BWR RACING
MISS APOLLO
BWR RACING
MISS APOLLO
Dave Villwock began racing in 1992 and is among the greatest champions the sport has ever known. He has won a total of 67 races, making him the most successful driver in the sport’s 119-year history.
In addition, his 10 national titles is the most by any driver in history, he won seven of those in a row (the longest streak in history), won nearly half of the races he entered (again, the best), won the most heats, and at over 67%, has the sport’s best percentage of heats won of those he has finished.
- Ten APBA Gold Cups (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
- Ten National Championships (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011)
- 67 Career Wins (#1 Overall)
- World Kilometer Straightaway Record – 220.493 MPH driving Miss Budweiser
- World Lap Record – 173.384 MPH driving Miss Budweiser
In the early 1980’s, Bruce Ratchford, started Apollo Mechanical with not much more than a truck and a couple of welding tables. Since then, Apollo has experienced remarkable growth, in reach, reputation, and revenue. What was once considered “the little guy from Kennewick” now provides large-scale mechanical contracting work for some of the most powerful organizations in the world.
Bruce’s key to success is the culture he instills in his company; a place where Safety, Integrity, Pride, Quality, Family, and Faith are the guiding lights, and where, as Bruce will tell you, “It’s all about the people.”
Now after nearly 45 years, Bruce has lead Apollo Mechanical to becoming the fifth largest mechanical contracting company in the United States.
Our name says it all.
Our founder, Bruce Ratchford, was inspired by the Apollo space missions: the American spirit, the unification of the American people, the ultimate team. Each member played an integral part in the success of the program – contributing to the team’s ability to achieve one of the greatest accomplishments in history.
From Apollo’s earliest beginnings, Bruce held the belief that building something truly great requires the efforts of every team member. From our first home (a small garage in Eastern Washington) to our current facilities in locations across the United States, Apollo’s success is built on the contributions of each and every member of our team.
The U-27 began life as the U-17 (hull# 2007-17) and was flipped in Madison, IN in 2017 and Seattle, WA in 2018.
After an extensive rebuild, the hull will carry hull #2024-27.