Dustin Echols steps out of Bucket List Racing cockpit
SNOHOMISH, Wash. – Dustin Echols has stepped out of the Bucket List Racing U-40 unlimited hydroplane for the last time. The timing to step away from the driving duties was right for him.
“Our family is very excited for the new year”, Echols said. “2025 is going to bring a lot of changes to us. Fin is a freshman in college, working full time and will be racing as much as her time allows. Rena has a wonderful new career that she’s enjoying and excelling at, and I love supporting her in it.”
He said he also will be focusing on his diesel shop and some fun activities with the family.
With Echols at the wheel, the team accomplished a world speed record for a qualifying lap (fuel restricted) in June 2023, recording a 171.294 run on Lake Guntersville, Ala. That lap stands as the fifth-fastest qualifying speed in the history of unlimited hydroplane racing.
He raised the season points standard for the team in each of his years as driver, as well. In 2023, the team finished with 4,184 points and in third place in the standings, which was an all-time high for Bucket List Racing. In 2024, Echols topped that effort with another third place finish in the standings, and another all-time high with 5,151 season points. He also is winner of five heats and has four podium finishes, including second place at the Tri-Cities Columbia Cup in 2023 and third place at the same race in 2024.
“I can’t thank Kelly, Sharon and the entire Bucket List team enough for giving me such a great opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Echols said. “I also have to say thank you to all of our team’s fans,” Echols said. “There’s a legion of loyal Bucket List fans across the country who love our team and I always felt that at every race site. I will see you guys on the shoreline.”
“Dustin will always be a valued part of the Bucket List Racing team,” co-owners Sharon and Kelly Stocklin said. “We very much appreciate the contributions he made to our success.”
Stocklin said the team has not yet chosen a new driver for the U-40.
Dustin Echols steps out of Bucket List Racing cockpit
SNOHOMISH, Wash. – Dustin Echols has stepped out of the Bucket List Racing U-40 unlimited hydroplane for the last time. The timing to step away from the driving duties was right for him.
“Our family is very excited for the new year”, Echols said. “2025 is going to bring a lot of changes to us. Fin is a freshman in college, working full time and will be racing as much as her time allows. Rena has a wonderful new career that she’s enjoying and excelling at, and I love supporting her in it.”
He said he also will be focusing on his diesel shop and some fun activities with the family.
With Echols at the wheel, the team accomplished a world speed record for a qualifying lap (fuel restricted) in June 2023, recording a 171.294 run on Lake Guntersville, Ala. That lap stands as the fifth-fastest qualifying speed in the history of unlimited hydroplane racing.
He raised the season points standard for the team in each of his years as driver, as well. In 2023, the team finished with 4,184 points and in third place in the standings, which was an all-time high for Bucket List Racing. In 2024, Echols topped that effort with another third place finish in the standings, and another all-time high with 5,151 season points. He also is winner of five heats and has four podium finishes, including second place at the Tri-Cities Columbia Cup in 2023 and third place at the same race in 2024.
“I can’t thank Kelly, Sharon and the entire Bucket List team enough for giving me such a great opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Echols said. “I also have to say thank you to all of our team’s fans,” Echols said. “There’s a legion of loyal Bucket List fans across the country who love our team and I always felt that at every race site. I will see you guys on the shoreline.”
“Dustin will always be a valued part of the Bucket List Racing team,” co-owners Sharon and Kelly Stocklin said. “We very much appreciate the contributions he made to our success.”
Stocklin said the team has not yet chosen a new driver for the U-40.