BWR Racing: Bruce Ratchford’s bold vision for hydroplane’s future
Since 1964, Bruce Ratchford has never missed a hydroplane race in his hometown of Tri-Cities, Washington. Raised in the roar of Unlimited thunder, the passion started in the stands—but it didn’t stop there. After decades as a fan, Ratchford stepped into the sport in 2024 by sponsoring the U-27 Miss Apollo, owned by Charley Wiggins and driven by hydroplane legend Dave Villwock. That experience sparked a new dream—one that now becomes reality with the launch of BWR Racing.
Starting in 2025, Ratchford—owner of Apollo Mechanical—will enter the H1 Unlimited circuit as a rookie team owner with a powerful two-boat lineup. BWR Racing will officially debut at testing in Tri-Cities on May 17, and the paddock will be watching closely.
“We build people who build great things.”
— Apollo Mechanical’s philosophy, and Bruce’s guiding principle for BWR Racing
A veteran and a champion at the helm
Returning to pilot the U-27 Miss Apollo is none other than Dave Villwock, the winningest driver in H1 Unlimited history. With 67 career victories and ten APBA Gold Cups, Villwock brings unmatched experience and intensity. In 2024, he teamed up with Ratchford and Charley Wiggins on the U-27 Miss Apollo, and now continues that journey under the BWR Racing banner.
Joining him is the charismatic and fiercely competitive Andrew Tate, who will take command of the U-91 Goodman Real Estate. A fourth-generation hydroplane racer, Tate captured the 2024 H1 Unlimited National Championship and previously won the prestigious APBA Gold Cup in 2018 in Detroit. He’s one of the brightest stars in the sport—sharp, fast, and a fan favorite.
Together, Villwock and Tate represent two of the most respected names in the sport—one bringing legacy, the other driving the future.
The fleet: A new era begins
Bruce Ratchford recently surprised the H1 world when he purchased the assets of Miss Madison Racing, Inc., marking the end of an era for the legendary team after 63 seasons. With 41 victories, Miss Madison Racing ranked second all-time, behind only Bernie Little’s Miss Budweiser dynasty. Ratchford will officially take over operations on January 1, 2025.
His fleet now includes three Unlimited hydroplanes:
U-27 Miss Apollo: the former Wiggins Racing hull, driven by Dave Villwock
U-91 Goodman Real Estate: a 2018 hull, driven by Andrew Tate
Miss Madison 2007 hull: retained as a backup boat
Both primary boats will compete full-time on the 2025 H1 Unlimited circuit under the BWR Racing banner.
Not just racing—A mission
Bruce’s entry into team ownership is rooted in more than competition. His vision for BWR is about revitalizing the sport and creating lasting impact:
“I want fans to have fun, I want new sponsors to get involved, and I want to give more teams the chance to compete,” he says. “More boats mean better shows. That’s how we grow hydroplane racing.”
As a longtime partner of the sport, Ratchford isn’t new to commitment. Apollo Mechanical has multi-year sponsorship agreements with two of the sport’s marquee races—Seafair in Seattle and the Tri-Cities Water Follies. Now, with a full-time team on the circuit, that commitment deepens.
His goals for BWR Racing are as clear as they are ambitious: raise the sport’s visibility, attract new partners, put competitive boats on the water, and foster a team culture built on trust, unity, and mutual respect. And yes, like every team in the series—compete for the National Championship and chase a Gold Cup.
Looking ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the U-27 and U-91. The chemistry between Villwock and Tate, the quality of equipment, and Bruce’s people-first leadership make this rookie team anything but ordinary.
It may be Bruce Ratchford’s first year as an owner—but it certainly won’t be quiet. From fan zones to finish lines, BWR Racing is here to make waves.
And for hydroplane fans across North America: May 17 is just the beginning.