Send us a text

Mark Tate's path to hydroplane racing greatness wasn't just about raw talent—it required technical mastery, strategic thinking, and adapting to different race courses. In this revealing conversation, Tate takes listeners inside his 1994 Gold Cup victory with Smokin' Joe's Racing, explaining how this second Cup win differed from his first with Winston. Make sure you join us next week for the conclusion of our conversation with Mark Tate, where he'll share more stories about the characters and moments that defined this thrilling sport.

*Photo by Bill Osborne

Episode 153

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

Send us a text

David Newton sits down with hydroplane racing legend Mark Tate to discuss his remarkable career from outboard racing to becoming a Gold Cup champion in the Unlimited class. Mark shares stories about his family's racing legacy and his journey through the sport's highest levels. Join us next week for part two of our interview with Mark Tate where we'll continue exploring his storied racing career.

*Photo taken by Bill Osborne

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

Send us a text

The voice that defined an era of hydroplane racing returns for the captivating conclusion of our three-part interview with legendary broadcaster Steve Montgomery. Take a nostalgic journey through the golden age of unlimited racing as Steve shares extraordinary stories from his decades behind the microphone.

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

Send us a text

Radio waves meet rooster tails in this captivating continuation of our conversation with broadcasting legend Steve Montgomery. From creating iconic KISW "Miss Rock" advertisements to becoming the voice of unlimited hydroplane racing on ESPN, Steve reveals the creative genius and determination that defined his career. This is part 2 of 3 of the Steve Montgomery interview.  Look for part 3 to stream next week!

*Photo from the Steve Montgomery Collection

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

Send us a text

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. 

The Miss Spokane Restoration Website

*Photo from the Steve Montgomery Collection

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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