NASCAR icon Jimmie Johnson paid tribute to hydroplane racing legend Bill Muncey by taking a historic hydroplane ride on August 2, 2025, at the Seafair event in Seattle. The experience allowed Johnson to pilot the famed 1977 Atlas Van Lines hydroplane, also known as the “Blue Blaster,” which Muncey himself once raced, celebrating the legacy of this motorsports pioneer on Lake Washington’s Ted Jones Racecourse.
A Unique Moment Honoring Bill Muncey’s Racing Legacy
The opportunity for Johnson to pilot Muncey’s legendary hydroplane was made possible through a collaboration involving Carvana Racing, Legacy Motor Club, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The “Blue Blaster” is a storied vessel that contributed to Muncey’s impressive resume of 62 career victories, including eight Gold Cup wins, seven U.S. National Championships, and four World Championships. This hydroplane ride provided Johnson a firsthand connection to one of hydroplane racing’s greatest figures, blending nostalgia and reverence with a thrilling new challenge.
Johnson described the exhilarating experience as a remarkable and humbling adventure. He felt the raw physicality required to manage the boat, noting how the vehicle’s aggressive movement and speed on water exceeded his expectations compared to racing on asphalt.
I was hoping to get the boat started quickly and drive off like a professional. And I didn’t quite have that part under control. I was really surprised how physical it is inside the boat. The way the boat digs in and starts hopping and bouncing. The sensation of speed on water is way greater than on asphalt. Plus, the vulnerability of being in a boat, especially one that doesn’t have a seat belt. I couldn’t see it from the cockpit, but I can’t wait to watch some video to see how big the roostertail was and to see the spray was in the corner.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver
Jimmie Johnson’s Experience Behind the Wheel of the Blue Blaster
Johnson’s hydroplane ride lasted for nearly six laps, during which he grew increasingly comfortable with the boat’s unique dynamics. Despite a few initial challenges adapting to an unfamiliar machine, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion reportedly reached speeds near 140 miles per hour, intensifying the thrill of the event with breathtaking velocity. Johnson’s admiration for Muncey deepened as this ride fulfilled a long-standing personal dream tied to his childhood.
Johnson first encountered Muncey as a young boy when he and his father had the chance to watch the legend race and even took a photograph sitting on Muncey’s hydroplane. Now, about 45 years later, Johnson relived that connection by stepping into the driver’s seat himself. The moment symbolized a full-circle tribute to a racer who inspired him from a very young age.
The Remarkable Career of Bill Muncey and His Impact on Hydroplane Racing
Bill Muncey’s name is synonymous with hydroplane racing excellence. An International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, Muncey dominated the sport for over three decades. His career included a staggering array of titles, such as eight Gold Cups and seven U.S. National Championships, asserting his status as one of the most successful hydroplane racers in history.
Beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel, Muncey was also an influential team owner. With his wife Fran, he managed Bill Muncey Racing, a team that secured six High Points Championships. Tragically, Muncey’s life and career were cut short in 1981 after a blowover crash in Mexico. Following his death, Fran continued running the team and preserved the fleet’s legacy, including the Blue Blaster, up to 1984.
In 1985, the team gained sponsorship from Miller Brewing Company, resulting in a rebranding to Miller American Hydroplane, which later evolved to Miller High Life. This period notably connected hydroplane racing with NASCAR through a sponsorship partnership facilitated by Bobby Allison and renowned NASCAR artist Sam Bass, as all Miller-affiliated motorsports brands came under the High Life umbrella. Eventually, the team was sold to Circus Circus by the end of the 1988 season.
Jimmie Johnson’s Tribute Resonates Beyond Nostalgia
Jimmie Johnson’s hydroplane ride goes beyond a mere nostalgic thrill; it serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Bill Muncey on the world of hydroplane racing and motorsports as a whole. Experiencing firsthand the power and speed that defined Muncey’s career allowed Johnson to honor the legacy with genuine respect and passion. The event also highlights how historic motorsports achievements continue to inspire present-day champions, bridging generations through shared love of speed and competition.
As Johnson reflects on his ride, motorsports fans can anticipate further tributes and events celebrating Muncey’s contributions to racing history. This tribute is a reminder of the resilience and dedication that define champions across all disciplines, inspiring future racers to push their limits while remembering those who paved the way.