BUCKET LIST RACING
U-40 FLAV-R-PAC
BUCKET LIST RACING
U-40 FLAV-R-PAC
Dustin drove the U-40 for the Bucket List Racing team in 2024, following an eventful 2023 season. Following a record-setting qualifying performance at the 2023 Guntersville Lake Hydrofest, where Dustin laid down a 171.294 mph lap, a massive blowover in Madison put the team in a tough place for the rest of the season. Through massive effort by the crew, they did return for the Tri-Cities and Seattle events, and Dustin finished the 2023 campaign in third place with 4181 points.
Dustin qualified as an Unlimited driver in 2017 piloting Bucket List Racing’s U-440, the smallest boat in the field with the least powerful engine, and was named Rookie of the Year. Echols and his team appeared at every points race held during the 2017 campaign and made it to the final heat twice. The team ended the season with a sixth-place finish in the final national standings.
Dustin had extensive experience in limited hydroplane racing before his debut in the Unlimiteds.
- Began racing outboard hydroplanes at 10 years of age
- Rookie of the Year at Seattle Drag & Ski in 2004
- Western Inboard Divisional champion in 2004, 2005 and 2006
- National 2.5 Mod champion in 2005 and 2006
- World 2.5 Mod champion in 2005 and 2006
- Set 2.5 Mod kilometer straightaway record at 137.279 which still stands today
- National champion of N.A.C.C.S. in 2008 and 2009
- Raced Grand Prix from 2010 through 2016, setting a record in 2010 at 116.129 mph
- H1 Unlimited Rookie of the Year in 2017
- Set the 5th-fastest qualifying speed in Unlimited history in 2023 on Lake Guntersville: 171.294 mph
Dustin’s hydroplane is the former Go Fast Turn Left U-21, which Bucket List Racing acquired in February 2020.
A diesel and heavy-equipment mechanic, when Echols is not driving a race boat or watching his daughter race he is operating his business, Eastside Truck Repair. A graduate of Cedarcrest HS in Duval, WA, Echols lives in Monroe with his wife Rena and daughter Findley. He holds a degree in Diesel Mechanics.
Dustin has always admired the H1 Unlimited hydroplane class as the pinnacle of power boat racing and made driving an H1 Unlimited hydroplane an item on his bucket list – an item that is now a dream come true, driving one of the “big boats” in competition for the first time at the 2022 San Diego Bayfair race.
Kelly Stocklin is a local legend when it comes to boat racing. Stocklin’s racing resume dates back to 1974 and includes decades of competition in the major flat bottom classes, super stock, pro stock and pro comp. He was a long-time record holder in the pro stock category, part of the team that has set multiple runabout records in all classes. Kelly has been instrumental in the evolution and implementation of driver safety capsules in these classes.
In 1980, Kelly joined Squire Shop’s U2 unlimited team as crew member for four years. Shortly thereafter, he joined Ron Brown as an outside vendor on Budweiser’s first turbine attempt (T-1) while working in the nuclear energy field.
In 1997, Dave Villwock took over the Budweiser team and asked Kelly to join in starting a long-term, in-house propeller manufacturing project which ultimately produced the world’s fastest and most durable propellers. Today, Kelly and Dave continue to make the world’s fastest propellers.
In the early 1990’s, Stocklin’s first experience in the cockpit of a hydroplane came in the 7 liter class. He was an early participant in the Unlimited Light Class and long-time driver of Thunder Valley Racing’s supercharged UL.
Kelly and Sharon Stocklin teamed together to promote a more economical alternative to current forms of unlimited racing that is more suited to entry level and start-up teams. Together with Snuskitush Enterprises, they are helping promote the idea that new owners in unlimited racing can be successful competitors. In 2012, the Stocklins acquired one of the boats built for the G Class automotive series and is approved by H1 to run the boat as an unlimited using a Lycoming T-53 turbine power plant.
At age 61, when most have retired, Kelly Stocklin started his driving career in the Unlimited class and was named the 2012 H1 Unlimited Rookie of the Year. Having accomplished that bucket list item, he was happy to hand over driving responsibilities to Dustin Echols. Kelly manufactures the team’s gear boxes and drive shafts, and continues to supply propellers for Bucket List Racing and other H1 race teams.
In 2020, the Stocklins purchased a Lycoming T-55 powered hydroplane from Go Fast Turn Left Racing have campaigned it since racing began again after the COVID-affected 2020 season. The Bucket List team garnered a previous best finish of 5th place in National Championship points in 2021. The team finished 2023 in 3rd place with the U-40 hull.
Long-term Bucket List driver Dustin Echols takes the wheel of the U-40 again in 2024, following up on a 2023 season that saw him set the fifth-fastest qualifying lap in Unlimited history – 171.294 MPH – the fastest lap ever run in the 20+ years of the current fuel-restricted rules, and is hoping to score his first Unlimited win in what is now a very competitive hull.
- Home Port: Snohomish, Washington
- Founded: 2012
- Hull Built: 2007
- Builder: Dale Van Wieringen
- Designer: Dale Van Wieringen
- Boat Colors: Orange/Black
- Public Relations: Sharon Stocklin
- Length: 30′
- Width: 14′
- Weight: 6,500 Pounds
- Engine: Lycoming T55/L-7 Turbine
HAMILTON, MT
Adam has raced for years with both Unlimiteds and Offshore race boats. He specializes in turbine engines for commercial and recreational use. Adam joined the team in 2020 and his responsibility is left side deck, which includes engine installation, fuel flow adjustments, and much more.
EVERETT, WA
Bob has been a part of many teams in Unlimited racing. He joined the team in 2020, and his responsibilities are propellers and skid fin.
GRAND ISLAND, NY
Bob raced in the inboard category for years and has a long history of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. Bob joined the team in 2021 and he takes care of the right side deck, which includes fueling and engine installation/service.
TULALIP, WA
Mike has 46 years of experience as a Steamfitter, working construction projects ranging from power plants, ship building, nuclear plants and refineries. Mike joined the Bucket List Racing team in 2019. His abilities, knowledge and responsibilities have increased each year, and he has gained valuable experience in the areas of hull repair. He has primary responsibility for equipment truck organization.
TOWNSHIP, MI
Rachel has raced with many different teams since 2008. Rachel joined the team in 2021 and her responsibilities are data acquisition and video.
VANCOUVER, WA
Nelson has been in the sport for many years, as crew and referee. Nelson joined the team in 2023 and his responsibilities are skid fin and rear wing.
TOWNSHIP, MI
Alex has been a part of multiple teams in the past. He joined the team in 2021 and his responsibilities are data acquisition and video.
KENNEWICK, WA
Paul has been involved in many forms of boat racing ranging from flat bottoms, Unlimited Lights and Unlimiteds. He joined the team in 2016 and his responsibilities are right side deck and crane signal person.
MONROE, WA
Before he joined the team in 2020, Beau crewed in the inboard category for several years. His responsibilities include data acquisition and cockpit for the 440.
HAMILTON, MT
Thomas was crew chief of a Grand Prix hydroplane before he joined the team in 2021. His responsibilities include rear wing adjustments and canard maintenance.
HAMILTON, MT
Adam has raced for years with both Unlimiteds and Offshore race boats. He specializes in turbine engines for commercial and recreational use. Adam joined the team in 2020 and his responsibility is left side deck, which includes engine installation, fuel flow adjustments, and much more.
EVERETT, WA
Bob has been a part of many teams in Unlimited racing. He joined the team in 2020, and his responsibilities are propellers and skid fin.
GRAND ISLAND, NY
Bob raced in the inboard category for years and has a long history of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. Bob joined the team in 2021 and he takes care of the right side deck, which includes fueling and engine installation/service.
TULALIP, WA
Mike has 46 years of experience as a Steamfitter, working construction projects ranging from power plants, ship building, nuclear plants and refineries. Mike joined the Bucket List Racing team in 2019. His abilities, knowledge and responsibilities have increased each year, and he has gained valuable experience in the areas of hull repair. He has primary responsibility for equipment truck organization.
TOWNSHIP, MI
Rachel has raced with many different teams since 2008. Rachel joined the team in 2021 and her responsibilities are data acquisition and video.
VANCOUVER, WA
Nelson has been in the sport for many years, as crew and referee. Nelson joined the team in 2023 and his responsibilities are skid fin and rear wing.
TOWNSHIP, MI
Alex has been a part of multiple teams in the past. He joined the team in 2021 and his responsibilities are data acquisition and video.
KENNEWICK, WA
Paul has been involved in many forms of boat racing ranging from flat bottoms, Unlimited Lights and Unlimiteds. He joined the team in 2016 and his responsibilities are right side deck and crane signal person.
MONROE, WA
Before he joined the team in 2020, Beau crewed in the inboard category for several years. His responsibilities include data acquisition and cockpit for the 440.
HAMILTON, MT
Thomas was crew chief of a Grand Prix hydroplane before he joined the team in 2021. His responsibilities include rear wing adjustments and canard maintenance.
The current U-40 began life as the 1990-31 and was rebuilt in 2007 by the Go Fast, Turn Left team and designer/builder Dale Van Weiringen. It now carries hull number 2007-21. The hull was significantly upgraded in 2021 after being acquired by the Bucket List team, with improvements to most areas of the hull, resulting in the fastest speeds it has ever produced.