiums in 2025. More podiums that JMK, Peabody, and Villwock could secure. Although appearing down on power at Spring Training, we look for Nilson to once again be competitive and feisty during the H1 season. Although apt at nabbing inside lanes the new inverted format may play into the Flav-R-Pac’s hands in the preliminary heats. The Team plans to run full circuit in 2026. 

Driver: Jeff Bernard – Kent, WA
Home Port: Seattle, WA
HydroDan Says: Veteran Jeff Bernard enters the 2026 campaign in an abridged capacity, with the team running only at their home waters in Washington State. Bernard showed flashes of speed in 2025 with a heat win at Seafair besting Villwock. We anticipate will carry over in 2026, although the team did not attend preseason testing. Bernard will benefit from the new inverted format and will challenge for points in their limited opportunities. The Team did not attend spring testing and plans to run only the two races in its home state of Washington.

Driver: Gunnar O’Farrell – Maple Valley, WA
Home Port: Maple Valley, WA
HydroDan Says: After spectacular blow-over at 2025 Spring Training, the Team go back in the water in Tri-Cities and managed a 6th a place at the Columbia Cup and an impressive 4th place at Seafair. The team looked to be a bit down on power at Spring Training 2026. Just as in 2024 and 2025, the U21 is planning on running an abridged 2025 races season at the State of Washington races.

Driver: Jimmy Shane – Renton, WA
Home Port: Tri-Cities, WA 
HydroDan Says: The decorated and adored Jimmy Shane returns to the H1 circuit after a 3 year hiatus. Shane, over 11 seasons has 25 wins and 7 national championships, the most of any active drivers. Hanauer and Muncey also have 7 titles, and Villwock has 10 for comparison. Shane, once at the pinnacle of the sport will be in familiar equipment that is plenty capable and with a team with ample resources. We don’t think Shane will take much time to return to the podium as Spring Training indicated. The Team plans to run full circuit in 2026. 

Driver: Dylan Runne
Home Port: Snohomish, WA
HydroDan Says: After a year away from the sport, the Bucket List Team returns with their speedy orange hull and a new driver, Dillan Runne behind the wheel. Runne has H1 experience and also looked quick at Spring Training. With a full H1 season under his belt, Runne will benefit from the new starting procedure and racing format, eliminating the race before the race and allowing Runne to hit his marks and hold his lane. As H1 fans are aware, this boat ran a 171 qualifying lap just two seasons ago. The Team plans to run full circuit in 2026.