Kennewick, Wash. — Friday, June 2nd was the official testing for the H1 Unlimited hydroplanes in the Tri-Cities. This year the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington showed off their newest absolutely beautiful, restoration, the 1973 Pay 'n Pak unlimited hydroplane.
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| Dr. Ken Muscatel leaves the Neil F. Lampson Pits for the first running of the newly restored Pride of Pay 'n Pak from 1973. |
With oversight from Museum director David Williams, the restoration team, and drivers Dr. Ken Muscatel and Mike Hanson, the Pak made four runs on the Columbia River in their first public showing.
A large crowd was on hand to witness the event and they were not disappointed. On the final run of the day, Mike Hanson buzzed the shoreline to the total delight of the fans. When Mike stepped of the boat he said, "Sometimes you just gotta have some fun.
Also on hand was the U-1 HomeStreet Bank with champion Jimmy Shane, U-9 Jones Racing Les Schwab with Andrew Tate, u-21 PayneWest Insurance with Brian Perkins, U-440 with Dustin Echols, and Grand Prix West GP-15 with Greg Hopp.
All the boats made multiple runs and no major issues came up. it was a great day on the shores of the Columbia River.