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Apple Cup
Jackson and Henriksen add to season victories in front of large crowd in Monroe
Photo gallery by Dan Smith Photography HERE
Check out more of Dan's work at https://dan-smith-photography.com/
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The penultimate race of the 2025 Meyers Auto Tech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC brought the series to Lake Tye in Monroe for the Apple Cup. The day had little wind, some sun, and a little rain; the perfect epitome for western Washington! Special thanks to the city of Monroe for promoting this race and showing up to watch. We had a lot of fun racing for everyone, and answering questions posed by all of the fans. Hopefully we can make some new junior racers for 2026 and beyond!
24 boats were on hand with 3 classes, and the action on the water was fierce with some notable names missing in attendance.
All photos by Dan Smith Photography.
Gas Scale Final
1st: 1977 Charlie's Girl, Mike Henriksen
2nd: 1978 Miss Mark and Pak, Beau Rarig
3rd (DNF): 1977 Atlas Van Lines, Jim Whyte
Withdrawals left only three boats for the final, but it was amongst three strong boats. The Atlas ran over and dislodged a buoy in the mill, earning a one-lap penalty. That left Mike Henriksen vs Beau Rarig, who was guest-driving the Miss Mark and Pak. Mike had the inside lane and while Beau tried valiantly, never could keep up. It was Mike's second victory in R/CU, and first in the gas scale class.
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Final
1st: 1984 Team Velocity, Mike Henriksen
2nd: 1987 Miller American, Paxton Reunanen
3rd: 1982 Pay'n Pak, Joey Caines
4th (DNF): 2001 Znetix, Donn Lange
Four boats were on hand, but all four were capable of taking the victory. Mike Henriksen made it 2-for-Sunday with the Team Velocity, taking his third victory of the year in the FE class, and second straight. Paxton Reunanen took the 2nd place, with Joey Caines guest-driving Bob Hulliger's Pay'n Pak to finish on the last step of the podium.
1/8th Scale Nitro Consolation
1st: 2001 Skyway Park Bowl, Kyle Fisher
2nd (DNF): 1983 Miss Renault, Joey Caines
3rd (DNF): 1976 Olympia Beer, Steve Roman
4th (DNS): 2016 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jim Putich
After a few boats failed to make the five laps, it was on Kyle Fisher to cruise around and he was able to do so. R/CU's rookie advanced to his first final by winning the heat.
1/8th Scale Nitro Final
1st: 1994 Pete's Wicked Ale, Paul Jackson
2nd: 1977 Miss Esquire Products, Kirk Maupin
3rd: 1971 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Brent Edinger
4th (DNF): 2001 Skyway Park Bowl, Kyle Fisher
5th (DNF): 2013 Beacon Plumbing, Zach Gordon
6th (DNS): 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski
7th (DNS): 1983 KISW Miss Rock, Gary Grembowski
World Famous Racing had a final to forget, as both Grembowski boats never made it off of the bunk due to technical issues. Paul Jackson had the inside lane, and his Pete's Wicked Ale was tough to beat all day, including the final. Kirk Maupin tried on the outside, but the Pete's boat was too quick, and Paul took his second victory of the year.
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September 7
Location: Lake Tye Park, Monroe, WA
Contest Director: Beau Rarig
Previous Race Winners:
Race held in Lake Tye Park, Monroe, WA 2021-Present
Race held in Yakima, WA 1976, 1978, 1992-1994
Race held in Portland, OR 1979-1984
Race held in Kent, WA 1977
Current-2020: winner shown as nitro // FE // gas
-2025: Paul Jackson (1994 Pete's Wicked Ale) // Mike Henriksen (1984 Team Velocity) // Mike Henriksen (1977 Charlie's Girl)
-2024: Adam Putich (2007 Miss Beacon Plumbing) // Paxton Reunanen (1985 Miller American) // Jim Whyte (1978 Miss Mark and Pak)
-2023: Kirk Maupin (1976 Miss Vernor's) // Don Mock (1985 Miller American) // Jim Whyte (1978 Miss Mark and Pak)
-2022: Dave Brandt (1978 U-65 Squire Shop) // Don Mock (1986 Miller American) // Dave Brandt (1983 KISW Miss Rock)
-2021: Dave Brandt (1978 U-65 Squire Shop) // Paxton Reunanen (1983 KISW Miss Rock) // John Olson (1971 Country Boy)
Prior to 2013, only nitro class run
-1994: Dave Blacksten, 1985 Miss 7-Eleven
-1993: Roger Newton, 1993 Miss Budweiser
-1992: Terry Olding, 1984 Miss Tosti Asti
-1984: Dick Ness, Miss Budweiser
-1983: Race not held
-1982: Jack Haugen, Thriftway Too
-1981: Steve Benson, Miss Vernors
-1980: Dallas Cook, Pay'N Save
-1979: Les Ruggles, Miss Supertest III
-1978: Les Ruggles, Miss Supertest III
-1977: Ron Erickson, Spirit of Dayton Walther
-1976: Les Ruggles, Maverick