Owner/Driver: Steven Kinney

Hometown: Camano Island, WA

Yearly Boat Points Finishes

2020: First year participating

Unlimited Hydroplane Info

Hull #8012

U-1/12

The original Griffon Bud was built for the 1979 season, and featured Rolls-Royce Griffon engines. These engines were massive, and the Budweiser roared to life as an immediate contender. However, the 1979 version of the boat was destroyed when the team attempted to break the world straightaway record, crashing after the propeller and rudder broke off at over 200 mph.

Thus, an identical copy of the boat was constructed, and raced from 1980-85. The boat was successful immediately, winning the 1980 and 1981 championships. In 1982, the boat crashed in the Tri-Cities, killing championship driver Dean Chenoweth. Jim Kropfeld took over the reigns, driving until the the Bubble Bud was constructed for the 1985 season. The boat was sold and raced for a few more years until 1990, and now has been restored as the Griffon Bud.