KENNEWICK, Wash. – After an unforgettable weekend at the APBA Gold Cup in Madison, Indiana, H1 Unlimited heads to the Tri-Cities with momentum, compelling storylines, and a full nine-boat field ready to battle on the Columbia River at this weekend’s Apollo Columbia Cup.
Jimmy Shane reminded the racing world exactly why he’s considered one of the sport’s all-time greats. Returning to H1 Unlimited competition for the first time since stepping away following the 2022 season, Shane piloted the U-27 Miss Apollo to victory in the 2026 APBA Gold Cup, earning the prestigious trophy for the sixth time in his remarkable career.
Madison also showcased the resilience and determination that define H1 Unlimited racing. Racing in front of its hometown fans, the U-6 Goodman Real Estate presents Royer Miss Madison fought its way into the Gold Cup Final before immediately beginning the journey west to compete in the Tri-Cities. Their arrival adds another exciting chapter to an already impressive field.
The following teams are expected to compete in this weekend’s Apollo Columbia Cup:
- U-00 Beacon Plumbing presents Maverick — J. Michael Kelly
- U-1 BWR Racing — Andrew Tate
- U-3 Beacon Plumbing presents Tahoe Miss — Corey Peabody
- U-6 Goodman Real Estate presents Royer Miss Madison — Brandon Kennedy
- U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC — Jamie Nilsen
- U-12 Graham Trucking — Jeff Bernard
- U-21 Beacon Plumbing presents the Ronald McDonald House — Gunnar O’Farrell
- U-27 Miss Apollo — Jimmy Shane
- U-40 Bucket List Racing — Dylan Runne
High Points
The race for the 2026 H1 Unlimited National High Points Championship is tighter than ever. Following Madison, Jimmy Shane leads the standings with 1,680 points, while Andrew Tate sits just 111 points back with 1,569. J. Michael Kelly (1,345) and Corey Peabody (1,340) remain well within striking distance, setting up what promises to be a pivotal weekend in the championship chase. Every qualifying round, every heat race, and every final position on the Columbia River could prove decisive as the battle for the National High Points Championship continues.
Apollo Columbia Cup Schedule
The Apollo Columbia Cup schedule begins Friday with testing from 8:00 to 9:50 a.m., followed by two qualifying sessions beginning at 1:30 p.m. Racing continues Saturday with Heats 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B after the noon driver autograph session. Sunday’s action includes Opening Ceremonies at 9:15 a.m., two more rounds of heat racing, and the Apollo Columbia Cup Final at 4:30 p.m. (PT).
The Columbia River has long been recognized as one of the fastest race courses in H1 Unlimited, producing spectacular side-by-side racing and some of the highest speeds of the season. With nine teams expected on site and the championship battle intensifying, fans can expect one of the most competitive weekends of the 2026 campaign.
Fans can follow H1 Unlimited throughout the weekend on social media and watch every session live on the H1 Unlimited YouTube channel, beginning with Friday’s qualifying rounds.
