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The legendary voice of hydroplane racing, Steve Montgomery, takes us on a nostalgic journey through his extraordinary career and lifelong passion for the sport in this captivating conversation. Steve shares the path that led him to becoming a broadcasting legend. This episode is packed with insider stories and connections that shaped hydroplane racing for decades. Don't miss part two next week as Steve continues sharing tales from his broadcasting career and sponsorship adventures. 

*Photo from the Steve Montgomery Collection

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Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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The tides are turning for hydroplane racing. In this revealing conversation with H1 Unlimited Chairman Mike Denslow, we explore how a passionate group of business leaders and lifelong fans is systematically rebuilding one of America's most unique motorsports.

Growing up in Pasco watching hydroplanes thunder across the Columbia River, Denslow shares how his childhood fascination evolved into a mission to save the sport he loves. The formation of HydroTown marked a turning point, bringing professional business acumen to address longstanding challenges. 

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, we explore the excitement surrounding H1. For hydroplane racing fans old and new, this episode offers insight into how passion, business savvy, and community spirit are combining to propel this historic motorsport toward a brighter future.

Photo by Craig Barney at Unlimiteds.net

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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Time to dive into hydroplane racing's 2025 season following the H1 pre-season test session in Tri-Cities, where boats hit impressive speeds and fans got their first glimpse of this season's contenders. HydroDan (one of the creators of the Deck2Deck Hydroplane Fantasy League) joins the podcast as we chat about what to expect this season with H1.
Also, don't forget to sign up for the free Deck2Deck Fantasy Hydroplane Racing league at deck2deck.us and join the Rooster Tail Talk group to compete against other listeners this season.

Photo by Digital Roostertails

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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Ted Porter shares the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments from his decade-plus career as a hydroplane racing team owner. His journey from rookie team to dominating the sport includes winning the national high points championship in their first season, securing five world championships in Doha, and finally capturing the elusive Gold Cup in Detroit. I pick up that talk from last week's episode.  Don't miss part 2 and the conclusion to my interview with Ted Porter!

Also, I hop you can join us for H1's season kickoff this weekend in Tri-Cities, Washington for their annual spring testing. Look for us at the event in our Rooster Tail Talk shirt - come say hello!

*Photo by Digital Roostertails

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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Ted Porter shares his journey from Formula Boats family business to becoming an H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing team owner who claimed 18 victories and multiple championships. His decade-plus career in the sport represents one of the most successful ownership tenures in modern unlimited racing history. Join us next week for Part 2 of our interview with Ted Porter as he shares more stories from his time as one of the sport's most successful team owners.

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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We take time to remember and celebrate Don Mock, a great friend of the hydroplane racing community who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. His extraordinary contributions as a talented craftsman, museum board member, restoration specialist, and musical composer shaped the hydroplane community in countless ways that often went unrecognized. Please share your memories of Don on social media. Listen to his song "Flight of the U10" from his album Basement Tap Tapes to remember and celebrate his legacy.

Notable links:

Don Mock on Spotify

Don Mock Double Guitar in Concert 1985

Scale Hydroplane Video created by Don Mock

Madison Movie model boats

1982 Atlas Van Lines Restoration 

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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David Newton steps back from his host duties as Don Mock from the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum turns the microphone around for part two of an in-depth conversation about David's lifetime in RC hydroplane racing. This fascinating conclusion dives deep into the technical aspects of driving radio-controlled boats from the shore—a completely different challenge than being in the cockpit of a full-sized unlimited.

Links:

Newton Marine

R/C Unlimiteds

ERCU

Classic Thunder

Offshore Electric

RC Boatcompany

Rattlesnake RC

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? In this special episode, the microphone flips as Don Mock of the Hydroplane Race Boat Museum sits down with host David Newton to uncover the story behind the voice of Roostertail Talk. Don asks David about his childhood and where the love of hydroplane racing began.  They talk about big hydros, small RC hydros and everything in between. Join us next week for part two of this revealing interview!

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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John Walters pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey through the world of unlimited hydroplane racing in this captivating conclusion to our three-part interview. After surviving a catastrophic crash in 1982, Walters shares the remarkable story of love and support from family, friends and others kept him in the sport. Throughout the interview, a powerful thread emerges about mental health awareness – a cause Walters champions through his upcoming book. Listen now to experience the insights from one of hydroplane racing's most respected figures and discover why John Walters remains a beloved ambassador for the sport.

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new

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The evolution of hydroplane racing sits at the heart of this captivating conversation with John Walters as he picks up where our previous episode left off, diving deep into his pivotal years working alongside the sport's most influential innovators. From working with Muncey, Lucero, Heerensperger and other greats from the sport, John shares his insight and stories from a special time in racing. This is part 2 of the John Walters interview.  Tune in next week for part 3!

Support the show

Help the podcast by subscribing to our new service, Roostertail Talk+. The podcast is still free to all on our website and through all major podcast platforms (such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Castbox, etc) but with Roostertail Talk+ there is more you can enjoy ! With this service you will get early links to new episodes, enjoy access to extra content, raffle prizes and more. This is a new service that we will be adding to as we move along. As always your support to make this show grow is very appreciated! https://www.buzzsprout.com/434851/supporters/new