2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series
Powered by Rattlesnake RC
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Thanks for racing in 2023!
Front Page Archive
Congratulations to the 2023 R/CU season champions
Posted 09/27/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
After a long summer, the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC is over. Congratulations to the season champions, who bested very competitive fields to take the titles!
1/8th Scale Nitro Driver: Kirk Maupin, 13658 points
The "Iceman" finally returned to the top after a five year absence. He collected his 7th title, the first since 2018, with a 1431 point advantage over second-place Steven Kinney. He won five races, including the Roger Newton Gold Cup.
1/8th Scale Nitro Boat: Steven Kinney's 1974 Miss U.S., 13552 points
Steven Kinney's Miss U.S. collected its first boat championship, with a 883 point victory over Brenda Brandt's 1978 Squire Shop (U-65).
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Driver: Don Mock, 15313 points
The "Ten Fingers of Doom" returned to the top after a one year absence. He collected his 3rd FE title, and 6th overall in R/CU, with a 1669 point advantage over Henry Oord. He won three races in 2023.
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Boat: Henry Oord's 1983 Miss Houston, 15451 points
Henry Oord's 1983 Miss Houston collected its first boat championship, with a 1269 point advantage over Don Mock's 1985 Miller American. The boat won two races in 2023.
Gas Scale Driver: Dave Brandt, 13625 points
"Trooper Dave" backed up his 2022 title with one in 2023, with a 906 point advantage over Jim Whyte. It is his second gas title, and his 13th R/CU title. He won four races in 2023, including the Roger Newton Gold Cup.
Gas Scale Boat: Dave Brandt's 1983 KISW Miss Rock, 14425 points
The Miss Rock backed up his 2022 title with one in 2023, with a scant 205 point victory over Jim Whyte's 1978 Miss Mark and Pak. It is the boat's second gas title. It won four races in 2023, including the Roger Newton Gold Cup.
1/10th Scale Electric Driver: Brooklyn Kinney, 11347 points
Brooklyn collected her first title in her rookie season, with a 3895 point advantage over Geoffry Grembowski. She won three races in 2023.
1/10th Scale Electric Boat: Brooklyn Kinney's 1974 Miss U.S.
The Miss U.S. took the title with a dominant 5735 point advantage over Geoffry Grembowski's 2017 Spirit of Detroit. The boat won three races in 2023.
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Leftover items in Chelan
Posted 09/27/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
There were two tables that were leftover in Chelan. Fred Stock took these tables home. If these tables are yours, please contact Fred.
We also noticed a 2023 Acura key fob left in the pits. Please contact R/CU if this was your key.
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Apple Cup race report is posted
Posted 09/20/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Apple Cup was the penultimate race of the 2023 season, and it was certainly a doozy! Check out all the highlights from the Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC at the race report here!
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Chelan race circular is posted
Posted 09/18/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC comes to a conclusion this weekend with the Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial in beautiful Chelan, WA. This is a 3-day affair packed with a lot of racing, the last bit of sunshine in the northwest, and honoring our late founder, the "Czar" Roger Newton. Check out the race circular posted under the Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial page for all the info. This is a big one, so please read carefully for race formats, schedules, procedures, and more!
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Apple Cup pre-race info is now posted
Posted 09/04/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC has its penultimate race of 2023, the Apple Cup in Monroe! Check out this document for all the info you need to know for the 10th race of year!
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Diamond Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 09/04/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC returned to Waughop Lake in Lakewood for the final time in 2023. Check out this link for all the info about what went down in Fort Steillacoom Park!
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Points competition heats up with 2 races to go
Posted 08/30/2023
By: R/CU Statistician, Beau Rarig
With just two races to go, the season-long points chases are heating up! In nitro, Kirk Maupin has taken a scant 1-point lead over Steven Kinney (prior to drops) in the nitro drivers' championship. Here's a list of all drivers still mathematically alive for the respective drivers' championships:
1/8th Scale Nitro:
Kirk Maupin
Steven Kinney
Dave Brandt
Jim Brittain
Gary Grembowski
Geoffry Grembowski
Scott Meyers
Brian Anderson
1/8th Scale Electric (FE):
Don Mock
Henry Oord
Bill Brandt
Paxton Reunanen
Gas Scale:
Jim Whyte
Dave Brandt
Henry Oord
Bill Brandt
Mike Henriksen
In other news, a few congratulations are in order. Brooklyn Kinney has clinched the 1/10th scale electric championship in her first year, congrats Brooklyn! Brian Anderson has made the Hall of Fame with over 150,000 career points scored in the nitro class, congrats Brian! And Conner Henriksen has clinched the R/CU Rookie of the Year for 2023, congrats Conner!
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Diamond Cup pre-race info is now posted
Posted 08/23/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC has its final trip of the year to Tacoma this weekend, with the Silver Cup up for grabs! Check out this document for all the info you need to know for the 9th race of year!
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Update on final two races in 2023
Posted 08/23/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
We wanted to share some updates for the final two races in 2023 in Monroe and Chelan.
For Monroe, there will be Saturday testing available with the traditional Sunday race day. The swim line will be in place, so the race course and scaffolding will be to the "right" (further east) to where we have located it previously.
During this race weekend, freeway I-405 will be closed between Bellevue and Renton, so please plan accordingly.
For Chelan, there will be Friday testing available with racing on Saturday and Sunday.
1/8th scale nitro, 1/8th scale electric (FE), and gas scale will be 6 preliminary heats (3 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday). Each driver can only drive one boat. There will be a winner-take-all final for each class for the Roger Newton Gold Cup.
The Norm Evans Memorial trophy will be awarded to the highest point boat/driver of the weekend. This can come from any class.
1/10th scale electric will have 4 preliminary heats (2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday), with a winner-take-all final on Sunday.
More information on both of these races will be posted soon.
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Silver Cup race report is now posted
Posted 08/22/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC returned to Ellensburg for the final time in 2023. It was a beautiful day to compete for the Silver Cup and you can read all about it here!
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Columbia Cup race report is now posted
Posted 08/08/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC returned to the Tri-Cities Water Follies for the R/CU Columbia Cup. A probable record of 64 boats were on hand to try and capture victories in four classes, and you can read all about it here!
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Updated registry posted to members' page
Posted 07/31/2023
By: R/CU Registrar, Steve Roman
The updated R/CU registry is posted to the members page here. Contact the webmaster at the link above right if you need the password.
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Bernie Little Memorial race report is now posted
Posted 07/25/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
In mid July, the Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC returned to Ellensburg for the Bernie Little Memorial. Nearly 50 boats were on hand to try and capture victories in four classes, and you can read all about it here!
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Columbia Cup important ticket info
Posted 07/24/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Unfortunately, there was a slight mixup with distributed tickets/passes for the Columbia Cup with the Tri-Cities Water Follies. The tickets received and distributed to R/CU members are GA Passes and will not get you into the Unlimited/GP/Vintage/Inboard pit area. We are getting new passes prior to the weekend. If you want to get into the big boat pit are you will need to exchange your wrist band. You can do so at the R/CU race course setup at the Family Fishing Pond on Thursday, from 11:00-1:00. Or, you can do so during testing at the R/CU race course at the Family Fishing Pond on Friday or Saturday. Text Gary Grembowski at 206-949-0000 to meet on Friday or any other questions.
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Columbia Cup pre-race info is posted
Posted 07/24/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
It's among the biggest races of the year: the Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC joins the Tri-Cities Water Follies for the R/CU Columbia Cup.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the schedule (early Saturday start!), ticket info, and more!
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Thinking of Doug Kirk and Ron Cole
Posted 07/20/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Please keep Doug Kirk and Ron Cole in your thoughts and prayers. Both racers are facing challenging health battles and we wish them both the absolute best. Both have been longtime scale racers in R/CU and other local clubs, and we'd appreciate everyone's concern for them and their families.
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Back to the Ellensburg for the Bernie Little Memorial
Posted 07/13/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU returns to Ellensburg for the next stop in the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the schedule, RV info, and more!
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Rose Cup race report is now posted
Posted 07/08/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
In late June, the Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC returned to Ellensburg for the Rose Cup. Over 40 boats were on hand to try and capture victories in four classes, and you can read all about it here!
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Please participate in Washington State official watercraft inspection sites
Posted 06/29/2023
By: Marc Connelly
First, I’d like to share a personal story relating to our responsibility as boatracers using the public lakes and ponds of Washington State for our fun. A few years ago, I quietly took it upon myself to try to re-establish the Governor’s Cup as an R/CU race event located in Olympia. I garnered the support of local parks and recreation officials, who were enthusiastic about the idea after witnessing a test run. I sought- and got- an agreement of participation from the Governor's office. If the calendar worked, the Governor would be happy to award the trophies. We were even promised the use of Capital Lake (instead of Percival Cove) where a new dock would be built in the park area on the southern shore (the dock is there now, waiting). LakeFair, our local annual community celebration, wanted us to be a keystone event in their weekend of fun and Mix 96FM wanted to do a live remote broadcast of our racing. (I had it all set up to be Rich Matkin’s ‘R/CU Radio Network’ on-air debut!) I had even planned a big R/CU barbeque in our back yard like the Brandts have so graciously hosted in the past. Man, you can tell that I was really getting cranked up about developing a full-tilt racing event. And I was getting there too… until somebody discovered that the New Zealand mud snail had invaded Capital Lake. At that point, in the span of just a couple of days, my little dream was dashed on the rocks. All use of Capital Lake was suspended until a biological solution could be found for this potent invasive species. The lake has remained closed to all public use for several years now.
When I get home from a race, it is my standard procedure to back flush my cooling hoses with a 10 percent bleach solution. (If we just raced in Lake Waughop, I also clean the gunky stuff off of my boat with the mild bleach solution and I wear disposable gloves too!) I highly recommend this practice to my fellow racers. It only takes a minute or two to back flush from the water overboard outlet. Yes, I have been surprised a couple of times by what flushed out the rudder intake. The first time you flush some muddy gunk out of your rudder, the bleach flush will become a regular part of your post-race decommissioning process too.
When I see the sign on the freeway that instructs all vehicles with watercraft to be inspected at Exit 80, I pull off the freeway and participate- every time. And every time, I ask if any of my fellow racers have stopped for the inspection too. “Nope“ is the inevitable answer, and this disappoints me. Those inspection sites serve a purpose that supports our access to statewide racing. If you are toting a watercraft- and you are- participation really isn‘t optional. We should participate- not just to be responsible citizens- but also to do our part to help preserve access to our precious racing waters. My experience in trying to set up the return of the Governor’s Cup illustrated just how fragile our access to lakes and ponds really is.
In three weeks, we will be back at Irene Reinhardt Park, racing on a beautiful pond that is fed by, and drains back into, the Yakima River. The Yakima River is of far greater concern to the Department of Natural Resources than is Capital Lake. We could lose access to that body- or any public body- of water so very easily. The Ellensburg race site is already host to one invasive species- millfoil. Who knows how it got there?
To use the classic words of the Peace Corps, “If you are not a part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.“ Acknowledging this reality, I urge all of my fellow racers to be a part of the solution so that we might avoid the problem altogether. Back flush your boats after every race, then rinse off your boots, too. And please stop for the two minute watercraft inspection. When I stop at the exit 80 inspection site in three weeks, I hope to hear that many- if not all- of my fellow west side R/CU racers have stopped for the inspection too. That won’t revive my Governor’s Cup dream, but it sure would make me feel better about trying.
Thank you for your help, it really does make a difference.
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Several nitro boats and equipment for sale by Mike Cathey
Posted 06/20/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Mike Cathey is simplifying his racing program and is selling several turn-key nitro boats, equipment, and more. Check out his post at the For Sale page!
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Columbia Cup ticket forms are now posted
Posted 06/20/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Many have been asking about at, and we're excited to announce that the ticket forms for the Columbia Cup in the Tri-Cities, July 27-30, are now posted on the Columbia Cup page.
They can also be accessed here: WORD DOCUMENT or PDF DOCUMENT
These forms are specialty offers for R/CU Members only, and please note that the Early-Access car pass is required if you want to race at the R/CU Columbia Cup in Columbia Park on Saturday, July 29.
Please download the form, pay via Paypal or check, and send the filled-out form with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, no later than July 15th to Jason Walters. His address is listed in the form.
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Back to the Ellensburg for the Rose Cup
Posted 06/17/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU returns to Ellensburg for the next stop in the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the schedule, RV info, and more!
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President's Cup race report is now posted
Posted 06/14/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The circuit headed west for the fourth race of the 2023 season. Check out the race report here!
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For the first time in 2023, R/CU heads west
Posted 06/04/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU returns to Waughop Lake in Lakewood (Tacoma), WA, for the next stop in the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the one-day race schedule, calls for hot pit tables, and more!
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta race report is now posted
Posted 05/27/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The circuit returned to the Tri-Cities for the third race of the 2023 season. Check out the race report here!
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Bill Muncey Memorial race report is now posted
Posted 05/16/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
With ever-increasing wind, it was a challenging day at Ellensburg for the Bill Muncey Memorial. Check out the race report here!
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Atomic Cup race report is now posted
Posted 05/06/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
The season began in mid April for the Atomic Cup in the Tri-Cities. Check out the race report here!
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Back to the Tri-Cities for the Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Posted 05/06/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU returns to the Tri-Cities at the Family Fishing Pond in Columbia Park for the next stop in the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the schedule, RV info, and more!
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Next up: the Bill Muncey Memorial!
Posted 04/24/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Here we go, already the second race of 2023! We return to Ellensburg for the next stop in the 2023 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC.
Check out this pre-race document for all the info you need to be ready for the weekend! Included are the schedule, RV info (VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU HAVE AN RV), and more!
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2022 season banquet order form posted
Posted 03/14/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
We're about a month out for the first race weekend in 2023, at the Atomic Cup in Finley, WA! As has been recent tradition, the 2022 Season Banquet will be held the night before the race, Saturday, April 15. It will be held at the Clover Island Inn in Kennewick. Join us for a fun night of food, hanging with your fellow racers, celebrating the previous season and getting ready to kick off a new one. The order form for food has been posted on the schedule page at the top. Any questions regarding the Banquet? See the contact info listed on the form.
We encourage you to attend, and look forward to sharing more details soon! Please submit your forms by April 7 to provide our host with the appropriate time to schedule the meals.
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Testing this Saturday for westsiders
Posted 03/06/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
This Saturday, March 11, NAMBA District 8 is hosting a testing session/fun run at both Waughop Lake (Tacoma) and Marysville. Both sites will open early in the morning (8 AMish) and will close early if there is minimal participation. Please bring your NAMBA card and $10 fee for as many boats as you want to run.
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From the Board 2023 / "Hitting a Dead Boat" survey
Posted 02/27/2023
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
Check out the latest news from the R/CU Board in this document here!
As you read, you will note there is a survey requested from the Board to all members regarding the club's Hitting a Dead Boat rule. This survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9J53FYV.
Please take this survey so you can provide feedback to the Board as they continue to evaluate the rulebook going forward.
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"How to become a member of R/CU" posted on resources tab
Posted 02/22/2023
By: rcuwebmaster
Interested in joining R/CU as a racing member? Check out this handy checklist that the R/CU Board has created, listed on the Resources tab here!
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Career statistics updated
Posted 01/31/2023
By: R/CU Statistician, Beau Rarig
Career statistics for all classes have been updated thru the 2022 season. This includes career points, notable season accomplishments/champions, and the Career Race Wins file that has been updated for the first time in several years. All of this can be found on the Statistics page, under the Resources tab up above.
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More Details: February 18 for the Roger Newton R/C Show
Posted 1/27/2023
By: David Newton
The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum is proud to announce that it will host the annual Roger Newton R/C Model show this year once again in person! This will be the first time celebrating the model show since COVID. We will also be celebrating what would have been Roger's 80th birthday (he would have turned 80 in December.) There will be a luncheon of burgers, chips and pop for sale for $10. Please bring a model or two to showcase as there will be a "Best of Scale" competition with the top 5 being recognized with a plaque and gift certificate to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. The event will be held 10am to 2pm on Saturday February 18th, 2023. Please bring your own table and chair (will not be provided). See you there for an afternoon of bench racing!
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2023 Fuel buy
Posted 01/19/2023
By: Bill Brandt / Rattlesnake RC
FUEL BUY. FUEL BUY. FUEL BUY.
Its that time again to think about Nitro fuel for the upcoming season. Once again Rattlesnake RC will arrange purchase and fuel will be shipped to Fred Olson in Kent, Wa. All fuel orders must be prepaid prior to my placing the order. The fuel is Torco and must be purchased in case quantities so if you need less than a case buddy up with someone. Following are prices based on 4 gallons per case, Washington Sales Tax and shipping to Kent. These prices are very close to last year, adjusted slightly to cover my credit card fees and state B&O. Full payment may be made by Cash, Credit Card or Check. Checks payable to Bill Brandt. Credit Card to www.paypal.me/BillBrandtKennewick link.
ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID BY END OF FEBRUARY 2023.
66%. $247.00
60%. $222.00
50%. $209.00
Questions? Call or text 509-947-2847 or reach me on Messenger.
Thanks, Bill Brandt
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2023 yearly registration fees and February Tri-Annuals due January 31st
Posted 01/10/2023
By: R/CU Registrar, Steve Roman
The 2023 R/CU Registry has been posted to the members' page of the website. If you need the password, please email the webmaster at the link above right.
Boats in competition status must pay the yearly registration fees due at the far right column of the document. Boats in developmental status must pay the February Tri-Annual fee due in the far right column of the document.
These payments are due by January 31st to the club either by using the club's Paypal page or by sending a check made to R/C Unlimiteds and sending it to R/CU Registrar, Steve Roman. As this is the first payment period after the change in registrar, please contact Steve if you have any questions regarding your payment or if you think that you have already paid.
Contact information for Steve can be found on the Members' page.
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Save the date: February 18 for the Roger Newton R/C Show
Posted 11/14/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The Roger Newton R/C Show will return to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum on Saturday, February 18th. After a two year absence this is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best shows ever!
More information to come as we draw nearer to the event but there is a rumor of Best of Scale prizes to be handed out. For those that have never been, this is a great day at the museum where you can show off your boat and talk shop with fellow racers in all scale clubs in Washington.
Get your boat ready and we look forward to seeing you at the show!
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Reminder about board meeting minutes
Posted 11/14/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
As a reminder, board meeting minutes are posted at the Members' page of the website. If you need the password to this page, please contact the webmaster using the link above and to the right. Members can use these minutes to stay up to date on all the latest discussions that the R/CU Board is taking at monthly meetings.
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Gas motor for sale
Posted 11/7/2022
By: Jim Curtis
There is a 30.5 CC BZM gas motor and accessories that has been posted to our for-sale page listed here. Check it out!
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Call for updated FE and gas scale technical proposals
Posted 11/3/2022
By: R/CU Board
Per the rule books set for the FE and gas scale classes, the R/CU Board is required to invite members to submit technical proposals to the board for review for the following season. Therefore, if you have a technical proposal you would like to submit for either FE or gas scale, please submit it to R/CU Secretary Jim Brittain at jamesbrittain8@gmail.com or Chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or would like further clarifications, please contact Gary at the above email.
Proposals will be accepted until the end-of-day, November 30th. That way, the R/CU Board can debate any proposals and will vote/publicize any technical revisions by January 31st, 2023 as per the rulebook.
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2023 R/CU Board members announced
Posted 11/3/2022
By: R/CU Board
Thanks to the 2023 R/CU Board for volunteering their time in the upcoming year. Here are your 2023 board members:
Chairman: Gary Grembowski
Treasurer: Fred Olson
Secretary: Jim Brittain
Registrar: Steve Roman
Statistician: Beau Rarig
Inspector: Jim Whyte
Race Coordinator: Jason Walters
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Hulls available for registration
Posted 11/3/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The following hulls are available to be registered, posting on 11/3:
Nitro, 8303, 1991 Edge Superior Performer
FE, 7474, 1978 Miss Circus Circus
FE, 9601, 1996 Miss Budweiser (T-5)
FE, 9601, 1997 Miss Budweiser (Rebuilt)
FE, 8901, 2007-08 Ahern Rentals
Gas, 7207, 1972 Notre Dame
Gas, 8012, 1980-85 Miss Budweiser
Gas, 8025, 1980-81 Pay'n Pak
Gas, 8255, 1987 Miss Rock
Gas, 8303, 1991 Edge Superior Performer
The following hulls are available to register in all classes:
9401, 2022 Miss Joker's Casino
9401, 2022 Miss The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse
9401, 2022 Legend Yacht Transport
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Apple Cup race report now posted
Posted 10/18/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
We sincerely apologize for the delayed race reports for the final two races in 2022. The Chelan race report will be up shortly.
The 2022 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC held the penultimate race in Monroe, WA back in September. Check out this post for the full race report!
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2023 R/CU Board members set
Posted 10/13/2022
By: R/CU Secretary, Jim Brittain
Following a member vote, the 2023 R/CU Board members have been set. The positions will be determined at the first board meeting.
Listed below are the 4 nominees who received the most votes out of the 5 nominations. This data was provided by the SurveyMonkey program and summarized by R/CU Secretary, Jim Brittain.
2023-2024 Board Members:
Gary Grembowski
Steve Roman
Jason Walters
Jim Whyte
They join the 2022-2023 Board Members:
Beau Rarig
Fred Olson
Jim Brittain
Congratulations to these members, and we look forward to meeting for the first board meeting soon in October (date TBD).
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October Tri-Annual fees due October 18
Posted 10/3/2022
By: R/CU Board
The October Tri-Annual fees for boats in developmental status are due by end-of-day, October 18th. Please reference the file on the Members page for the total amount of money owed to the club.
Instructions on how to pay is also listed at this page.
Any questions? Contact Geoffry Grembowski at 206-437-7655 or ggrembo5@yahoo.com.
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2023 R/CU Board vote needed from R/CU members
Posted 9/28/2022
By: R/CU Board
Attention R/CU Club Members:
This year we have five members nominated for the 2023 R/CU Board. There are four open positions. We need your vote to determine the new Board Members.
Please click on the following link to access the ballot.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TB3CYL3
Please vote for FOUR (4) candidates by clicking on the box next to the person’s name.
To prevent duplicate votes, please fill in your name in question #2.
Voting will be active until Sunday, October 9th.
Jim Brittain (R/CU Secretary) will tally and report the results.
Thank you for your participation,
R/CU Board
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Congratulations to Rob Brackett, Clint Dunn, and Paxton Reunanen for 2022 championships
Posted 9/28/2022
By: R/CU Statistician, Beau Rarig
The 2022 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC has completed, and the final champions have been crowned! Congratulations are in store for the following people:
Rob Brackett, who won his second career FE drivers' championship, and his first since 2013. He scored 14,119 points over the season, winning the title by 765 points. Congratulations Rob! He drove a few boats over the course of the season, so the FE boat champion was won by...
Paxton Reunanen's 1983 KISW Miss Rock, which collected its second consecutive boat championship by 560 points. Congratulations to the drivers of this boat over the year, Paxton Reunanen and Rich Matkin!
And finally, we want to congratulate Clint Dunn and his 1970 Miss Budweiser II for winning the 1/10th scale FE championships.
The full champions for 2022 are as follows:
1/8th Scale Nitro Drivers: Dave Brandt
1/8th Scale Nitro Boat: Brenda Brandt's 1978 Squire Shop (U-65)
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Drivers: Rob Brackett
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Boat: Paxton Reunanen's 1983 KISW Miss Rock
Gas Scale Drivers: Dave Brandt
Gas Scale Boat: Dave Brandt's 1983 KISW Miss Rock
1/10th Scale Electric Drivers: Clint Dunn
1/10th Scale Electric Boat: Clint Dunn's 1970 Miss Budweiser II
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Roger Newton Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial pre-race info is now posted
Posted 9/20/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the document here for all the info including the race format, the schedule, extra procedures, and more! We hope you read it all carefully!
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Diamond Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 9/7/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report from Marysville with this race report here!
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Apple Cup pre-race info is posted; Sunday race only
Posted 9/4/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2022 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC turns west to Monroe this weekend, and we have all you need to know in this document posted here! Please note that due to logistical challenges this will be a ONE DAY RACE on Sunday-only. There is no testing available on Saturday.
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Help needed for Apple Cup
Posted 8/24/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The Apple Cup is scheduled for September 10-11 at Lake Tye in Monroe, WA. However, currently the R/CU Board is in need of assistance if this is to remain a two-day race.
Currently, there is no plan to tow the trailer from Marysville to the race site on Saturday, September 10. Additionally, there is no plan to setup the buoys to hold a test day. Several board members will be unavailable Saturday, so we would need assistance from the club if this test day is to remain.
On Sunday, we have a plan to retrieve the trailer and there will be sufficient assistance to finish race site setup and hold the race. There are no concerns with the status of the race on Sunday.
So, if you want to test on the Apple Cup Saturday, please speak to R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski (ggrembo21@gmail.com) by end-of-day August 28 in Marysville.
Please stay tuned to the website for more information.
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Diamond Cup pre-race info is posted
Posted 8/24/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2022 Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC turns west to Marysville this weekend, and we have all you need to know in this document posted here!
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Call for R/CU Board nominations
Posted 8/22/2022
By: R/CU Secretary, Jim Brittain
R/CU is seeking nominations for the 2023 R/CU Contest Board. There are 4 open positions for the new Board. Nominees may come from any of the R/CU classes – Nitro, FE, and Gas Scale. You may nominate another R/CU Member (with their permission) or you may self-nominate. Please send nominations to Jim Brittain (jamesbrittain8@gmail.com).
Board members serve for a term of two years. Board meetings are typically held once a month via Zoom.
Nominations will be open through Saturday of the Roger Newton Memorial Gold Cup weekend in Chelan. If more than four nominations are received, a member vote will be held.
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Roger Newton Gold Cup / Norm Evans Memorial race fornat is now posted
Posted 8/22/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
See the full weekend format at the Gold Cup page. It is similar to the format from last year, so please read carefully. Any questions? Contact your favorite board member at the next few races.
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Silver Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 8/22/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report from Ellensburg at this race report here!
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All you need to know about the Silver Cup
Posted 8/10/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Its time to go racing again! The Silver Cup returns to Ellensburg, check out all you need to know in this document posted here!
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Columbia Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 8/10/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report from the Tri-Cities Water Follies is posted here!
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Sport hydro posted on for sale page
Posted 8/8/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
There is a sport hydro posted for sale on our For Sale page. Check it out!
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Bernie Little Memorial race recap is now posted
Posted 7/27/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report from Ellensburg posted here!
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Hulls available for registration
Posted 7/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The following hulls are available to be registered, posting on 7/26:
Nitro, 6740, 1967 Miss Bardahl
Nitro, 7207, 1974 Miss Cotts Beverage
FE, 6303, 1963 Tahoe Miss
FE, 8012, 1980-85 Miss Budweiser
FE, 8410, 1986 Miss 7-Eleven (Canopy)
FE, 8808, 2004-06 Oh Boy! Oberto
FE, 1801, 2018-19/2021-22 Miss Homestreet Bank
The following hulls are available to register in all classes, posting on 7/26:
92102.5, 2022 U-9 Lynx Healthcare
9401, 2022 U-11 Miss Colleen
The following hull will be available to register in all classes, posting effective on 7/29:
1496, 2022 U-9 Lynx Healthcare Presents Miss Tri-Cities
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Columbia Cup ticket update and pre-race info
Posted 7/25/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Bob Brackett reports that the Columbia Cup tickets went into the mail last week, so those who opted for mail-in orders should check your postage! Be careful, as the wristbands should have been affected by the mailing processes.
If you opted for local pickup, they are available at Bob Brackett's house. Please coordinate with him for the pickup.
Check out all you need to know about the Columbia Cup by reading this document here!
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Monroe is confirmed for the Apple Cup
Posted 7/25/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
You might have noticed that we were holding Monroe as a "to-be-confirmed" location for the Apple Cup, scheduled for September 10-11. We are happy to report that Monroe is CONFIRMED for this race. So book your calendars, as we return to Lake Tye in September!
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All you need to know about the upcoming Northwest Scale Championship
Posted 7/19/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
After a several-year absence, the Northwest Scale Championship returns this weekend in Marysville! Check out all you need to know about this weekend-long extravaganza at this document here!
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Continued calls for boats for sale
Posted 7/19/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Every so often, we receive a familiar question. "Do you have any boats for sale?" Well, if you are thinking of selling any boats, hulls, or equipment, please let us know so that we can connect you with those that are asking!
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All you need to know about the upcoming Bernie Little Memorial
Posted 7/6/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The Meyers Autotech Championship Series Powered by Rattlesnake RC is back to Ellensburg, and you can prepare by reading this document here!
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Columbia Cup ticket order form, due July 20
Posted 6/27/2022
By: Bob Brackett
It's never too early to think about the 2022 Columbia Cup, to be contested as part of the Tri-Cities Water Follies in Columbia Park (Kennewick, WA) on July 28-30.
In fact, due to our partnership with the Water Follies, we are pleased to offer tickets available only to R/CU members, which are required in order to race at this event.
The order form can be found by clicking this link: 2022 Columbia Cup Order Form.
Payment can be via check or the R/CU paypal. You must submit the order form with a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that Bob Brackett can mail you the tickets.
Send the form and payment no later than July 20!
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Race format for the Northwest Scale Championship is now posted!
Posted 6/19/2022
By: Mike Cathey
Below is the race format for the upcoming Northwest Scale Championship, to be contested in Marysville on July 22-24. While this isn't part of the R/CU championship, we encourage all of our racers to support this great event, celebrating every class of scale hydroplane racing in the northwest. As a reminder, the pre-race registration form and all details about this race will be posted here.
1/10th and 1/7th Scale FE classes will completed be on Saturday. Our goal for Saturday is to get in at least 2 heats of 1/8th scale nitro/FE, Gas Scale and Thunderboats. The Thunderboat class will be a 4 heat, all-points race similar to how they race in the district.
The 1/8th scale nitro/FE and Gas scale will be a best 4 out 6 heats points scored towards the connie and final. If we run short of time on Sunday it may be best a 4 out of 5. The one thing we have going for us with the race moved from October to July is that we have a lot more daylight to burn.
There will be hot pits and an on-deck area. Gary Grembowski will be the pit boss and he’s going to keep things moving, so be ready to go when you are up.
Please help out with turn judging, buoy replacement and dead boat retrieval.
We will be using the 3 minute clock we normally do for an R/CU race.
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All you need to know about the upcoming Rose Cup
Posted 5/31/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
As an early treat and upcoming look to June, check out all the info for the Rose Cup in this document here!
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June Tri-Annual fees due June 18th
Posted 5/31/2022
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
Per the R/CU rulebook, boats in developmental status pay an escalating fee three times a year in order to encourage completion of the hull. It is time for the June Tri-Annual! Some of you have already paid, so thank you for this.
Please take some time to look at the document on the Members' page, under the Resources tab of the website. The document is the R/CU Registry, dated 5/31/2022. If you own a boat that has money in the far right column, please pay the fee listed by June 18th. Payment options and further contact info for questions is listed on the Members' page.
Please utilize the "Contact the webmaster" button to the top right for questions about the Members' page password.
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All you need to know about the upcoming President's Cup
Posted 5/28/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info in this document here!
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta race recap is now posted!
Posted 5/24/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Read all about the return to Columbia Park at this writeup here!
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Boats released for registration
Posted 5/11/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The following hulls are released to the membership for registration.
Nitro, Hull #8012, 1980-85 Miss Budweiser
Nitro, Hull #9399, 1994-97 Pico American Dream
Gas, Hull #8255, 1984 Oh Boy! Oberto
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Looking for R/CU trailer towing volunteers for President's Cup
Posted 5/9/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
We are still looking for volunteers to tow the R/CU trailer from the east side of the state to the west side in preparation for the upcoming President’s Cup in Tacoma, on June 5. This does not have to occur on Sunday night, but does need to occur before or on June 5. Please note that R/CU does have a storage facility in Ellensburg, so an option would be to have a volunteer tow it from the Tri-Cities to Ellensburg, and another volunteer tow it from Ellensburg to the westside/Tacoma. Following the President’s Cup, it will need to be towed back to Ellensburg.
Towing the R/CU trailer is a paid position at $1 per mile and a free entry ($20) into the next race.
If the trailer cannot be relocated to the westside for the Tacoma race, there will be no race.
Please contact R/CU chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com to volunteer.
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All you need to know about the upcoming Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Posted 5/9/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info in this document here!
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Bill Muncey Memorial race recap is now posted!
Posted 5/8/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Read all about the return to Ellensburg at this writeup here!
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All you need to know about the upcoming Bill Muncey Memorial
Posted 4/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info in this document here!
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Atomic Cup race recap is now posted!
Posted 4/25/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Read all about the season-opening Atomic Cup at this writeup here!
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2022 season begins this weekend in Finley!
Posted 4/3/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The Atomic Cup is this weekend in Finley, WA! Check out all you need to know in the document here.
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2022 rulebooks posted
Posted 3/29/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2022 rulebooks have been posted to the rulebooks page under the Resources tab.
The revision tracker files are a convenient way to see the yearly revisions. This year, the main change is the buoy rule has been modified, following member feedback and Board discussion.
Take a look and remember, as a member of R/CU you are responsible for knowing the rulebook!
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Pre-Season Testing at Waughop details
Posted 3/9/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Hosted by NW Roostertails, there is a NAMBA fun run at Waughop Lake in Lakewood, WA on March 19. Gates will open at 7:30 AM, with testing beginning around 8:00 AM. Plan on arriving early, as they will wrap up testing early if participation is limited or if the weather turns. Bring a NAMBA card and $10 per person.
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Fuel buy update
Posted 3/9/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Bill Brandt reports in with the latest news of the Torco fuel buy. He notes that Torco has said the nitro shipment has been pushed back to sometime in April. He will verify with those requesting cases as to when he will requesting payment. If you would like to choose another source of fuel then you can let Bill know at that point. Thanks Bill!
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NW Scale Championship pre-registration form moved to the Schedule tab
Posted 3/7/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Due to some questions, the NW Scale Championship pre-registration form is now located on the Schedule page of the website.
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Banquet scheduled for April 9
Posted 3/7/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
April 9-10 is the opener for the 2022 R/C Unlimiteds season in Finley, WA, and we are happy to announce that the season banquet will be returning to the Clover Island Inn in Kennewick on April 9. Following race testing on Saturday, we will convene to celebrate the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
Exact pricing and order forms will be coming shortly, so please stay tuned. Happy hour will begin at 5:30 PM, with dinner around 6:30 PM.
Since we did not get to hold a banquet to celebrate the 2019 season, we will turn back the clock and formally award the 2019 champions. Then, we will look back on the 2021 season, and prepare for the 2022 season that begins on the next day!
Stay tuned for order forms and additional information.
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March registry update and new hulls for registration
Posted 3/1/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Posted on the Boats and Members pages are new club registries and Master Hull Rosters, detailing all boats currently registered (and paid up for 2022) in the club.
If you do not see your boat and you believe that you paid, please contact Geoffry Grembowski (ggrembo5@yahoo.com) immediately.
The following boats are available for anyone to register. If multiple people submit registrations within the next 14 days (by EOD 3/15/2022), then we will hold a draw for the required boats between the submitted registrations. After the 14 day period, registrations will be awarded to the first person to register a boat
Nitro (Hull #, Years, U-#, Name)
5825, 64, U-25, Miss Eagle Electric (White)
6402, 64-65, U-2, Miss U.S. V
7207, 76, U-76, U-76
7325, 73-75/77, U-25/1, Pay’n Pak
7474, 77, U-13 Anheuser-Busch Natural Light
7495, 76, U-95, Sunny Jim
7612, 76-78, U-12/1 Miss Budweiser
7704, 83-84, U-21, Miss Island Security Systems
7817, 78-83, U-17, Tempus
8255, 85, U-100, Coor’s Light
8303, 91, UR-5, Edge Superior Performer
8407, 84, U-7, Lite All-Star
8408, 84-85, U-8, Miss Executone
8517, 85-87, U-17, Tempus
8701, 94, U-1, Miss Budweiser (Red, T-2)
8721, 87-88, U-21, Eliminator
8806, 93, U-6, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (Day-Glo)
9516, 07-09, U-787, Boeing Dreamliner
0001, 14-15, U-1/5, Graham Trucking
FE (Hull #, Years, U-#, Name)
6133, 62, U-33, Lumberville
7207, 81, U-20, Captran Resorts
7474, 76, U-74, Olympia Beer
7817, 78-83, U-17, Tempus
8031, 80-81, U-31, Miss Circus Circus (Canard)
8407, 84, U-7, Lite All-Star
8517, 85-87, U-17, Tempus
8700, 91-93, U-10, Winston Eagle
8806, 93, U-6, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (Day-Glo)
8901, 07-08, U-10, Hoss Mortgage Investors
9401, 94-95, U-1, Miss Budweiser (T-4)
1496, 21, U-8 Miss Tri-Cities
Gas Scale (Hull #, Years, U-#, Name)
5879, 58-60, U-79, Nitrogen
5900, 59, U-00, Maverick
6240, 62-65, U-40 Miss Bardahl
6544, 68, U-44 Gale’s Roostertail
6640, 66, U-40, Miss Bardahl
7495, 74, U-95, U-95
8303, 91, UR-5, Edge Superior Performer
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Buoy-penalty survey request for members
Posted 3/1/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU board is soliciting feedback from members about the club's penalty for striking buoys. There has been discussion within the Board as to whether this penalty needs to be revised to assist in judging, buoy finances, and boat damage.
The board has created a simple survey for all R/CU members that should take less than 5 minutes to complete. This survey is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8THJJDG
Upon the next board meeting in mid-March, the Board will utilize the survey results for assistance in making a decision.
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Rattlesnake RC returns for another season as R/CU partner
Posted 3/1/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is very happy to announce that Rattlesnake RC is returning for another season as an R/C Unlimiteds partner.
Rattlesnake RC, owned and operated by Bill Brandt out of Kennewick, WA, is the best way to get unique and specialty parts for R/C boats and more. Featuring an online store (allrc1.com), Rattlesnake RC features competitive pricing and safe shipping practices. As Bill is a member of R/CU, all of his products are tested personally and used by a large majority of the club.
We'd like to thank Rattlesnake RC for returning in 2022, and remember, if you need any R/C parts for your new build, visit allrc1.com!
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Important camping info for the Dean Chenoweth Memorial at Columbia Park
Posted 2/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU returns to Columbia Park in Kennewick, WA, over May 14-15 for the Dean Chenoweth Memorial. Since this race is not part of the Water Follies (as is typical for the July race), we need to schedule trailer camping in accordance with the park department's policies.
If you are planning on using a trailer/RV to camp at this race, please contact Scott Meyers at scott.meyers24@gmail.com with the nights you will be staying and the rough size of the trailer so we can submit a site plan. Fees will be $24 per night per camper. This is required for all campers to notify Scott. Thanks!
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Buoy-making party and preseason testing opportunities!
Posted 2/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
We have a couple of preseason events coming up, as we prepare for the 2022 season.
March 12: Buoy Making Party at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, WA
We are requesting a few volunteers to assist in constructing the buoys for 2022. Beginning at 10:00 AM, we will meet and spend a few hours putting together several sets of buoys so that we are prepared for a full season of racing. Come on down if you are willing to help cut, tape, and/or paint our foam buoys, or if you want to discuss racing for the upcoming year!
March 12: Preseason testing hosted by NW Roostertails (NAMBA District 8) at Twin Lakes Park, Marysville, WA.
Testing will be available through the morning and early afternoon, hosted by NW Roostertails. NAMBA insurance is required, and please bring some cash as an "entry fee" to help cover the cost of the site rental.
March 19: Preseason testing hosted by NW Roostertails (NAMBA District 8) at Waughop Lake, Lakewood, WA.
Testing will be available through the morning and early afternoon, hosted by NW Roostertails. NAMBA insurance is required, and please bring some cash as an "entry fee" to help cover the cost of the site rental.
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Fuel buy update
Posted 2/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Bill Brandt is still managing the fuel buy for 2022, but due to shipping delays we are anticipating that the fuel will not arrive until late March or early April. Contact Bill for any additional details or questions. We will post updates online here as well.
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2022 schedule is posted
Posted 2/11/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Many of you have been asking, and we are very happy to post the 2022 race schedule! R/CU Race Coordinator, Scott Meyers, has been working hard with the local park departments, and trust me when I say that he has been amongst the hardest working individuals in the club over the last few months. Thanks to Scott, we have an 11-weekend schedule spread across Washington state, featured by a return to Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park in Ellensburg.
The season kicks off with the traditional Atomic Cup in Finley, then after Easter we return to Ellensburg for the Bill Muncey Memorial. Next we head back east to Kennewick, for an early-season trip to Columbia Park. After the success of 2021, the circuit heads west to Lakewood (Tacoma), then back to Ellensburg for two races in a row. We encourage all racers to participate in the Northwest Scale Championship, as we have left this weekend open.
The club will again race at the Tri-City Water Follies, in Columbia Park in late July. We close out Ellensburg for 2022 with the Silver Cup in mid-August, then head west for consecutive races in Marysville and Monroe (TBC). In late September, we finalize the season for the 2022 Gold Cup.
We can't wait to race, and hope to see you at your nearest park soon!
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2022 nitro fuel buy coming soon
Posted 1/26/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Many people have inquired about a nitro fuel buy. While we don't have full details available yet, we are hoping to put together a group together for when we get these details. As in similar years, we are expecting Bill Brandt to facilitate the buy, and Fred Olson will store the fuel for westside racers.
If you are interested in participating in the 2022 fuel buy, please contact Bill Brandt at billbrandt111@gmail.com so we can get a list together. Please include the percentage of nitro and how many cases you want.
For reference, the prices last year were $145 per case shipped (including tax) for 60% nitro, and $165 per case shipped (including tax) for 66% nitro. We will provide 2022 prices once we receive them.
Thanks Bill and Fred for facilitating the fuel buy for 2022!
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Northwest Scale Championship pre-registration open
Posted 1/11/2022
By: rcuwebmaster
Pre-registration is open for the upcoming NW Scale Championship, to be held over June 22-24 in Marysville, WA. Forms can be sent to Mike Cathey using the email address in the form.
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Registration fees and January Tri-Annuals due January 31
Posted 1/5/2022
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
(Unfortunately) it is time to get payments aligned for the upcoming season! As a reminder, competition-status boats must pay a yearly fee to remain registered for the upcoming season. If the boat did not make 2 attempts to race in 2021, then additional fees are required to maintain the registration. We have waived these in the past few years due to COVID, but since we held a near-full season last year, the registration fees will return.
Additionally, January Tri-Annual fees are posted for all of the developmental-status boats.
The Members' page has a PDF located near the top of the page entitled, "RCU Registry." Open this document, find your name and boats, and look to the far right column to see the total money owed per registration.
Instructions on how to pay this can be found on the Members' page.
All payments are due by end-of-day, January 31.
The money that is collected by the club is used for all operations of the club, including renting race sites, race site equipment, insurance payments, and more!
There are almost 200 boats currently registered in R/CU, so it is very possible that I made a mistake or two. If you think I have incorrectly applied a fee, or would like to discuss your registration status, please contact me (Geoffry) at ggrembo5@yahoo.com. Or 206-437-7655. I will do my best to respond to you within a business day. For any additional questions, please reach out to me!
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From the chairman: Happy 2022!
Posted 1/3/2022
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
From the Board:
Happy New Year and here is to a happy, healthy and successful 2022.
Despite the challenges of 2021, R/CU still managed to hold nine race weekends and complete the season. Here is a big thank you to everyone who made that happen and to the flexibility of the club members throughout the year.
The 2022 season planning is well underway. Please plan on the first race on the weekend of April 9-10 at Twin Rivers Park in the Tri-Cities. This is a bit earlier than normal due to the following weekend being Easter. COVID willing, we will also be holding our annual awards banquet on Saturday evening before the race. The rest of the season is still coming together. Our return to Ellensburg is looking hopeful for 2022. We won’t be able to confirm dates until later this month so, keep watching the website for the final schedule.
A number of initiatives are underway for 2022:
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Earlier in the Fall, we requested FE members' feedback on the current starting procedure. As you know, R/CU FE uses a unique, half course starting procedure. We received responses from seventeen FE members with 65% in favor of keeping the current procedure. A couple of members who originally said “NO” to keeping the current procedure circled back and eventually said keep it. So, with those results, we will keep the current FE starting procedure.
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For the past couple of years, we have struggled with leaks in one of the Livingston retrieve boats. We are actively looking to replace it in 2022. The recent winter weather has put a delay on the search but brighter days are ahead.
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Over the past decade, R/CU has expanded to three scale classes and welcomed new racers and new boats. Each weekend we crown three race winners. We are undertaking an initiative to expand and update perpetual trophies for each of the classes. If you have a current perpetual trophy, we will be contacting you and assist with getting all the winners from the past years on the trophy. We will also be procuring new trophies for the new classes. This initiative will take a few years to spread out the expense. It is important though to recognize the achievements of the race winners.
Here are a couple more which call for particular attention:
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Buoys. In 2021 we went through 40 buoys at a cost of $400. We have been searching for the right combination of a buoy that can take a hit, but not hurt the boat. We have been unable to find that combination so we will err on the side of making buoys that will not cause major damage if hit by a boat. We will have a good inventory of buoys going into the season. Look for a buoy-making party in February or March.
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Boat noise. We have not measured boat noise in several seasons. We have also added the gas scale class. We currently state a 90dB level at 50 feet at full throttle in our rule book. That particular rule was written when we had only Nitro boats. Before applying that standard to the gas class we will need to gather and analyze appropriate data. R/CU has purchased a db Meter and will be measuring all classes in 2022. Please note that the NAMBA standard for all classes is 95db.
Keep watching the R/C Unlimiteds website for more information and updates.
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R/CU is looking for a new chase boat
Posted 12/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is looking to procure a new chase boat for 2022 and beyond. We are in the market for new or "used-but-in-good-condition" 7' Livingston-style rowboats.
We are actively perusing websites and for sale ads, but if you happen to see one or know someone (such as a friend or neighbor) that is selling a boat we could use, please let us know! You can email chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com.
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NW Scale Championship returns this summer!
Posted 12/16/2021
By: Mike Cathey
The Northwest Scale Championship Race is Back!
July 22, 23, 24
Location – Marysville, Washington at Gissberg Twin Lakes Park (north lake)
Classes – 1/8th scale nitro, 1/8th scale electric, Gas Scale, 1/7th scale electric, 1/10th scale electric, semi-scale Thunderboats
(electric boats must be configured per the NAMBA rulebook)
This is a great time to make it a boat racing vacation! In 10 days, scale racers can compete in the NW Scale Race, then head to the Tri-Cites for the R/C Unlimiteds Columbia Cup and H1 Race. Not to mention a stop at the Unlimited Hydroplane and Raceboat museum just south of Seattle.
Many of the details are still being settled and check back for details on pre-registration, hotels and RV accommodations..
Participants must have a valid NAMBA membership before prior to the event.
NAMBA safety rules will be in effect.
Questions? email Mike Cathey at mido46@comcast.net
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Survey requested for our FE racers
Posted 12/1/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is asking that the FE racers take a quick (less than 5 minutes) survey regarding the starting procedure that is in use by the current rulebook. Please spread the word to all FE members in R/CU, as we hope to generate feedback to determine the satisfaction level with the current ruleset!
The next board meeting is scheduled for December 14, so we are hoping you have some time in the next two weeks to take the survey.
The survey is listed at this website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L39
Thanks!
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Boats available to register
Posted 12/1/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The following boats are now available to register.
Nitro, Hull 8808, 88-90 Mr. Pringle's
Gas, Hull 8808, 88-90 Mr. Pringle's
Nitro, 5655, 61 Such Crust IV (Blue)
Nitro, Hull 7495, 81 Oh Boy! Oberto
Nitro, Hull 9399, 94-97 Pico American Dream
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Health update for R/CU member, Brandon Sano
Posted 11/8/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU has a very close knit community of racers, friends, and family. Some of you may have heard some, or all of the story below. Joey Caines writes this about our friend, Brandon Sano. We are continuing to pray and send good vibes to Brandon, as he overcomes a significant health scare.\
"Just a heads up about our friend Brandon Sano, on Thursday morning October 14, he suffered heart arrhythmia, that led to Cardiac Arrest, he was in very bad shape for the next 11 days. On the 24th and 25th the terminology the Drs were using was not very optimistic. Basically we were praying for a miracle. On the 26th, our prayers were answered. Brandon woke up. He has a long road to recovery, they installed a pacemaker and defibrillator on Friday the 5th of November I believe. I finally got to speak to him on the phone for the first time last night. He is still in the hospital in Burien and cannot have visitors. He wants to thank everyone that has been in the loop for their prayers and well wishes for him and his family. Please keep them coming as he is still in need of the prayers, love and support. He will have a long road ahead and can use any and all help that we can give him. I’m so very thankful and grateful that our friend has come back from what I will refer to as a super long nap. He wants to get back to the pond and race again but that will all depend on how he is able to recover from this traumatic episode. As of now he needs assistance getting around as he is weak and this has also affected his vision. Again keep them prayers coming for Brandon.
We love you brother, you got this and we got you."
We will send additional updates from the Sano family when we receive them. For now, continue to send prayers and well-wishes to the Sano family. You got this, Brandon!
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Call for FE and gas scale technical proposals
Posted 10/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is soliciting technical proposals from the membership regarding the FE and gas scale classes. The rulebook states that technical proposals (regarding revisions to the rulebook that involve the construction/makeup of the boat) are solicited during a designated time period. Board members will discuss and make a decision before the end of the 2021 calendar year on any proposals, and the revisions will be published by January 31 of 2022.
If you have any such proposals, please submit them via email to R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com
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Board members confirmed
Posted 10/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2022 R/CU Board has been confirmed and began operations last week.
First off, we want to thank all the recent board members who have participated in the recent years. Many of you have worked hard to increase the visibility, happiness, and participation within the club. Whether it was adding new classes, adding new sites, or tweaking rules, it is all appreciated!
With that, we want to thank Bill Brandt for his contributions as a board member. He has stepped down following the 2021 season, and has been a valuable contributor to increase the membership within the club over the past few years.
The 2022 R/CU Board is as follows:
Chairman: Gary Grembowski
Race Coordinator: Scott Meyers
Treasurer: Fred Olson
Inspector: Paxton Reunanen
Secretary: Jim Brittain
Statistician: Beau Rarig
Registrar: Geoffry Grembowski
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October Tri-Annuals due October 31
Posted 10/12/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The October Tri-Annual fee for boats in developmental status is due on October 31st. To view the payments required, go to the Members' page, and click the document on the top of the page entitled R/CU Registry.
If you do not pay the amount owed in the far right column by October 31, you are at risk of losing the registration! If you have any questions, please contact Geoffry Grembowski at ggrembo5@yahoo.com.
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Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial race report is now posted
Posted 10/5/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the race recap HERE!
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Apple Cup race report is now posted
Posted 10/4/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Better late than never, check out the race recap HERE!
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Congratulations to the 2021 R/CU Champions!
Posted 10/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After an unusual, COVID-affected year, we THANK you for racing with R/CU in 2021. Here are the champions, look for more to come soon!
1/8th Scale Nitro Driver's: John Olson
1/8th Scale Nitro Boat: 1971 Country Boy (John Olson)
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Driver's: Don Mock
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Boat: 1983 KISW Miss Rock (Paxton Reunanen)
Gas Scale Driver's: John Olson
Gas Scale Boat: 1971 Country Boy (John Olson)
1/10th Scale Electric Driver's: Dylan Hirano
1/10th Scale Electric Boat: 1971 Budweiser Malt Liquor (Dylan Hirano)
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All you need to know about the Chelan race weekend
Posted 9/21/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a crazy year, it is time for the final weekend of the 2021 season. The Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial will be held in Chelan, WA, this weekend, and we can't wait to race in the beautiful river again. Check out this post for all you need to know including parking, fuel/oil procedures, schedule (2-days of racing!), format, and more.
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Diamond Cup race report is now posted
Posted 9/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Better late than never, check out the race recap HERE!
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Free nitro available
Posted 9/16/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Marc Connelly has some FREE nitro fuel available. He writes this:
"I have some fuel that I bought for my last nitro season and never used. I called the manufacturer and they suggested that it was probably still fine. But it has been sitting in my cool, dark basement for about five seasons now.
Since it has been sitting, I don’t want to sell it. It is free. It would be nice to spread it around a little, if possible. So please post, if it is appropriate. If anyone wants a gallon, just contact me. Torco fuel, mixed lot of 50% and 60% nitro. marc@mocreativeinc.com"
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Good luck to NAMBA Nationals racers!
Posted 9/15/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Good luck to all racers at the NAMBA Nationals that kick off this weekend in California. We will be cheering on R/CU members Henry Oord and Joey Caines as they race in multiple classes, including 1/8th scale nitro, 1/8th scale electric, and gas scale. Bring some trophies back home to the northwest!
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Call for R/CU board nominations
Posted 9/10/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is seeking nominations for the 2022 R/CU Board. There are three open positions for the new Board. Nominees may come from any of the RCU classes – Nitro, FE, Gas. You may nominate another R/CU Member (with their permission) or you may self-nominate. Please send nominations to Jim Brittain (jamesbrittain8@gmail.com). Board members serve for a term of two years. Board meetings are typically held once a month via Zoom. Nominations will be open through Saturday of Gold Cup weekend in Chelan. If more than three nominations are received, a member vote will be held.
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All you need to know about this weekend's Apple Cup
Posted 9/8/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all you need to know about this weekend's Apple Cup by reading this post here!
Check out the race site information for Lake Tye here!
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Some early questions/answers about Monroe and Lake Tye
Posted 9/7/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Be on the lookout for the full "All you need to know" post, featuring the full schedule and site map of Lake Tye later this week. But, we've gotten some early questions about this brand new (to R/CU) site, so we have some early answers below!
Thanks to Jason Walters for the artwork above!
Location
Lake Tye Park, Monroe, WA (site page to come Wednesday or Thursday!)
Schedule
Saturday: The trailer will arrive at 10 AM for race site and course setup. Testing will begin following race setup. Testing will last until about 4 PM.
Sunday: Testing will begin at 8 AM until 10 AM. There will be a drivers' meeting at 10 AM, and racing will last all day until around 5 PM.
Security
It is recommended you do NOT leave any equipment, including canopies, boats, or pit tools, at the site overnight.
Boat Fuel/Oil Collection
We will be enacting a policy similar to Chelan for collecting oils and fuels so they do not leak onto the grass. What does this mean? It means every nitro and gas scale boat MUST have a tarp, plastic bag, carpet square, or some other way to prevent fuel and oil from dripping onto the grass. We will be enforcing this closely!
As noted above, we will include more info through the week, but we hope this begins to answer some of your questions!
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R/CU registrar address change
Posted 8/16/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The address to send your checks and registration forms has changed! Geoffry Grembowski's address now is on S Edmunds St in Seattle. All addresses on the website and forms have been updated with the correct information.
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Chelan format set
Posted 8/5/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Background
Over the past several years, R/CU has added classes to the club while still maintaining a separate Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial Race Nitro at Chelan. The result has been that in 2019 we ran almost 70 heats during the weekend. Feedback from the club has indicated that this is too much given the constraints (boat traffic) of Chelan. It has resulted in many negative impacts during the race – frayed nerves, arguments, difficulty getting judges due to people preparing boats, no patience with boat traffic, wrecked boats, etc. Chelan should be a celebration of the season, not the most stressful race of the year. As a result the Board has established the following format for 2021 which reduces the number of heats by about 20%. The idea is to provide a less stressed pace and allow time for the inevitable boat traffic.
1/10th Scale FE
All boats entered will be drawn into one heat. Format will be four heats, total points race. 2 heats Saturday, 2 heats Sunday.
Gas Scale
All boats will race for the Roger Newton Gold Cup. Format will be six preliminary heats, 3 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday. Top 5 boats go into the final. First Consolation will determine trailer boat.
1/8th Scale FE
All boats will race for the Roger Newton Gold Cup. Format will be six preliminary heats, 3 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday. Top 6 boats go into the final. First Consolation will determine trailer boat.
1/8th Scale Nitro
The Roger Newton Gold Cup and the Norm Evans Memorial will be run concurrently. Participants may enter 1 or 2 boats in the races. There will be one set of preliminary heats to determine the line up for the Gold Cup Finals and Norm Evans Finals.
If you enter one boat into the race
-
Your boat will be entered into the Gold Cup and Norm Evans races
-
For the first four preliminary heats your points will go toward the Gold Cup and Norm Evans. Example – you finish second in Heat 1B. You will earn 300 points for the Gold Cup and 300 points for the Norm Evans. For season points, you will receive 600 points.
-
For rounds five and six, your points will only count towards the Gold Cup.
If you enter two boats into the race
-
You must designate which boat will be your Gold Cup boat and which boat will be your Norm Evans boat. There will be no changing following the start of the race.
-
You will race both boats in the preliminary heats similar to what you do in a regular race.
-
Points earned with your Gold Cup boat will go toward the Gold Cup finals. Points earned with your Norm Evans boat will go toward the Norm Evans finals. Both points will count towards your season points.
Race format:
-
All boats will be drawn into preliminary heats as in a regular race.
-
Three heats will be run on Saturday, three on Sunday
-
Following the 4th round of preliminary heats, the Finals for the Norm Evans will be determined. The top 6 Norm Evans boats will make the Final, next 5 to the 1st Consolation for the trailer position.
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If you have a second boat in the Norm Evans, you will not run it in sections 5 and 6.
-
All remaining Gold Cup boats will be drawn in Section 5 & 6.
-
Following section 6, the Gold Cup finals will be determined, top 6 to the final, next 5 to the 1st Consolation, etc.
-
Racers that are racing a single boat and make the finals in the Norm Evans and Gold Cup will need to decide whether to race in both finals or one or the other. Other boats may move up accordingly.
We (the R/CU Board) is happy to answer any questions via email/phone, or conversations at upcoming races.
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Boats available for registration
Posted 8/5/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
The following boats are available to register. There is a 14 day period in which entries are accepted for registrations of the following boats, after which the registration will be awarded. After this 14 day period, the boat will be registered to the first entry received. Check the R/CU rulebook for the full information.
Hull #5840, 58-61, Miss Bardahl, Gas
Hull #6740, 70, Miss U.S., Gas
Hull #6926, 69, Pride of Pay'n Pak, Gas
Hull #7207, 75, Miss Valvoline, Gas
Hull #7207, 76, Spirit of Dayton Walther, Gas
Hull #7495, 74, U-95, Nitro
Hull #8025, 80-81, Pay'n Pak, FE
Hull #8012, 80-85, Miss Budweiser, FE
Hull #8255, 83, American Speedy Printing (Red, White, Yellow), Gas
Hull #8910, 89-90, Winston Eagle, Nitro
Hull #8806, 93, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Gas
Hull #0716, 07-13, Oh Boy! Oberto, FE
Hull #0717, 12, Red Dot, Nitro
Hull #1496, 15, Miss Elam Plus, FE
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Columbia Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 8/3/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full recap, along with photos and videos, here!
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Silver Cup (August 14-15) cancelled
Posted 7/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board has announced that the Silver Cup, scheduled for August 14-15, has been cancelled due to continued scheduling issues with the pandemic. The R/CU Board spent a lot of time and effort into rescheduling/relocating this race, but the details could not align for 2021.
We look forward to finishing out the season August 28-29 in Marysville, September 11-12 in Monroe, and September 24-26 in Chelan!
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Race in peace: Earl Schenck
Posted 7/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to announce the passing of racer Earl Schenck. Earl was a longtime R/CU member who was a gentle giant. Always arriving and leaving races with a smile, Earl put everyone at ease in the pits with his humor and his good nature. Rest in peace, Earl.
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All you need to know about the R/CU Columbia Cup
Posted 7/21/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a year's absence, R/CU is thankful to return to the Tri-Cities Water Follies. We are testing on Friday and racing on Saturday at the Family Fishing Pond, about 200 yards behind the Lampson Pits in Columbia Park. Check out the schedule and all you need to know about the race HERE.
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Columbia Cup passes update
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
According to Bob Brackett, passes and tickets went into the mail yesterday. Check your mail this week to find them before the weekend!
The following people did not send a self-addressed stamped envelope, therefore Bob Brackett still has your tickets at his house. Please contact Bob to arrange for pickup. He can be reached at bobbrackett67@gmail.com, or 509-627-3071.
Bill Brandt
Joey Caines
Robert Colean
Marc Connelly
Jeff Griffin
Paul Jackson
Brad Lewis
Mike Malloy
Scott Meyers
Ken Olson
Henry Oord
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Bernie Little Memorial race recap is now posted
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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All you need to know about the Bernie Little Memorial
Posted 7/6/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out this post to see all you need to know about Sunday's race in Lakewood! Check it out, because there are a couple of minor revisions since last race!
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Bernie Little Memorial (July 11) is slated for Lakewood
Posted 7/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a successful President's Cup in Waughop Lake (Lakewood, WA), R/CU has announced that the next round of the 2021 season (the Bernie Little Memorial) will take place on July 11 at the same site. We look forward to returning to Lakewood for the second time in 2021. This will be a one-day race, so be sure to check the website for more details soon!
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R/CU merchandise now available
Posted 6/30/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is excited to welcome R/C Logos as a new partner for merchandise! Check out their site at https://rclogos.com/. Thanks to Kevin at R/C Logos, there will be some mugs, hats, shirts, and more available for you to purchase with the R/CU logo on it. Thanks to R/C Logos for this exciting opportunity!
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President's Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 6/29/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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Columbia Cup is a GO
Posted 6/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After some time, we are happy to announce that the Columbia Cup (R/CU version) on the Family Fishing Pond during Water Follies Weekend is a go! Thanks to Bob Brackett, Scott Meyers, and all who have been working with the Water Follies and Parks departments to ensure this race can go on.
As we all know, there are currently COVID restrictions placed on the Water Follies event. The hope is that when the state lessens restrictions on June 30, these restrictions will be lessened on the Water Follies as well. In any event, please keep a close eye on the website for any additional information pertinent to the event.
Please pay via check made to R/CU with a SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE or via the R/CU Paypal account. Any questions can be directed to Bob Brackett at bobbrackett67@gmail.com.
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June Tri-Annuals due July 16
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
Boats currently registered in R/CU in the developmental status have to pay a "Tri-Annual" fee in order to maintain the registration. For the first time in awhile, we are enacting the June Tri-Annual. Typically, these are due by the end of the month; due to the late notice they will be due July 16.
The list is maintained at the Members page under the Resources tab. See the top file titled "June Tri-Annuals." The price listed in the far right box is the amount due at this time.
The ways to pay are listed under the Members page. If you have questions or need a reminder of the password to the members page, contact R/CU Registrar Geoffry Grembowski at ggrembo5@yahoo.com. If you do not pay by the date listed, you could lose your registration and another person could register your boat.
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Boats available to register
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
The following boats are available to register in all classes. There is a 14 day period in which entries are accepted for registrations of the following boats, after which the registration will be awarded. After this 14 day period, the boat will be registered to the first entry received. Check the R/CU rulebook for the full information.
Hull 0706, U-1, 2021 Goodman Real Estate presents Miss Homestreet
Hull 1496, U-8, 2021 Miss Tri-Cities
Hull 92102.5, U-9, 2021 Pinnacle Peak Consulting
Hull 9401, U-11, 2021 J&D's
Hull 0721, U-40, 2021 Miss Beacon Plumbing
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Looking for boats and equipment for sale
Posted 6/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Interest in R/C boat racing seems to be at a new high, which is great! We've received many requests recently about any equipment or turn-key boats for sale, so please let the R/CU Board know if you have anything you are thinking of selling to potential new members! Thank you!
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All you need to know about the Dean Chenoweth Memorial
Posted 6/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta race recap is now posted
Posted 5/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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Update on COVID-19 protocols
Posted 5/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Beginning this weekend, R/CU will follow the new CDC guidelines on wearing a mask in the RCU pit area and driver’s stand.
Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID no longer are required to wear masks outdoors at R/CU events.
R/CU will not be checking vaccination status.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, it will up to the individual whether or not to wear a mask at an R/CU event.
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All you need to know about the Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Finley Race is a GO This Weekend
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU WILL be holding the Champion Spark Plug Regatta this weekend at Two Rivers Park in Finley.
The Board has been monitoring the park and working with the Parks Director to put on a safe event.
We have the full support of the Parks Director to put in additional tape blocking access to the water and we will also be putting additional signage that the water is closed.
Please be aware that we will need to work with the public to keep the race course safe.
This may require postponing or stopping races.
Please pack your patience for this weekend.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta Race in Jeopardy of being Cancelled
Posted 5/12/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
This weekend's forecast for the Tri-Cities calls for temperatures above 90 degrees. The R/CU Board has been monitoring activity at Two Rivers Park and already the park is overflowing with swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. With this activity in the water it is impossible to safely hold an R/C race at Two Rivers Park under our insurance rules. The Board is actively trying to move the race to Columbia Park but there is no confirmation that we can do this yet. A decision will be made at 2:00PM on Thursday on whether to cancel the Champion Spark Plug Race. This will allow time to cancel hotel rooms booked. Please check back for any updates.
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Dean Chenoweth Memorial and Diamond Cup relocated to Marysville
Posted 5/6/2020
By: rcuwebmaster
Thanks to the hard work of R/CU Race Coordinator Scott Meyers, R/CU has announced that the Dean Chenoweth Memorial (June 5-6) and the Diamond Cup (August 28-29) will return to Twin Lakes Park in Marysville, WA. These races are confirmed, dependent on local COVID-19 restrictions. R/CU has a long history of racing at Twin Lakes Park, and we look forward to returning in 2021.
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Atomic Cup race report
Posted 4/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report, along with videos of the Finals, here!
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Bill Muncey Memorial cancelled, Ellensburg races to be moved to other locations
Posted 4/14/2021
By: The R/CU Board
R/C Unlimiteds regrettably announces the cancellation of the Bill Muncey Memorial Race, May 1-2, in Ellensburg, WA. The next confirmed race on the schedule is now the Champion Spark Plug Regatta, May 15-16, in Finley, WA.
We have received word from the City of Ellensburg that due to Kittitas County being on the edge of rolling back to Phase 2, they are not scheduling any events that will draw large crowds together and potentially increase COVID cases in the County. This restriction is scheduled to last all summer.
The races that were originally schedule to be held in Ellensburg will be re-sited to different locations. This may also result in the change of race dates.
Please check the website frequently for updates to the confirmed 2021 race schedule.
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All you need to know about this weekend's race: 2021 Atomic Cup
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
It's time to go boat racing! This weekend is the Atomic Cup in the Tri-Cities, and we can't wait to race.
See the Atomic Cup page for all the info you need to know about the race!
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COVID-19 safety update
Posted 4/14/2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We have updated the COVID protocols for R/CU races. See below.
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Schedule Update: 4/14/2021
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact sporting events of all kinds. You might have noticed that all of the Ellensburg races still have "TBC" on the schedule page, this is because we are still awaiting word from the Ellensburg Parks that we can race. We will update you as soon as we know about the status of the 2nd race of the 2021 season and beyond.
However, we can confirm that we will be racing at Two Rivers Park in Finley, WA, this weekend and the weekend of May 15-16! Thanks to the Benton County Parks Dept, and we look forward to these races!
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Last call for renewing NAMBA memberships!
Posted 4/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Attention: there are still some R/CU members that have NOT renewed their 2021 NAMBA memberships yet! Remember, it is a requirement for you to be a member before you can race, so be sure to renew this week!
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Schedule update for 2021
Posted 3/21/21
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We posted last week that we anticipated no further schedule revisions for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, we learned that was an inaccurate statement. See the following note from chairman, Gary Grembowski:
Scott Meyers, RCU Race Coordinator, has been working overtime in putting together this season’s RCU schedule. As you all know, the re-opening of each county has been uneven and changing rapidly. As a result, not all of our race sites and race dates have been confirmed as yet.
Please find attached our current draft schedule on the schedule tab. As we get more sites and dates confirmed, this will be updated in the schedule.
We do know that we are good to go for the opening race in Finley the weekend of April 17-18. We are looking forward to seeing new boats and drivers to start the season.
Get everything ready to go and we will see you in Tri-Cities!
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Gearing up for 2021
Posted 3/12/21
By: rcuwebmaster
With the recent governmental guidance on the pandemic, we believe that the 2021 season will be a full-go! Please keep an eye on the website for any breaking news or revisions, but for now we are anticipating that the schedule will not change.
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2021 Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show
By: rcuwebmaster
The annual Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show is virtually this weekend, the 27th of February, starting at 11:30 AM (pacific time). Due to the pandemic, the show will be hosted by the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, along with David Newton, via Zoom! Check out this page for all the info: https://www.facebook.com/events/244263010581751.
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2021 rulebooks are posted
By: The R/CU Board
The 2021 rulebooks have been updated and posted on the Rulebooks page! Check out the revision trackers, since there was minimal racing in 2020 the Board voted on minimal rulebook updates.
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Club directory is updated
By: rcuwebmaster
The latest copy of the R/CU Directory was posted under the Members page, on the Resources tab. Please take a look and email Geoffry at ggrembo5@yahoo.com for any updates or to add/remove info. You are not required to supply R/CU with all info, but we like to keep it available for all members. The Members page is behind a password; email Geoffry if you need the password.
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From the Chairman: 2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski has a new 2021 update from the R/CU Board! Check it out now!
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We're making updates!
By: rcuwebmaster
The website creator I use to build the entire website has made some changes to their editor. Some of the features didn't make the cut on the updates, so I am having to investigate some updates and work-arounds! Please excuse some changes coming in the near months, and don't worry! All the latest news will still be at the top of this column, and the schedule will remain updated!
Thanks for your patience!
-R/CU Webmaster, Geoffry Grembowski
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Rest in Peace, Harry Gatjens
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to report that longtime member Harry Gatjens passed away last night.
Harry will be forever a part of R/CU, known for his hard-charging style and legacy of Budweiser boats. Not only that, he carried a sharp wit, with a unique sense of humor. Harry was also a longtime member of the R/CU Board, and volunteered for years as the race scorer.
Harry is 11th in R/CU career points and had 1 career victory, in the 2000 Diamond Cup. We know that he joins fellow R/CU legends in boat racing heaven, likely challenging Bernie Little to a race!
From R/C Unlimiteds to the Gatjens family, we extend our deepest condolences. Further information will be provided as we receive it.
From the chairman: Happy 2022!
Posted 1/3/2022
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
From the Board:
Happy New Year and here is to a happy, healthy and successful 2022.
Despite the challenges of 2021, R/CU still managed to hold nine race weekends and complete the season. Here is a big thank you to everyone who made that happen and to the flexibility of the club members throughout the year.
The 2022 season planning is well underway. Please plan on the first race on the weekend of April 9-10 at Twin Rivers Park in the Tri-Cities. This is a bit earlier than normal due to the following weekend being Easter. COVID willing, we will also be holding our annual awards banquet on Saturday evening before the race. The rest of the season is still coming together. Our return to Ellensburg is looking hopeful for 2022. We won’t be able to confirm dates until later this month so, keep watching the website for the final schedule.
A number of initiatives are underway for 2022:
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Earlier in the Fall, we requested FE members' feedback on the current starting procedure. As you know, R/CU FE uses a unique, half course starting procedure. We received responses from seventeen FE members with 65% in favor of keeping the current procedure. A couple of members who originally said “NO” to keeping the current procedure circled back and eventually said keep it. So, with those results, we will keep the current FE starting procedure.
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For the past couple of years, we have struggled with leaks in one of the Livingston retrieve boats. We are actively looking to replace it in 2022. The recent winter weather has put a delay on the search but brighter days are ahead.
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Over the past decade, R/CU has expanded to three scale classes and welcomed new racers and new boats. Each weekend we crown three race winners. We are undertaking an initiative to expand and update perpetual trophies for each of the classes. If you have a current perpetual trophy, we will be contacting you and assist with getting all the winners from the past years on the trophy. We will also be procuring new trophies for the new classes. This initiative will take a few years to spread out the expense. It is important though to recognize the achievements of the race winners.
Here are a couple more which call for particular attention:
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Buoys. In 2021 we went through 40 buoys at a cost of $400. We have been searching for the right combination of a buoy that can take a hit, but not hurt the boat. We have been unable to find that combination so we will err on the side of making buoys that will not cause major damage if hit by a boat. We will have a good inventory of buoys going into the season. Look for a buoy-making party in February or March.
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Boat noise. We have not measured boat noise in several seasons. We have also added the gas scale class. We currently state a 90dB level at 50 feet at full throttle in our rule book. That particular rule was written when we had only Nitro boats. Before applying that standard to the gas class we will need to gather and analyze appropriate data. R/CU has purchased a db Meter and will be measuring all classes in 2022. Please note that the NAMBA standard for all classes is 95db.
Keep watching the R/C Unlimiteds website for more information and updates.
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R/CU is looking for a new chase boat
Posted 12/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is looking to procure a new chase boat for 2022 and beyond. We are in the market for new or "used-but-in-good-condition" 7' Livingston-style rowboats.
We are actively perusing websites and for sale ads, but if you happen to see one or know someone (such as a friend or neighbor) that is selling a boat we could use, please let us know! You can email chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com.
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NW Scale Championship returns this summer!
Posted 12/16/2021
By: Mike Cathey
The Northwest Scale Championship Race is Back!
July 22, 23, 24
Location – Marysville, Washington at Gissberg Twin Lakes Park (north lake)
Classes – 1/8th scale nitro, 1/8th scale electric, Gas Scale, 1/7th scale electric, 1/10th scale electric, semi-scale Thunderboats
(electric boats must be configured per the NAMBA rulebook)
This is a great time to make it a boat racing vacation! In 10 days, scale racers can compete in the NW Scale Race, then head to the Tri-Cites for the R/C Unlimiteds Columbia Cup and H1 Race. Not to mention a stop at the Unlimited Hydroplane and Raceboat museum just south of Seattle.
Many of the details are still being settled and check back for details on pre-registration, hotels and RV accommodations..
Participants must have a valid NAMBA membership before prior to the event.
NAMBA safety rules will be in effect.
Questions? email Mike Cathey at mido46@comcast.net
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Survey requested for our FE racers
Posted 12/1/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is asking that the FE racers take a quick (less than 5 minutes) survey regarding the starting procedure that is in use by the current rulebook. Please spread the word to all FE members in R/CU, as we hope to generate feedback to determine the satisfaction level with the current ruleset!
The next board meeting is scheduled for December 14, so we are hoping you have some time in the next two weeks to take the survey.
The survey is listed at this website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L39
Thanks!
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Boats available to register
Posted 12/1/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The following boats are now available to register.
Nitro, Hull 8808, 88-90 Mr. Pringle's
Gas, Hull 8808, 88-90 Mr. Pringle's
Nitro, 5655, 61 Such Crust IV (Blue)
Nitro, Hull 7495, 81 Oh Boy! Oberto
Nitro, Hull 9399, 94-97 Pico American Dream
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Health update for R/CU member, Brandon Sano
Posted 11/8/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU has a very close knit community of racers, friends, and family. Some of you may have heard some, or all of the story below. Joey Caines writes this about our friend, Brandon Sano. We are continuing to pray and send good vibes to Brandon, as he overcomes a significant health scare.\
"Just a heads up about our friend Brandon Sano, on Thursday morning October 14, he suffered heart arrhythmia, that led to Cardiac Arrest, he was in very bad shape for the next 11 days. On the 24th and 25th the terminology the Drs were using was not very optimistic. Basically we were praying for a miracle. On the 26th, our prayers were answered. Brandon woke up. He has a long road to recovery, they installed a pacemaker and defibrillator on Friday the 5th of November I believe. I finally got to speak to him on the phone for the first time last night. He is still in the hospital in Burien and cannot have visitors. He wants to thank everyone that has been in the loop for their prayers and well wishes for him and his family. Please keep them coming as he is still in need of the prayers, love and support. He will have a long road ahead and can use any and all help that we can give him. I’m so very thankful and grateful that our friend has come back from what I will refer to as a super long nap. He wants to get back to the pond and race again but that will all depend on how he is able to recover from this traumatic episode. As of now he needs assistance getting around as he is weak and this has also affected his vision. Again keep them prayers coming for Brandon.
We love you brother, you got this and we got you."
We will send additional updates from the Sano family when we receive them. For now, continue to send prayers and well-wishes to the Sano family. You got this, Brandon!
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Call for FE and gas scale technical proposals
Posted 10/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board is soliciting technical proposals from the membership regarding the FE and gas scale classes. The rulebook states that technical proposals (regarding revisions to the rulebook that involve the construction/makeup of the boat) are solicited during a designated time period. Board members will discuss and make a decision before the end of the 2021 calendar year on any proposals, and the revisions will be published by January 31 of 2022.
If you have any such proposals, please submit them via email to R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski at ggrembo21@gmail.com
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Board members confirmed
Posted 10/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The 2022 R/CU Board has been confirmed and began operations last week.
First off, we want to thank all the recent board members who have participated in the recent years. Many of you have worked hard to increase the visibility, happiness, and participation within the club. Whether it was adding new classes, adding new sites, or tweaking rules, it is all appreciated!
With that, we want to thank Bill Brandt for his contributions as a board member. He has stepped down following the 2021 season, and has been a valuable contributor to increase the membership within the club over the past few years.
The 2022 R/CU Board is as follows:
Chairman: Gary Grembowski
Race Coordinator: Scott Meyers
Treasurer: Fred Olson
Inspector: Paxton Reunanen
Secretary: Jim Brittain
Statistician: Beau Rarig
Registrar: Geoffry Grembowski
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October Tri-Annuals due October 31
Posted 10/12/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The October Tri-Annual fee for boats in developmental status is due on October 31st. To view the payments required, go to the Members' page, and click the document on the top of the page entitled R/CU Registry.
If you do not pay the amount owed in the far right column by October 31, you are at risk of losing the registration! If you have any questions, please contact Geoffry Grembowski at ggrembo5@yahoo.com.
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Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial race report is now posted
Posted 10/5/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the race recap HERE!
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Apple Cup race report is now posted
Posted 10/4/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Better late than never, check out the race recap HERE!
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Congratulations to the 2021 R/CU Champions!
Posted 10/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After an unusual, COVID-affected year, we THANK you for racing with R/CU in 2021. Here are the champions, look for more to come soon!
1/8th Scale Nitro Driver's: John Olson
1/8th Scale Nitro Boat: 1971 Country Boy (John Olson)
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Driver's: Don Mock
1/8th Scale Electric (FE) Boat: 1983 KISW Miss Rock (Paxton Reunanen)
Gas Scale Driver's: John Olson
Gas Scale Boat: 1971 Country Boy (John Olson)
1/10th Scale Electric Driver's: Dylan Hirano
1/10th Scale Electric Boat: 1971 Budweiser Malt Liquor (Dylan Hirano)
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All you need to know about the Chelan race weekend
Posted 9/21/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a crazy year, it is time for the final weekend of the 2021 season. The Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial will be held in Chelan, WA, this weekend, and we can't wait to race in the beautiful river again. Check out this post for all you need to know including parking, fuel/oil procedures, schedule (2-days of racing!), format, and more.
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Diamond Cup race report is now posted
Posted 9/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Better late than never, check out the race recap HERE!
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Free nitro available
Posted 9/16/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Marc Connelly has some FREE nitro fuel available. He writes this:
"I have some fuel that I bought for my last nitro season and never used. I called the manufacturer and they suggested that it was probably still fine. But it has been sitting in my cool, dark basement for about five seasons now.
Since it has been sitting, I don’t want to sell it. It is free. It would be nice to spread it around a little, if possible. So please post, if it is appropriate. If anyone wants a gallon, just contact me. Torco fuel, mixed lot of 50% and 60% nitro. marc@mocreativeinc.com"
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Good luck to NAMBA Nationals racers!
Posted 9/15/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Good luck to all racers at the NAMBA Nationals that kick off this weekend in California. We will be cheering on R/CU members Henry Oord and Joey Caines as they race in multiple classes, including 1/8th scale nitro, 1/8th scale electric, and gas scale. Bring some trophies back home to the northwest!
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Call for R/CU board nominations
Posted 9/10/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is seeking nominations for the 2022 R/CU Board. There are three open positions for the new Board. Nominees may come from any of the RCU classes – Nitro, FE, Gas. You may nominate another R/CU Member (with their permission) or you may self-nominate. Please send nominations to Jim Brittain (jamesbrittain8@gmail.com). Board members serve for a term of two years. Board meetings are typically held once a month via Zoom. Nominations will be open through Saturday of Gold Cup weekend in Chelan. If more than three nominations are received, a member vote will be held.
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All you need to know about this weekend's Apple Cup
Posted 9/8/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all you need to know about this weekend's Apple Cup by reading this post here!
Check out the race site information for Lake Tye here!
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Some early questions/answers about Monroe and Lake Tye
Posted 9/7/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Be on the lookout for the full "All you need to know" post, featuring the full schedule and site map of Lake Tye later this week. But, we've gotten some early questions about this brand new (to R/CU) site, so we have some early answers below!
Thanks to Jason Walters for the artwork above!
Location
Lake Tye Park, Monroe, WA (site page to come Wednesday or Thursday!)
Schedule
Saturday: The trailer will arrive at 10 AM for race site and course setup. Testing will begin following race setup. Testing will last until about 4 PM.
Sunday: Testing will begin at 8 AM until 10 AM. There will be a drivers' meeting at 10 AM, and racing will last all day until around 5 PM.
Security
It is recommended you do NOT leave any equipment, including canopies, boats, or pit tools, at the site overnight.
Boat Fuel/Oil Collection
We will be enacting a policy similar to Chelan for collecting oils and fuels so they do not leak onto the grass. What does this mean? It means every nitro and gas scale boat MUST have a tarp, plastic bag, carpet square, or some other way to prevent fuel and oil from dripping onto the grass. We will be enforcing this closely!
As noted above, we will include more info through the week, but we hope this begins to answer some of your questions!
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R/CU registrar address change
Posted 8/16/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The address to send your checks and registration forms has changed! Geoffry Grembowski's address now is on S Edmunds St in Seattle. All addresses on the website and forms have been updated with the correct information.
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Chelan format set
Posted 8/5/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Background
Over the past several years, R/CU has added classes to the club while still maintaining a separate Roger Newton Gold Cup and Norm Evans Memorial Race Nitro at Chelan. The result has been that in 2019 we ran almost 70 heats during the weekend. Feedback from the club has indicated that this is too much given the constraints (boat traffic) of Chelan. It has resulted in many negative impacts during the race – frayed nerves, arguments, difficulty getting judges due to people preparing boats, no patience with boat traffic, wrecked boats, etc. Chelan should be a celebration of the season, not the most stressful race of the year. As a result the Board has established the following format for 2021 which reduces the number of heats by about 20%. The idea is to provide a less stressed pace and allow time for the inevitable boat traffic.
1/10th Scale FE
All boats entered will be drawn into one heat. Format will be four heats, total points race. 2 heats Saturday, 2 heats Sunday.
Gas Scale
All boats will race for the Roger Newton Gold Cup. Format will be six preliminary heats, 3 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday. Top 5 boats go into the final. First Consolation will determine trailer boat.
1/8th Scale FE
All boats will race for the Roger Newton Gold Cup. Format will be six preliminary heats, 3 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday. Top 6 boats go into the final. First Consolation will determine trailer boat.
1/8th Scale Nitro
The Roger Newton Gold Cup and the Norm Evans Memorial will be run concurrently. Participants may enter 1 or 2 boats in the races. There will be one set of preliminary heats to determine the line up for the Gold Cup Finals and Norm Evans Finals.
If you enter one boat into the race
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Your boat will be entered into the Gold Cup and Norm Evans races
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For the first four preliminary heats your points will go toward the Gold Cup and Norm Evans. Example – you finish second in Heat 1B. You will earn 300 points for the Gold Cup and 300 points for the Norm Evans. For season points, you will receive 600 points.
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For rounds five and six, your points will only count towards the Gold Cup.
If you enter two boats into the race
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You must designate which boat will be your Gold Cup boat and which boat will be your Norm Evans boat. There will be no changing following the start of the race.
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You will race both boats in the preliminary heats similar to what you do in a regular race.
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Points earned with your Gold Cup boat will go toward the Gold Cup finals. Points earned with your Norm Evans boat will go toward the Norm Evans finals. Both points will count towards your season points.
Race format:
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All boats will be drawn into preliminary heats as in a regular race.
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Three heats will be run on Saturday, three on Sunday
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Following the 4th round of preliminary heats, the Finals for the Norm Evans will be determined. The top 6 Norm Evans boats will make the Final, next 5 to the 1st Consolation for the trailer position.
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If you have a second boat in the Norm Evans, you will not run it in sections 5 and 6.
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All remaining Gold Cup boats will be drawn in Section 5 & 6.
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Following section 6, the Gold Cup finals will be determined, top 6 to the final, next 5 to the 1st Consolation, etc.
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Racers that are racing a single boat and make the finals in the Norm Evans and Gold Cup will need to decide whether to race in both finals or one or the other. Other boats may move up accordingly.
We (the R/CU Board) is happy to answer any questions via email/phone, or conversations at upcoming races.
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Boats available for registration
Posted 8/5/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
The following boats are available to register. There is a 14 day period in which entries are accepted for registrations of the following boats, after which the registration will be awarded. After this 14 day period, the boat will be registered to the first entry received. Check the R/CU rulebook for the full information.
Hull #5840, 58-61, Miss Bardahl, Gas
Hull #6740, 70, Miss U.S., Gas
Hull #6926, 69, Pride of Pay'n Pak, Gas
Hull #7207, 75, Miss Valvoline, Gas
Hull #7207, 76, Spirit of Dayton Walther, Gas
Hull #7495, 74, U-95, Nitro
Hull #8025, 80-81, Pay'n Pak, FE
Hull #8012, 80-85, Miss Budweiser, FE
Hull #8255, 83, American Speedy Printing (Red, White, Yellow), Gas
Hull #8910, 89-90, Winston Eagle, Nitro
Hull #8806, 93, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Gas
Hull #0716, 07-13, Oh Boy! Oberto, FE
Hull #0717, 12, Red Dot, Nitro
Hull #1496, 15, Miss Elam Plus, FE
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Columbia Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 8/3/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full recap, along with photos and videos, here!
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Silver Cup (August 14-15) cancelled
Posted 7/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board has announced that the Silver Cup, scheduled for August 14-15, has been cancelled due to continued scheduling issues with the pandemic. The R/CU Board spent a lot of time and effort into rescheduling/relocating this race, but the details could not align for 2021.
We look forward to finishing out the season August 28-29 in Marysville, September 11-12 in Monroe, and September 24-26 in Chelan!
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Race in peace: Earl Schenck
Posted 7/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to announce the passing of racer Earl Schenck. Earl was a longtime R/CU member who was a gentle giant. Always arriving and leaving races with a smile, Earl put everyone at ease in the pits with his humor and his good nature. Rest in peace, Earl.
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All you need to know about the R/CU Columbia Cup
Posted 7/21/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a year's absence, R/CU is thankful to return to the Tri-Cities Water Follies. We are testing on Friday and racing on Saturday at the Family Fishing Pond, about 200 yards behind the Lampson Pits in Columbia Park. Check out the schedule and all you need to know about the race HERE.
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Columbia Cup passes update
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
According to Bob Brackett, passes and tickets went into the mail yesterday. Check your mail this week to find them before the weekend!
The following people did not send a self-addressed stamped envelope, therefore Bob Brackett still has your tickets at his house. Please contact Bob to arrange for pickup. He can be reached at bobbrackett67@gmail.com, or 509-627-3071.
Bill Brandt
Joey Caines
Robert Colean
Marc Connelly
Jeff Griffin
Paul Jackson
Brad Lewis
Mike Malloy
Scott Meyers
Ken Olson
Henry Oord
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Bernie Little Memorial race recap is now posted
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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All you need to know about the Bernie Little Memorial
Posted 7/6/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out this post to see all you need to know about Sunday's race in Lakewood! Check it out, because there are a couple of minor revisions since last race!
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Bernie Little Memorial (July 11) is slated for Lakewood
Posted 7/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a successful President's Cup in Waughop Lake (Lakewood, WA), R/CU has announced that the next round of the 2021 season (the Bernie Little Memorial) will take place on July 11 at the same site. We look forward to returning to Lakewood for the second time in 2021. This will be a one-day race, so be sure to check the website for more details soon!
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R/CU merchandise now available
Posted 6/30/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is excited to welcome R/C Logos as a new partner for merchandise! Check out their site at https://rclogos.com/. Thanks to Kevin at R/C Logos, there will be some mugs, hats, shirts, and more available for you to purchase with the R/CU logo on it. Thanks to R/C Logos for this exciting opportunity!
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President's Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 6/29/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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Columbia Cup is a GO
Posted 6/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After some time, we are happy to announce that the Columbia Cup (R/CU version) on the Family Fishing Pond during Water Follies Weekend is a go! Thanks to Bob Brackett, Scott Meyers, and all who have been working with the Water Follies and Parks departments to ensure this race can go on.
As we all know, there are currently COVID restrictions placed on the Water Follies event. The hope is that when the state lessens restrictions on June 30, these restrictions will be lessened on the Water Follies as well. In any event, please keep a close eye on the website for any additional information pertinent to the event.
Please pay via check made to R/CU with a SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE or via the R/CU Paypal account. Any questions can be directed to Bob Brackett at bobbrackett67@gmail.com.
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June Tri-Annuals due July 16
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
Boats currently registered in R/CU in the developmental status have to pay a "Tri-Annual" fee in order to maintain the registration. For the first time in awhile, we are enacting the June Tri-Annual. Typically, these are due by the end of the month; due to the late notice they will be due July 16.
The list is maintained at the Members page under the Resources tab. See the top file titled "June Tri-Annuals." The price listed in the far right box is the amount due at this time.
The ways to pay are listed under the Members page. If you have questions or need a reminder of the password to the members page, contact R/CU Registrar Geoffry Grembowski at ggrembo5@yahoo.com. If you do not pay by the date listed, you could lose your registration and another person could register your boat.
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Boats available to register
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
The following boats are available to register in all classes. There is a 14 day period in which entries are accepted for registrations of the following boats, after which the registration will be awarded. After this 14 day period, the boat will be registered to the first entry received. Check the R/CU rulebook for the full information.
Hull 0706, U-1, 2021 Goodman Real Estate presents Miss Homestreet
Hull 1496, U-8, 2021 Miss Tri-Cities
Hull 92102.5, U-9, 2021 Pinnacle Peak Consulting
Hull 9401, U-11, 2021 J&D's
Hull 0721, U-40, 2021 Miss Beacon Plumbing
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Looking for boats and equipment for sale
Posted 6/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Interest in R/C boat racing seems to be at a new high, which is great! We've received many requests recently about any equipment or turn-key boats for sale, so please let the R/CU Board know if you have anything you are thinking of selling to potential new members! Thank you!
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All you need to know about the Dean Chenoweth Memorial
Posted 6/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta race recap is now posted
Posted 5/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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Update on COVID-19 protocols
Posted 5/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Beginning this weekend, R/CU will follow the new CDC guidelines on wearing a mask in the RCU pit area and driver’s stand.
Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID no longer are required to wear masks outdoors at R/CU events.
R/CU will not be checking vaccination status.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, it will up to the individual whether or not to wear a mask at an R/CU event.
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All you need to know about the Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Finley Race is a GO This Weekend
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU WILL be holding the Champion Spark Plug Regatta this weekend at Two Rivers Park in Finley.
The Board has been monitoring the park and working with the Parks Director to put on a safe event.
We have the full support of the Parks Director to put in additional tape blocking access to the water and we will also be putting additional signage that the water is closed.
Please be aware that we will need to work with the public to keep the race course safe.
This may require postponing or stopping races.
Please pack your patience for this weekend.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta Race in Jeopardy of being Cancelled
Posted 5/12/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
This weekend's forecast for the Tri-Cities calls for temperatures above 90 degrees. The R/CU Board has been monitoring activity at Two Rivers Park and already the park is overflowing with swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. With this activity in the water it is impossible to safely hold an R/C race at Two Rivers Park under our insurance rules. The Board is actively trying to move the race to Columbia Park but there is no confirmation that we can do this yet. A decision will be made at 2:00PM on Thursday on whether to cancel the Champion Spark Plug Race. This will allow time to cancel hotel rooms booked. Please check back for any updates.
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Dean Chenoweth Memorial and Diamond Cup relocated to Marysville
Posted 5/6/2020
By: rcuwebmaster
Thanks to the hard work of R/CU Race Coordinator Scott Meyers, R/CU has announced that the Dean Chenoweth Memorial (June 5-6) and the Diamond Cup (August 28-29) will return to Twin Lakes Park in Marysville, WA. These races are confirmed, dependent on local COVID-19 restrictions. R/CU has a long history of racing at Twin Lakes Park, and we look forward to returning in 2021.
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Atomic Cup race report
Posted 4/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report, along with videos of the Finals, here!
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Bill Muncey Memorial cancelled, Ellensburg races to be moved to other locations
Posted 4/14/2021
By: The R/CU Board
R/C Unlimiteds regrettably announces the cancellation of the Bill Muncey Memorial Race, May 1-2, in Ellensburg, WA. The next confirmed race on the schedule is now the Champion Spark Plug Regatta, May 15-16, in Finley, WA.
We have received word from the City of Ellensburg that due to Kittitas County being on the edge of rolling back to Phase 2, they are not scheduling any events that will draw large crowds together and potentially increase COVID cases in the County. This restriction is scheduled to last all summer.
The races that were originally schedule to be held in Ellensburg will be re-sited to different locations. This may also result in the change of race dates.
Please check the website frequently for updates to the confirmed 2021 race schedule.
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All you need to know about this weekend's race: 2021 Atomic Cup
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
It's time to go boat racing! This weekend is the Atomic Cup in the Tri-Cities, and we can't wait to race.
See the Atomic Cup page for all the info you need to know about the race!
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COVID-19 safety update
Posted 4/14/2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We have updated the COVID protocols for R/CU races. See below.
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Schedule Update: 4/14/2021
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact sporting events of all kinds. You might have noticed that all of the Ellensburg races still have "TBC" on the schedule page, this is because we are still awaiting word from the Ellensburg Parks that we can race. We will update you as soon as we know about the status of the 2nd race of the 2021 season and beyond.
However, we can confirm that we will be racing at Two Rivers Park in Finley, WA, this weekend and the weekend of May 15-16! Thanks to the Benton County Parks Dept, and we look forward to these races!
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Last call for renewing NAMBA memberships!
Posted 4/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Attention: there are still some R/CU members that have NOT renewed their 2021 NAMBA memberships yet! Remember, it is a requirement for you to be a member before you can race, so be sure to renew this week!
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Schedule update for 2021
Posted 3/21/21
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We posted last week that we anticipated no further schedule revisions for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, we learned that was an inaccurate statement. See the following note from chairman, Gary Grembowski:
Scott Meyers, RCU Race Coordinator, has been working overtime in putting together this season’s RCU schedule. As you all know, the re-opening of each county has been uneven and changing rapidly. As a result, not all of our race sites and race dates have been confirmed as yet.
Please find attached our current draft schedule on the schedule tab. As we get more sites and dates confirmed, this will be updated in the schedule.
We do know that we are good to go for the opening race in Finley the weekend of April 17-18. We are looking forward to seeing new boats and drivers to start the season.
Get everything ready to go and we will see you in Tri-Cities!
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Gearing up for 2021
Posted 3/12/21
By: rcuwebmaster
With the recent governmental guidance on the pandemic, we believe that the 2021 season will be a full-go! Please keep an eye on the website for any breaking news or revisions, but for now we are anticipating that the schedule will not change.
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2021 Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show
By: rcuwebmaster
The annual Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show is virtually this weekend, the 27th of February, starting at 11:30 AM (pacific time). Due to the pandemic, the show will be hosted by the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, along with David Newton, via Zoom! Check out this page for all the info: https://www.facebook.com/events/244263010581751.
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2021 rulebooks are posted
By: The R/CU Board
The 2021 rulebooks have been updated and posted on the Rulebooks page! Check out the revision trackers, since there was minimal racing in 2020 the Board voted on minimal rulebook updates.
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Club directory is updated
By: rcuwebmaster
The latest copy of the R/CU Directory was posted under the Members page, on the Resources tab. Please take a look and email Geoffry at ggrembo5@yahoo.com for any updates or to add/remove info. You are not required to supply R/CU with all info, but we like to keep it available for all members. The Members page is behind a password; email Geoffry if you need the password.
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From the Chairman: 2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski has a new 2021 update from the R/CU Board! Check it out now!
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We're making updates!
By: rcuwebmaster
The website creator I use to build the entire website has made some changes to their editor. Some of the features didn't make the cut on the updates, so I am having to investigate some updates and work-arounds! Please excuse some changes coming in the near months, and don't worry! All the latest news will still be at the top of this column, and the schedule will remain updated!
Thanks for your patience!
-R/CU Webmaster, Geoffry Grembowski
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Rest in Peace, Harry Gatjens
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to report that longtime member Harry Gatjens passed away last night.
Harry will be forever a part of R/CU, known for his hard-charging style and legacy of Budweiser boats. Not only that, he carried a sharp wit, with a unique sense of humor. Harry was also a longtime member of the R/CU Board, and volunteered for years as the race scorer.
Harry is 11th in R/CU career points and had 1 career victory, in the 2000 Diamond Cup. We know that he joins fellow R/CU legends in boat racing heaven, likely challenging Bernie Little to a race!
From R/C Unlimiteds to the Gatjens family, we extend our deepest condolences. Further information will be provided as we receive it.