Silverdale Thunder replaces

Just two weeks after the Graham Trucking Cup Unlimited Light Hydroplane races at Seafair, Graham Trucking will again be a dominant presence, this time in Silverdale.

The Graham Trucking Cup at Silverdale Thunder is Aug. 18-19 on Dyes Inlet with a makeover. This is the third year for this popular event at Silverdale Waterfront Park, formerly known as the quicksilver hydroplane and watersports festival.

The festival is a production of the Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association in partnership with local volunteers from the Silverdale area and features entertainment for the whole family with up-close access to the hydroplane drivers.

Graham Trucking Inc., a container hauling company that owns and operates one of the largest super chassis fleets in the Northwest, is a name familiar to boat racing fans. Robert Graham has been an active sponsor of hydroplane racing for years and has just announced his endorsement and sponsorship of the Silverdale races. Other sponsors already announced include Peninsula Subaru/Suzuki, West Marine, Sunbelt Rentals and Countrywide Home Loans. The Official Radio Station of the Graham Trucking Cup at Silverdale Thunder is KNBQ.

The Graham Trucking Cup at Silverdale Thunder might be called the ultimate fan’s race. The same Unlimited Light hydroplanes that will race at Seafair this week will return to Dyes Inlet in Silverdale two weeks later. The Silverdale races will start early in the day, ending early enough that the working hot pits can be opened up to the public, giving fans the opportunity to see their favorite hydroplanes up close. Drivers will be on- hand with pictures and cards for autograph collecting and plenty of racing souvenirs will be available at the race site for purchase.

In addition to the Unlimited Light hydroplanes on Saturday and Sunday, there will be racing heats of the 4- and 8-cylinder Lighter-than-LIGHTS, considered the smaller brothers to the ULs.

For more information on the event, visit ULHRA online at www.ulhra.org.

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