Dave Villwock, the winningest driver in the history of unlimited hydroplane racing, announced his retirement Tuesday.
“I don’t plan to drive again, but I will always be around boat racing,” Vilwock told the H1 Unlimited website. “If someone is trying to figure out why they don’t go fast, I might be able to help.”
Villwock was the H1 Unlimited National High Point Driving Champion in 2011, driving the Spirit of Qatar to wins at the APBA Gold Cup at Detroit, the Tri-Cities Lamb-Weston Columbia Cup and the Bill Muncey Cup in San Diego.
Vilwock retires with 67 wins, surpassing the late Bill Muncey, who had 62, and Chip Hanauer, who retired in 1999 with 61.
Prior to driving, his involvement as a crew chief and driver in the unlimited ranks, Villwock was one of the top drivers and engine builders in inboard hydro and flat-bottom racing.
Villwock has been awarded the APBA Gold Cup six times and captured the National High Point Driver Championship an astounding nine times. Villwock was the crew chief for Hanauer in 1990 and the pair became National High Point Champions with six wins in 11 races.
He recently drove the U-96 Spirit of Qatar (formerly U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus), and won 37 races, four Gold Cups and six national championships driving the Miss Budweiser.
"We had a great run together and celebrated many victories together," team owner Erick Ellstrom told the Auburn Reporter. "We are not aware of his future plans, but we wish Dave nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
The Seafair festival kicks off in 30 days, and the hydroplane races are held August 2-4.
KIRO
