GUNTERSVILLE – Remember that episode of “Andy Griffith” when Gomer tells Mr. Tucker his cousin Goober hopped up an old V8 engine once, put it on his rowboat. “That thing’ll do 80. Now that’s fast on water!”
Want to know what is fast on water these days?
H1 unlimited hydroplanes. They are among the most powerful, closed-course racing boats in the world reaching speeds of up to 200 mph on water, and people of all ages can see them and much more during the annual Guntersville Lake HydroFest, June 25-26.
This extreme summer event highlights the fastest boats today racing on an oval course at speeds of 200 mph, all visible from along scenic Sunset Drive in Guntersville.
Hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports, Hydrofest consists of two days of competitive racing as drivers volley to take home the American Power Boat Association Gold Cup title.
According to Katy Norton, president of Marshall County Tourism and Sports, the 2022 Guntersville Lake HydroFest will be the first time the Gold Cup is held in Alabama.
The event offers three classes of racing: H1 Unlimited, Grand Prix America and Pro-lite series. The state-of-the-art hydroplanes race on a 2½-mile oval course and maintain speeds of 130 mph to 200 mph on the straightaways.
The oldest trophy in motorsports, the APBA Gold Cup, originally named the Challenge Cup, was first awarded in 1904. Initially a battle of endurance, the Gold Cup began as a 90-mile race.
Changes in race formats and engines led to a reduced number of miles with races now between 36 and 52 miles.
There will be at least three former APBA Gold Cup winners competing at this year’s HydroFest including Dave Villwock, driving the U-40, who has won 10 Gold Cups during his career. And J. Michael Kelly and Jimmy Shane, the 2021 defending Gold Cup champion.
The 2022 Guntersville Lake HydroFest will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of Roy Duby’s world speed record of 200.419 mph.
In addition to experiencing the action on the water, there will be entertainment on land including a kid’s area with water slides, sponsors giveaways and food vendors.
The public is invited to a meet and greet with owners, racers and team members and up-close views and photo opportunities of the boats Friday, June 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Marshall County Park, 19348 U.S. 431.
Click here for a schedule of events.
Gates open at 8 a.m. both days with activities taking place at 1500 Sunset Drive on Lake Guntersville. unless otherwise noted.
Admission is free for children 5 and under and for active-duty military with valid military ID.
A weekend pass is $20 in advance for adults and $10 for ages 6-12.
At the gate, tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 6-12.
More pricing options and passes available here.
Parking is $5 per day. All parking for spectators will be offsite with bus transportation running daily from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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