Owner/Driver: Chip Dean

Driver Hometown: Puyallup, WA

Yearly Boat Points Finishes

2022: Did not participate

2021: Did not participate

2020: Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic

2019: Did not participate

2018: 1300 points, 12th of 12 boats

Unlimited Hydroplane Info

Hull #6407

U-7

The Notre Dame was the third attempt at carrying the vaulted Catholic university's name in unlimited hydroplane racing. This boat debuted in 1964, but did not have much success. Unfortunately, the boat crashed in 1966 in Washington DC on the date known as "Black Sunday," leading to the loss of driver Rex Manchester.

In 1964, Rex Manchester and Bill Muncey shared the driving duties. It did take a victory at its debut in Guntersville, but struggled the rest of the year and finished 6th in national high points while competing in 7 of the 10 races. In 1965, Rex Manchester piloted the boat in all 8 races. The boat had a season-best 2nd at the Diamond Clup in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and at the Gold Cup in Seattle, WA. The team finished second in national high points. In 1966, the boat finished 2nd at the opener in Tampa before the fateful crash at the 2nd race in Washington DC.