Two of Chelan’s “Hydro Guys” are Headed to the Gold Cup Race
by Dennis Rahm
Have boat, will travel. That’s the mantra for Chelan residents Mitch Evans and John Walcker as they travel this week to Detroit, Michigan transporting the restored Breathless II unlimited hydroplane “back home”.
The Breathless II will be showcased for public viewing and will make a few demo runs at this weekend’s 2018 Spirit of Detroit Gold Cup Hydrofest on the Detroit River.
The hydro was built in 1957 and has run under a number of different names and hull numbers over the years. The boat has 26 race seasons under its hull and was purchased a few years back by Evans who has lovingly restored it at his Chelan shop.
For its trip to Detroit, the hull has been wrapped and temporarily named Blue Chip. The boat was purchased by the Gordon family, owners of Fairlane Tool of Michigan and ran from 1963 to 1965 as the U-80 Blue Chip.
The Gordon family offered a sponsorship fee if Evans would rebrand the boat, come to Detroit for the Gold Cup festivities and allow the boat to be displayed at Detroit Machine Works. For a couple of guys who live and breathe all things hydroplane related, it was an offer too good to pass up.
