Roger Newton Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial

Surprise winner tops nitro class in final race of 2021

Saturday photo album available HERE

Sunday photo album available HERE

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The 2021 R/CU racing season came to a close in picturesque Lake Chelan, and what a year 2021 was. With last-minute race rescheduling, cancellations, and other excitement, it was certainly a crazy year. Nonetheless, R/CU travelled to wine country to relax and put up a great show with the only 2-day race of the year.

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With roostertails carving up the crystal-clear waters, the boats brought out a ton of fans in the region. R/CU was able to race competitively all weekend, and many were impressed by the racing action.

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Saturday brought sunny skies, warm temperatures, and flat waters. With half of the heats run on Saturday, it set up a dramatic final day of the season. Did we mention that the most prestigious trophies were on the line? A secondary nitro race was the Norm Evans Memorial, to honor Chelan's original hydroplane son. But the big trophy that every wants is the Roger Newton Gold Cup, the "Super Bowl" of the sport that has been competed since 1974, named in honor of R/CU's Czar and founder, the great Roger Newton. 

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Sunday dawned a little breezy, and the first couple sets of heats had the infamous Chelan rollers. Gentle sways coming from the main lake looked calm from above the water, but really affected the boats. However, over the day the wind shifted, the rollers disappeared, and the racing could commence as usual.

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1/10th Scale Electric Roger Newton Gold Cup Standings

1st: 1980 Squire Shop, Paxton Reunanen

2nd: 1971 Budweiser Malt Liquor, Dylan Hirano

3rd: 1985 U-33, Jim Latimer

4th: 1962 Miss U.S. V, Jim Brittain

5th: 1962 $ Bill, Geoffry Grembowski

6th: 1970 Miss Budweiser, Mason Dunn

7th: 2005 Miss Thriftway, John Gatjens

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The 1/10th scale electric class was run as a points race over the course of four heats, and with all 6-7 boats running at once over bumpy Chelan waters, it was an entertaining class. In the end, it was Paxton, taking two heat victories and accumulating 1269 points, enough to beat Dylan Hirano by 74 points. However, it was a successful 2021 for Hirano, who took the season-long championship in the 1/10th scale electric class.

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Gas Scale Consolation Roger Newton Gold Cup

1st: 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jason Walters

2nd (DNF): 1957 Miss U.S. IV, Donn Lange

3rd (DSQ): 1985 Coor's Light, Jeff Griffin

4th (DNS): 1967 Miss Bardahl, Monty Hopkins

5th (DNS): 1982 Gilmore Special, Steven Kinney

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It was a two-boat duel between Jason Walters in the new Oberto and Jeff Griffin with the Coor's Light. Going up the backstretch, the Coor's was judged to have beared out on the Oberto, causing the Oberto to flip. This meant that the Coor's was disqualified, and the Oberto advanced to the final.

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Gas Scale Final Roger Newton Gold Cup

1st: 1990 Infinity Car Audio, Scott Meyers

2nd: 1993 Miss Budweiser (T-3), Jeff Snell

3rd: 1977 Atlas Van Lines, Jim Whyte

4th (DNF): 1983 KISW Miss Rock, Dave Brandt

5th (DNF): 1971 Country Boy, John Olson

6th (DNF): 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jason Walters

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The two boats that had won the most races over the year, the Miss Rock and the Country Boy, both uncharacteristically went dead in the final, leaving a golden opportunity for the other boats. That allowed Scott Meyers to snatch it, and he collected his first victory  of the year in style by winning the Gold Cup. That didn't dampen the spirits of John Olson, who claimed the drivers' and boat championship with the 1971 Country Boy.

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1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Consolation Roger Newton Gold Cup

1st: 1986 Mr. Pringle's, Jason Walters

2nd (DNF): 1982 Gilmore Special, Bobby Colean

3rd (DNS): 1983 Atlas Van Lines, Rich Matkin

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With only a single boat finishing, it was as simple as a victory as Jason could take, and he kept the Pringle's running to advance to the final.

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1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Final Roger Newton Gold Cup

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1st: 1987 Eliminator, Bill Brandt

2nd: 1985 Miller American, Don Mock

3rd: 1982 Atlas Van Lines, Marc Connelly

4th: 1986 Mr. Pringle's, Jason Walters

5th: 1982 Pay'n Pak, Bob Hulliger

6th: 1971 Hallmark Homes, Jim Brittain

7th: 1981 Captran Resorts, Dylan Hirano

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This race was tight all the way through, as the racers battled not only themselves, but the bumpy water. Bill Brandt had the early lead with the Eliminator, but it looked like Don Mock was going to have the speed to overcome with the Miller American. However, everytime he took a peak inside, he hit rough water and had to back off, and Bill was able to extend the lead. It was that way for all five laps, with Bill Brandt taking the dramatic victory. Don Mock did take the driver's championship, while Paxton Reunanen's 1983 KISW Miss Rock was the boat champion.

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1/8th Scale Nitro Norm Evans Memorial Consolation

1st: 1988 Miss Stroh's Light, Scott Meyers

2nd: 2011 Lakeridge Paving, Gary Grembowski

3rd (DNF): 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jim Brittain

4th (DNF): 1994 Miss Budweiser (T-3), Paxton Reunanen

5th (DNF): 1976 Miss Vernors, Kirk Maupin

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With concurrent nitro races occuring, this was going to be a critical race, as this heat took place before the Gold Cup consolation/final. However, it would have a dramatic effect on both races. Scott Meyers took an early lead, with Kirk Maupin chasing. However, the Vernor's spun in the right turn. When the boat straightened out and tried to resume, it veered right into the lane that the Miss Budweiser was coming along at 50 MPH, and a sickening collision occurred. Scott was able to avoid the debris to advance to the Norm Evans final.

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1/8th Scale Nitro Norm Evans Memorial Final

1st: 1971 Country Boy, John Olson

2nd: 1988 Miss Stroh's Light, Scott Meyers

3rd: 2010 Superior Racing, Jeff Griffin

4th (DNF): 1972 Notre Dame, Bill Brandt

5th (DNF): 1966 Miss Bardahl, Fred Olson

6th (DNF): 1978 Squire Shop (U-65), Dave Brandt

7th (DNS): 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski

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Many were expecting a rematch of the Apple Cup, with Dave Brandt taking on the 2 Olson brothers. However, the Squire Shop uncharacteristically ground to a halt early, and that left an Olson vs Olson battle. The Miss Bardahl was looking good but hit a wave and crashed, handing John Olson the lead, which he never relinquished. It was John's second victory of the year in the nitro class.

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1/8th Scale Nitro Roger Newton Gold Cup Second Consolation

1st: 1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Fred Olson

2nd: 1997 Pico American Dream (Snorkle), Steven Kinney

3rd: 1960 Miss Burien, John Gatjens

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Fred Olson found himself in an unusual position of the second connie, and he was able to use the superior boat speed in the 2019 boat champion Pak to advance up to the first consolation.

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1/8th Scale Nitro Roger Newton Gold Cup First Consolation

1st: 1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Fred Olson

2nd: 1982 Oh Boy! Oberto, Jim Brittain

3rd: 2011 Lakeridge Paving, Gary Grembowski

4th (DNF): 1988 Miss Stroh's Light, Scott Meyers

5th (DNS): 1994 Miss Budweiser (T-3), Paxton Reunanen

6th (DNS): 1976 Miss Vernor's, Kirk Maupin

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With the broken boats of the Vernors and Budweiser not answering the call, a smaller field of four boats took to the water for a chance to advance to the final. It was Fred Olson who survived yet again, and he took the Pak from the second consolation all the way to the Final.

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1/8th Scale Nitro Roger Newton Gold Cup Final

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Video courtesy of Jason Walters.

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1st: 1979 Miss Circus Circus, Geoffry Grembowski

2nd: 1972 Notre Dame, Bill Brandt

3rd (DNF): 1978 Squire Shop (U-65), Dave Brandt

4th (DNF): 1971 Country Boy, John Olson

5th (DNF): 1970 Pride of Pay'n Pak, Fred Olson

6th (DNF): 2010 Superior Racing, Jeff Griffin

7th (DSQ): 1994 Pete's Wicked Ale, Paul Jackson

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What a race to end the 2021 season. Three boats hit the line at the start, with the Country Boy leading. However, he was called for jumping the gun, leading to a 1-lap penalty. Paul Jackson took the early lead with the Pete's Wicked Ale, with Dave Brandt chasing in the Squire Shop. On lap 2, the Pete's slid wide in the left turn, right in front of the Country Boy. The Country Boy flipped, and the Pete's Wicked Ale was disqualified for the move. The Squire Shop inherited the lead, with Geoffry in the Miss Circus Circus chasing. However, the Squire Shop hit something in the water that kicked up his rudder, and the boat hooked inside a buoy, earning a 1-lap penalty. That left Geoffry in the lead, with Bill Brandt chasing hard. 

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The Squire Shop spun next to the Country Boy on the white flag lap, but the Circus threaded the 2 dead boats. With many other racers cheering, Geoffry was able to bring the Circus around and hold off Bill and the Notre Dame to win the Roger Newton Gold Cup. It was Geoffry's second victory in 19 years of racing, and a popular victory on the beach.

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John Olson was able to accumulate enough points through the weekend to retain his hold on the nitro driver's and boat championship, earning his first championship in the class.

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September 24-25-26

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Location: Chelan Riverwalk Park, Chelan, WA

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Contest Director: R/CU Board

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Previous Race Winners

Gold Cup:

Race held In Chelan Riverfront Park, Chelan, WA 2000-2011, 2013-present

Race held in Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, Ellensburg, WA 1997-1999, 2012

Race held in Elma, WA 1990-1996

Race held in Kent, WA 1976, 1979-1980, 1982-1989

Race held in Lake Waughop, Tacoma, WA 1978

Race held in Green Lake, Seattle, WA 1974-1975, 1977, 1981

-2021: Geoffry Grembowski (1979 Miss Circus Circus) [nitro], Bill Brandt (1987 Eliminator) [FE], Scott Meyers (1990 Infinity Car Audio) [Gas]

-2020: Race not held due to COVID-19 pandemic

-2019: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop U-64) [nitro] and Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines) [FE]

-2018: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) [nitro] and Jim Brittain (1986 Mr. Pringle's) [FE]

-2017: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop U-64) [nitro] and Jeff Griffin (2015 Dalton Industries) [FE]

-2016: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products) [nitro] and Rob Brackett (2011 Valken Sports) [FE]

-2015: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and Fred Stock (2008 Formulaboats.com II) [FE]

-2014: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and David Newton (2012 Spirit of Qatar) [FE}

-2013: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire) [nitro] and Fred Olson (2008 Formulaboats.com II) [FE]

Prior to 2013, no FE class run

-2012: Dave Brandt (1999 Pico American Dream)

-2011: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)

-2010: Kirk Maupin (1975 Atlas Van Lines)

-2009: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)

-2008: David Newton (1985 Miss 7-Eleven)

-2007: Bill Brandt (1972 Notre Dame)

-2006: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)

-2005: Lee Robertson (1993 Miss Budweiser)

-2004: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)

-2003: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)
-2002: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-2001: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-2000: Kirk Maupin (1977 Squire)

-1999: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)

-1998: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-1997: Jeff Snell (1984 Oh Boy! Oberto)

-1996: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1995: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)

-1994: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1993: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1992: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1991: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1990: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1989: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1988: Ron Erickson (1983 American Speedy Printing)

-1987: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)

-1986: David Jensen (1982 Gilmore Special)
-1985: Gale Whitestine (Atlas Van Lines)

-1984: Bill Smiley (1980 Pay 'N Pak)
-1983: Tim Ganguth (Miss Thriftway)

-1982: David Jensen (1977 Natural Light)

-1981: Roger Newton (Miss Budweiser)

-1980: Les Ruggles (1969 Notre Dame)
-1979: Monte Steere (1977 Charlie's Girl)

-1978: Les Ruggles (Miss Supertest III)

-1977: Ron Erickson (Spirit of Dayton Walther)

-1976: Monte Steere (Slo-Mo-Shun V)

-1975: Bill Horness (Thriftway Too)

-1974: Ron Erickson (Miss Bardahl)

Norm Evans Memorial:

Race held in Chelan Riverfront Park, Chelan, WA 1993-2011, 2013-present

Race held in Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, Ellensburg, WA 2012

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-2021: John Olson (1971 Country Boy) [nitro], (no FE class run), (no gas scale class run)

-2020: Race not held due to COVID-19 pandemic

-2019: Scott Meyers (1987 Eliminator) [nitro] and (no FE class run)

-2018: Kirk Maupin (1976 Miss Vernor's) [nitro] and (no FE class run)

-2017: Geoffry Grembowski (1979 Miss Circus Circus) and (no FE class run)

-2016: Joey Caines (1983 Miss Renault) and (no FE class run)

-2015: John Olson (1976 Miss Vernor's) and (no FE class run)

-2014: Lee Robertson (1985 Squire Shop) [nitro], no FE class run

-2013: Paxton Reunanen (1994 Miss Budweiser), no FE class run

Prior to 2013, no FE class run

-2012: Dave Brandt (1999 Pico American Dream)

-2011: Rob Brackett (2008 Formulaboats.com)
-2010: Kirk Maupin (1975 Atlas Van Lines)
-2009: Kirk Maupin (1977 Miss Esquire Products)

-2008: David Newton (1985 Miss 7-Eleven)

-2007: Jeff Stubbers (1983 Miss Rock)
-2006: Bill Brandt (1972 Notre Dame)

-2005: David Newton (2002 Miss Budweiser)

-2004: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)
-2003: Dave Brandt (1995 Pico American Dream)

-2002: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-2001: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop)
-2000: David Jensen (1969 Pride of Pay 'N Pak)
-1999: Dave Brandt (1978 Squire Shop)
-1998: Jesse Robertson (1989 Miss Circus Circus)

-1997: Dave Blacksten (1988 Jackpot Food Mart)

-1996: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Van Lines)

-1995: Don Mock (1984 Atlas Can Lines)

-1994: Robbie Roberts (1973 Pay 'N Pak)

-1993: Don Mock (1982 Atlas Van Lines)