SEATTLE, Wash. — Andrew Tate driving for the Sound Propeller/Les Schwab hydro won the Albert Lee Appliance Cup at Seafair Sunday.
[ >> See photos from Seafair here ]
It was his first big win, beating Jimmy Shane driving the royal blue HomeStreet Bank hydroplane.
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“The kid deserves everything,” Shane said of the 26-year-old. “He’s a hard charger.”
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Tate also beat J. Michael Kelly, Brian Perkins, Jeff Bernard, Jimmy King, and veteran driver Jean Theoret, who was disqualified from the final and then return after the disqualifying penalty was reversed on appeal.
Tate described the race as intense and “unbelievable,” especially after a rougher go late last month in the Tri-Cities.
"I can't thank everyone enough," said Tate, excited to bring the championship trophy back to his hometown of Detroit. "I never saw so much blue in a rear view mirror in my life."
Kelly, who won the last two Albert Lee Cups at Seafair, was fifth. Brian Perkins, who drove the Albert Lee Appliance boat, was third
Graham Trucking Seafair Cup
The Graham Trucking Seafair Cup for the Formula 1 power boats was taken by Chris Fairchild after a wild start.
F1 driver Will Hough was in the first lap of the final when his boat flipped. A rescue boat sped to save him, but Hough was already out when rescuers arrived, scooped him up and took him to shore.
It is not known if Hough was injured, but he gave the thumbs up signal as medics brought him to shore.
In the Grand Prix West Final, Greg Hopp won driving for Gratitude Sailing.
The King County Sheriff's Office said they encountered an increased number of drunken boaters during Seafair weekend. <a href="http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/sheriff-deputies-have-big-day-with-drunken-boating-patrols/419121765">Click here to read more</a>.
See video of the Seafair highlights, including the Blue Angels and hydroplane races on the KIRO 7 Seafair page.
Results from races throughout Seafair Sunday
H1 Unlimited Race Results
Formula 1 Race Results
The final heat was only one lap in when driver Will Hough flipped going to fast into a corner. He was able to get out of the boat on his own but was rescued by medics. Watch the video below.
NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the third place winner in the Albert Lee Appliance Seafair Cup Final.