Fan Favorite Returns To Madison

Former World Champion, and 1985 Madison Regatta Winner, Unlimited hydroplane driver Steve Reynolds will be returning to Madison for the 2002 Budweiser Madison Regatta Presented by Cruisin' Auto.

Steve will be a special guest of the Bob Snelling Vintage Memorial Event. Steve will be working directly with Vintage Chairman Joe Johnson during race weekend helping to promote the Vintage Hydroplanes.

Steve will be conducting a one time special event called the "KIDS PIT TOUR".  Also helping Steve with the tour will be former Miss Madison drivers Jon Peddie, Ron Snyder and current Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison driver Steve David. The "KIDS PIT TOUR" comes from a real life experience that happened at a Seattle race. The occurrence, as told to Mr. Johnson by Steve, was during a T.V. interview.  Steve noticed some local kids who did not have the funds to take the pit tour. Steve stopped the interview and made arrangements for the children to be able to come into the pits and have a closer look at the gigantic hydros and meet some of the Unlimited drivers. 

Steve's love for children is very special to him. He said that his best medicine is seeing the smiles on those kids faces. For this reason, Steve will lead a group of about 30 children on the "KIDS PIT TOUR" here in Madison. It's a sure bet that there will be plenty of smiles from not only the children, but from the four racers as well. 

Steve Reynolds is no stranger to the Vintage Class. Mr. Reynolds was the owner of the N-10 "White Lightning", a 225 class hydro that shared many records in it's career. The " White Lightning" was the first "Limited" hydro to sport a rear wing.

Running basically on the West Coast, Steve at one time won 99 consecutive heats of racing in this hydro. Quite a feat, and probably still unequaled today. In two years (1976-1977) Steve set three speed records with this hydroplane. These records were posted during five mile competition heats. In 1976 he posted a speed of 97.933 miles per hour. He bettered the mark driving the same hydro, but re-named Pride of Pay-N-Pak, his speed was 98.290 miles per hour, and in 1977 he once again bettered the mark by posting a speed of 98.847 miles per hour. At this last record run the hydro was once again re-named "White Lightning".

For the most part, Steve's career ended here in Madison with his terrible accident while driving the Miss Cellular One. After a long stay in the hospital, and many months of physical therapy, Steve continues to strive to attend racing events. He is now on a national tour and is attending most of this years Unlimited Lights events. We are fortunate that Steve can take time from his schedule and be a part of this years Bob Snelling Vintage Memorial Event, so once again, we welcome this FAN FAVORITE back to Madison.

Steve will take part in the Friday night parade riding on the lead Vintage Hydro "Obsession" with owner/driver Bill John and Vintage Chairman Joe Johnson. As part of the Vintage Event, Steve will be attending the Vintage drivers autograph session during race weekend. All of Steve's fans are encouraged to stop by for his autograph, and to listen throughout the weekend for interviews with Steve. 

For a action packed weekend of hydroplane racing including Unlimiteds, Vintage hydros from years gone by, limited hydro racing with the 2.5 Litres and action by National Modifieds, make plans to attend this years Budweiser Madison Regatta Presented By Cruisin' Auto, July 5-7 in beautiful Madison, Indiana.

More information can be obtained by calling the Regatta Headquarters at (812) 265-5000.