KENNEWICK, Wash. – The 2026 Tri-Cities Water Follies officially got underway Friday as H1 Unlimited teams hit the Columbia River for the opening day of qualifying, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of racing.
Jimmy Shane and the U-27 Miss Apollo topped the speed charts with a blistering lap of 164.506 mph. Andrew Tate and the U-1 Miss BWR Racing followed closely at 163.064 mph, while Dylan Runne continued his impressive season by putting the U-40 Bucket List Racing third overall with a best speed of 161.238 mph.
Jamie Nilsen and the U-11 posted the fourth-fastest qualifying speed of the day at 160.656 mph, followed by J. Michael Kelly and the U-00 at 160.387 mph, giving the field five boats over the 160 mph mark.
Behind the Badge
Earlier in the day, H1 Unlimited proudly partnered once again with the Behind the Badge Foundation to honor the families of fallen first responders. Drivers, crews and teams welcomed families into the pits, offering behind-the-scenes access and sharing the unique experience of Unlimited hydroplane racing. The annual program remains one of the most meaningful traditions on the H1 Unlimited schedule, celebrating the service and sacrifice of those who gave everything in the line of duty.
Schedule
Following discussions between race officials and the competing teams, Qualifying Round 2 has been rescheduled for Saturday morning and will replace the previously scheduled morning test session. Qualifying Round 1 will remain as originally scheduled.
