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 appreciate stories of passion turned profession, this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the lens at what it takes to freeze time on the water at 200 mph. Visit Chris's photo galleries through the link in our show notes to experience his remarkable work firsthand.

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 you join us next week for the conclusion of our conversation with Mark Tate, where he'll share more stories about the characters and moments that defined this thrilling sport.
*Photo by Bill Osborne

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 exploring his storied racing career.

*Photo taken by Bill Osborne

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 everything in between. Join us next week for part two of this revealing interview!

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 about mental health awareness – a cause Walters champions through his upcoming book. Listen now to experience the insights from one of hydroplane racing's most respected figures and discover why John Walters remains a beloved ambassador for the sport.

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 special time in racing. This is part 2 of the John Walters interview.  Tune in next week for part 3!

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 embodies the very soul of hydroplane racing. Make sure to tune in next week to continue the conversation with John in part 2!

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 innovative boats and delve into the intricate world of GP racing, where Mike's passion and commitment shine through the challenges of crewing and boat building. This is one episode you don't want to miss.  Enjoy!

Roostertail Talk+ update! Photos from my archives of the 1984 racing season have been added to the Roostertail Talk+ section of the website. So many beautiful boats to look through including the Tosti Asti, Atlas Van Lines, Squire Shop, Miss Budweiser, Renault and more. RT+ members have direct access through the site or with the following link.
If you are not a member yet, you can still become a member using the same link. Again thank you to all subscribers, you make a big impact to help the podcast continue to grow and expand!

​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-scenes challenges faced by dedicated crew members. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview. Check for part 2 to stream next week in episode 139.  
Heat 3A of the 2007 Gold Cup (Referenced in the episode)