Seattle is linked with hydroplane racing via the summertime Seafair festival events that take place over July and August. In addition to the Torchlight Parade and Torchlight Run, and the screaming of both the Blue Angels and the histrionics that come from the anti-noise and safety brigade as a result, the Seafair Cup brings out the hydroplanes, the fast watercraft that race around on Lake Washington. The race has been going on consecutively since 1951 and many years the race was part of the American Power Boat Association’s Gold Cup, a series that has run since 1904.

The 1974 event had issues before any hydro made their run. Instead of the usual course that is run near the south of the old I-90 Floating Bridge, the course was moved to Sand Point. Not only that, but delays and some issues on the shore weren’t quite putting a bright spin onto the day’s race. Choppy water wasn’t helping any matters, either. Would it have a detrimental effect on the races? Not between these two: the Pride of Pay ‘n Pak, piloted by George Henley and Miss Budweiser, piloted by Howie Benns. You want to see a battle? These two trade places and run side-by-side the entirety of the race in some of the best racing you will ever see on the water!