On August 1, 2024, in Seattle at Lake Washington, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson paid tribute to hydroplane racing legend Bill Muncey by piloting the iconic Atlas Van Lines Blue Blaster. Nearly 46 years after a childhood moment beside the same boat in San Diego Bay, Johnson harnessed the power of Muncey’s restored hydroplane during Seattle’s Seafair weekend, bringing renewed excitement to the watercraft that dominated races in the 1970s and ’80s.
A Thrilling Display of Speed and Legacy
Johnson, now 49 years old, reached speeds close to 100 miles per hour in the Blue Blaster, showcasing not only his racing skills but also the intense power and heritage attached to the vessel. The 5,600-pound hydroplane features a 2,500-horsepower Merlin engine, the same type that powered British Spitfire fighter planes during World War II, which contributed to its legendary performance.
Bill Muncey, who tragically died in the Blue Blaster in 1981, is remembered as one of the greatest hydroplane racers in history. His family was present to witness Johnson’s tribute, marking a deeply emotional moment that connected past and present in the sport. The Blue Blaster had been meticulously restored over 30 years, allowing Johnson to pilot the boat as if continuing Muncey’s legacy directly on the water.
Personal Reflections and Support from the Racing Community
Johnson described the experience as a profound and full-circle event, reflecting on the boat’s historic significance and the rush of speed that differed notably from driving on land. He said,
“Climbing into the Blue Blaster was such a full circle moment. The power, the history, the speed – it’s was pure adrenaline. It was such an honor to pay tribute to a hero of mine, a legend of the sport and to the Muncey family – this event was 46 years in the making.”
He also spoke about the unique sensation of hydroplane racing, noting,
“The speed in the water was so much greater than it is on land. In a car the faster you go the (downforce) just plants the car to the pavement, in the boat, the faster I went the more I thought it was going to fly away. It was absolutely wild.”
Johnson expressed gratitude toward everyone who helped make the tribute possible, spotlighting the support of the Muncey family, including Bill’s wife Fran and son Edward, as well as sponsors and institutions tied to hydroplane racing.
“I’m so thankful to the Muncey family and Carvana for their support,”
he said.
“Even my Dad (Gary Johnson) made the trip to Seattle to see this thing go full circle. Chip Hanauer, David Williams and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum here in Washington, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Seafair, were all so great to work with, so I’m just thankful to all who made this dream a reality for me.”
Collaborating with Hydroplane Legends and Engaging Fans
Johnson’s operations were guided by Chip Hanauer, an esteemed figure in unlimited hydroplane racing who won the APBA Gold Cup 11 times and famously piloted the Miss Budweiser in the 1990s. Hanauer also raced the Blue Blaster after Muncey’s death, making his role as Johnson’s crew chief a meaningful link between generations of racing history.
Enthusiastic spectators at Seafair witnessed Johnson maneuver the Blue Blaster with confidence and grace, drawing loud cheers from fans in the Carvana grandstand and along the shoreline. Johnson’s command of the boat appeared natural, impressing many who followed the rare exhibition performance. In a spirited nod to racing lore, Johnson even completed an extra lap, earning a symbolic black flag from officials, reminiscent of Richard Petty’s well-known black flag moment during a throwback lap in 2017 at Darlington Raceway.
Preserving and Celebrating a Racing Heritage
This tribute run not only celebrated Bill Muncey’s lasting impact on hydroplane racing but also rejuvenated interest in the sport’s history by combining vintage machinery with current-day racing talent. The restoration and careful handling of the Blue Blaster have ensured that Muncey’s spirit continues to inspire fans and racers alike.
To document this unique event, a behind-the-scenes video will be available soon on Johnson’s YouTube channel, and the full exhibition run can be viewed in H1 Unlimited’s YouTube stream, beginning at 2:59:26 in the footage. Johnson’s tribute makes clear the deep connections between motorsports generations and highlights how passion for speed transcends different racing platforms.