Chasin Tails Podcast

This one is about legacy—plain and simple.In Episode 83 of Chasin’ Tails, Huey Newport walks through a lifetime in hydroplane racing. From getting started in the early days to becoming a major force in Grand Prix, this is his story told the way it actually happened.We’re not just talking highlights. Huey gets into the grind, the near wins, the turning points, and the decisions that shaped not only his career—but parts of the sport itself.You’ll hear about the boats, the people, and the moments that stuck with him. The races that almost went his way. The ones that changed everything. And the evolution of racing through his eyes as both a competitor and a builder.This is what a real racing legacy looks like.In this episode:Huey’s full journey through hydroplane racingKey races and moments that defined his careerThe evolution of Grand Prix and boat designLessons from decades of competitionRivalries, partnerships, and staying in the gameWhat the next generation needs to understandReal moments:“We almost won the ‘72 Nationals”“The ‘81 Nationals changed everything”If you care about where this sport came from—and where it needs to go—this is one you listen to all the way through.Follow Chasin’ Tails for more conversations that actually matter in boat racing.

This isn’t a polished press release. It’s a real look inside what it takes to keep a top-tier hydroplane team on the water.In this episode of Chasin’ Tails, we sit down with the crew behind Miss Madison Racing to break down everything happening right now—from boat repairs and engine decisions to race strategy and the reality of funding a competitive program.We get into the details most people don’t see:• What actually goes into repairing and rebuilding these boats• How teams think through engine options and performance limits• The strategy behind testing, lane choice, and race prep• Why funding is still the biggest hurdle—especially for the West Coast swing• The push to keep vintage boats alive and why that matters to the sportThere’s also a real look at team dynamics, travel challenges, and what it takes to stay competitive heading into marquee events like the Gold Cup and the Madison Regatta.If you want to understand hydroplane racing beyond what you see on race day, this is the episode.

For 80 episodes, Brandon’s been the one asking the questions… this time, the script flips.The Chasin’ Tails crew pulls off a surprise and puts Brandon Kennedy in the hot seat as the official guest of Episode 81—whether he was ready or not.From getting his start as a kid in the pits to climbing through every class in hydroplane racing, Brandon opens up about the moments that shaped him—on and off the water. The early days, the chaos, the wins, the crashes, and everything in between.The guys dig into:How Brandon really got started in boat racing (and the stories you haven’t heard)The progression from stock classes to Grand Prix and UnlimitedLessons learned from running with some of the best in the sportThe highs that defined his career—and the moments that tested itWhy certain classes hit different (and where the real competition lives)It’s part interview, part roast, and part behind-the-scenes look at one of the voices—and drivers—helping push the sport forward today.You’ve heard him tell everyone else’s story.Now it’s his turn.

Major changes are coming to hydroplane racing, and we’re digging into what it all means.In Episode 79 of Chasin’ Tails, Brandon, Kyle, and Austin are joined by Jonathan Abbott to break down the new starting procedures, lane assignments, and race format changes being introduced in H1 Unlimited. Change in motorsports is never easy, and this conversation gets into the real challenges teams, officials, and drivers face when trying to move the sport forward.Jonathan walks through why these rule changes are happening, how the new lane selection process works, and what it could mean for race strategy, competition, and the fan experience. From technical adjustments to the politics of making change in racing, nothing is off limits.The crew also dives into race strategy, boat setup discussions, stories from the pits, and the kind of behind-the-scenes conversations that only happen when racers get together.If you care about where hydroplane racing is heading, this episode is one you need to hear.Topics in this episode:• New H1 Unlimited starting procedures• Lane assignments and race strategy changes• How rule changes impact teams and drivers• Race format evolution in hydroplane racing• Behind-the-scenes stories from the racing community• What the future could look like for the sportWhether you love it or hate it, change is here—and the racing world is about to find out what works.

This week on Chasin’ Tails, we sit down with one of the most dominant and polarizing figures the sport has ever seen — Dave Villwock.This isn’t a highlight reel interview. This is the real conversation.Dave takes us through the evolution of unlimited hydroplanes from the inside. From learning the ropes as a kid around the boats, to becoming one of the most feared competitors in the sport, to reshaping how hulls, propellers, and race strategy are approached today.We dig into:The shift from riding to driving — and the mental load that comes with itWhat he learned studying legends and how mentorship shaped his edgeThe technical side of winning: propeller engineering, hull balance, and making boats easier to driveWhy team chemistry matters more than horsepowerThe psychology behind dominating a fieldReal-time penalties, rule enforcement, and what unlimited racing gets wrongThe importance of drivers having personality — even if that means being the villainDave opens up about equipment failures that cost races, relationships with owners that changed careers, and why collaboration behind the scenes often matters more than what fans see on the water.We even get into the wild crossover between racing innovation and government engineering projects — including how propeller design knowledge extended far beyond boat racing.If you care about how boats actually go fast…If you want to understand the thinking behind the throttle…If you love the nuts and bolts of unlimited racing…This one’s for you."You just wait."Episode 78 is live.

Episode 77 is a full reset on where boat racing stands right now.Brandon and Bobby are joined by guest host Kyle Bipes as they break down everything that came out of the APBA banquet. What changed, what didn’t, and what still feels broken. From rule shifts and class combinations to transparency issues in IRC meetings, this one digs into the stuff racers are actually talking about in the pits.They’re joined by Gunner O’Farrell, who shares his racing journey, the technical challenges that come with running at the front, and how family involvement has shaped his path in the sport. The conversation dives into the two-and-a-half mod rule changes, why certain classes are gaining momentum, and how racing regulations are adapting as boat counts fluctuate.The episode also takes a hard look at racing governance, fan engagement, and why marketing powerboat racing can’t be treated the same across every division. There’s real discussion around future race formats, improving the on-water product, and why collaboration across classes and regions is critical if the sport is going to grow.They wrap it up with rapid-fire questions, honest opinions, and a few laughs, because trying to fix boat racing without humor is a losing battle.If you care about where powerboat racing is headed and want honest conversation instead of surface-level takes, Episode 77 delivers.

In Episode 76 of Chasin’ Tails, we dive head-first into the conversations everyone in boat racing is having — whether they’re saying it out loud or not.From engine regulations and prop debates to safety standards, fuel gray areas, and the future of racing classes, this episode tackles the real issues shaping the direction of hydroplane racing. We break down why controversies spark engagement, how tech innovation can help (or hurt) participation, and why clarity and transparency in the rulebook matter now more than ever.We’re joined by Rob Brackett, who brings valuable insight into engine development, emerging packages, and what racers need to consider as rules evolve. We also debate one-day race formats, combining classes to boost boat counts, spec vs. claiming props, and how marketing decisions influence class identities.This episode isn’t about stirring the pot — it’s about moving the sport forward through open discussion, collaboration, and honest feedback from the people living it every weekend.💬 “It’s not an SFI rated seat.”🏴‍☠️ “It’s a pirate class!”🚀 “We need to keep advancing.”Whether you’re a racer, crew member, official, promoter, or fan — this one’s for you.

In Episode 75 of Chasin’ Tails, Brandon, Austin, and Bobby recap the highs, chaos, and behind-the-scenes grind of the recent Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) Gala, breaking down what it really takes to pull off a major night celebrating the sport of hydroplane racing.From live-show technical hiccups to production challenges, the crew shares what fans don’t see—and why those moments often create the most memorable stories. The episode welcomes Dominic Roy, who offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the HRL Gala, the importance of audience engagement, and the teamwork required to elevate the event year after year.The conversation shifts into deep hydroplane history as the group reflects on iconic races and unforgettable moments at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, including legendary finals, tight turns, and the technical demands that separate winning setups from the rest of the field. Dominic shares personal anecdotes, favorite races, and insights into how comfort, safety, and confidence in the cockpit directly translate into lap time.To close out the episode, the crew zooms out to the bigger picture—discussing marketing, brand-building at race sites, and how better storytelling and social engagement are critical to growing hydroplane racing heading into the 2026 season.If you love behind-the-scenes stories, racing history, and honest conversations about where the sport is headed, this episode is for you.

In Episode 74 of the Chasin’ Tails Podcast, the crew dives head-first into the state of hydroplane racing — what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change for the sport to grow.We break down race formats, rule proposals, engine regulations, inspections, safety, and the real cost of racing, while talking openly about fairness, cheating deterrents, and why participation and community matter just as much as performance.This episode also explores:The role of the APBA and IRCWhy race scheduling conflicts hurt participationIdeas like one-day race formats, regional series, and travel pointsHow engine innovation could lower costs and improve competitionThe importance of strong inspections, safety standards, and governanceWhy camaraderie and community are the backbone of the sportIf you care about the future of hydroplane racing, this is an honest, no-filter conversation you don’t want to miss.💬 Jump in the comments — what rule would you change first?🔔 Subscribe for more racing conversations, industry insight, and real talk from inside the sport.

Brinton, newly inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions. JT shares his journey through flat bottom racing, what makes these boats so unique to drive, and why the challenge and thrill keep racers coming back.The conversation explores the evolution of racing classes, the history of K boats, and what it takes to chase speed records on the water. JT also opens up about his family’s racing legacy and his parallel career in the music industry, offering a rare look at life both on and off the course.The hosts dig into big-picture topics shaping the sport today—including safety discussions, capsules versus traditional boats, the economics of racing, scheduling conflicts, and the need for stronger communication across organizations. Looking ahead, they share predictions for the upcoming season and talk about what it will take to revive flat bottom racing and grow the sport for future generations.Packed with insight, debate, and plenty of racing passion, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves boat racing and the community behind it.