Alabama State Parks
stay | Play | Explore
Natural!
Whether you’re a camper, glamper, or a friend of our beautiful lodges, cottages, and cabins, we have a place for you.
From mountaintop hikes to beachside breaks and every dynamic trail in between, natural beauty and recreational activities await at 21 Alabama State Parks! Fill your time with adventure, rest, or a little bit of both!
Plan your lodge stay, road trip, or camping getaway today!
Above: Kinlock Falls. Below (left to right): Pinhoti Trail, Cahaba River, Oak Mountain.
Welcome to Guntersville
It is my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the Guntersville City Council and the citizens of our beautiful lake city to HydroFest 2025. We invite you to visit and experience the beauty of nature all around you as you enjoy some of the best boat races anywhere.
Guntersville is a unique city surrounded by 69,000 acres of beautiful water, gorgeous views and a warm and friendly community. We hope you visit our Downtown Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is adjacent to the City Harbor development, both of which offer great shopping and dining experiences. Guntersville offers its citizens and our many visitors all types of water-based recreation opportunities, some of the best bass fishing in the world, and a thriving cultural arts community. The Guntersville Museum, Mountain Valley Arts Council and the Whole Backstage Theater provide arts and entertainment for all ages.
Guntersville can offer you all the amenities of a larger city, while maintaining the friendliness and charm of a small town. We hope you enjoy HydroFest and your experiences here in this very special place we get to call “Home”!
HydroFest 2025 Planning Committee
Rutland
Brian Vaughn
Brian Walls
Kristy Wilson
Wendy Zahn
2025 Guntersville Lake HydroFest presented by Pinnacle Peak Consulting
Saturday, June 7, 2025
8:00
HydroFest Gates Open
8:00 - 9:00 Open testing for all classes
9:00 - 9:15 Opening Ceremonies
9:15 – 9:30 Exhibition run: Vintage Hydroplanes
9:30 – 10:00 Grand Prix Heat 1A, sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union
10:00 – 10:30 Grand Prix Heat 1B, sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union
10:30 – 11:00 Grand Prix Heat 1C, sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union
11:00 – 11:30 H1 Unlimited Heat 1, sponsored by Marshall Co. Economic Development Council
11:30 - 12:00 Offshore SuperStock, sponsored by Care Plus
12:00 – 12:30 F200 Tunnel Heat 1, sponsored by Citizens Bank and Trust
12:30 - 1:00 Stock Outboard Marathon, sponsored by Farm Fresh
1:00 – 2:00 Break on water for lunch
2:00 – 2:30 F200 Tunnel Heat 2, sponsored by Aqua Services
2:30 – 3:00 Offshore Superstock, sponsored by Care Plus
3:00 – 3:30 H1 Heat 2, sponsored by Guntersville Water Board
3:30 - 4:00 Grand Prix Heat 2A, sponsored by Randy Jones and Associates
4:00 – 4:30 Grand Prix Heat 2B, sponsored by Randy Jones and Associates
4:30 – 5:00 Grand Prix Heat 2C, sponsored by Randy Jones and Associates
5:30 Gates Close
Sunday, June 8, 2025
8:00 HydroFest Gates Open
8:00 – 8:30 Exhibition run: Vintage Hydroplanes
8:30 – 9:00 H1 Unlimited Heat 3, sponsored by Guntersville Electric Board
9:00 – 9:30 Grand Prix Heat 3A, sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals
9:30 – 10:00 Grand Prix Heat 3B, sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals
10:00 – 10:30 Grand Prix Heat 3C, sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals
10:30 – 11:00 Vintage Hydroplanes
11:00 – 11:30 H1 Unlimited Heat 4, sponsored by Allen Land Surveying
11:30 - 12:00 F200 Tunnel Championship
12:00 – 12:30 Stock Outboard Marathon, sponsored by Farm Fresh
12:30 - 1:30 Break on water for lunch
1:30 – 2:00 Grand Prix Last Chance Qualifier
2:00 – 2:30 H1 Heat 5, sponsored by Craneworks
2:30 – 3:30 Offshore Superstock Championship
3:30 – 4:00 Vintage Hydros
4:00 – 4:30 Grand Prix Championship
4:30 - 5:00 H1 Southern Cup Championship
Team Allen Lawn Care and Landscaping, S-17
Driver: Randy Keys
Throttleman/Owner: Billy Allen
Homeport: Des Moine, Iowa
Primary Sponsors: Allen Lawncare & Landscaping, Allen
Roll Off, Karl Chevrolet, Hot Bob Racing
Team Mom Ain’t Happy S-55
Driver: Tom Kennedy
Throttleman/Owner: Scott Blumberg
Homeport: Illinois
Primary Sponsors: GoFastBoatService and Patriot Bank
DrinkKelo.com S-47
Driver/Owner: Dale McEachern
Throttleman: Austin Blocker
Homeport: Canada
Sponsor: Kelo Energy Drink
The Firm Racing Team S-3
Driver/Owner: Pete Riveiro
Throttleman: Ricky Maldonado
Homeport: Florida Keys
Primary Sponsor: Mikalyzed
Cocosmonkey.com S-39
Driver: A.J. Bogino
Throttleman/Owner: Pete Bogino
Homeport: New York State
Primary Sponsor: cocosmonkey.com
Celsius S-43
Driver/Owner: Chris Hopgood
Throttleman: Jay Muller
Homeport: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Primary Sponsor: Celsius
Raymarine S-89
Driver/Owner: Cole Leibel
Throttleman: Gary Ballough
Homeport: Canada
Primary Sponsor: Raymarine
Speedmaster Performance Marine S-23
Driver: John Demeino
Throttleman/Owner: Mike Demeino
Homeport: Long Island, NY
Primary Sponsor: Speedmaster Performance Marine
Team Bermuda S-25
Driver: David Selley
Throttleman/Owner: Steven Bridges
Homeport: Bermuda
Primary Sponsor:
Nuff Said Bermuda S-12
Driver: Luis Martins
Throttleman: Andy Stoneham
Homeport: Bermuda
Demonbikini.com S-33
Driver: Leanna Shadlow
Throttleman/Owner: Chad Havens
Homeport: Texas
Primary Sponsor: Demon Bikini
Diggin Deep Racing S-28
Driver/Owner: Andrew Miller
Throttleman: Todd Defillipps
Homeport: New York State
Wozencraft S-8
Driver/Owner: Jeremy Tschida
Throttleman: Julian Maldonado
Homeport: Minnesota
Primary sponsor: Wozencraft
Hi-tech Deck S-54
Driver: Matt Jamniczki
Throttleman/Owner: Shaun Torrente
Homeport: Fort Myers, FL
Primary Sponsor: Hi-tech Deck
Photos by Pete Boden
J. Michael Kelly - U-1 Beacon Electric, Strong Racing
J. Michael Kelly piloted the U-1 Beacon Electric for the Strong Racing team in 2024, following a standout 2023 season where he earned his second National Championship and his first “U-1” hull designation. Over his impressive career, Kelly has won 2 APBA Gold Cups, 2 H1 Unlimited National Championships, and holds 26 World Records across various classes. He is a 14-time National Champion, a 10-time APBA Hall of Champions inductee, and a 17-time H1 Unlimited race winner. Kelly captured his first H1 Unlimited hydroplane victory at the 2009 inaugural U.I.M. World Championship Oryx Cup in Doha, Qatar. With two race wins in 2021 (Guntersville and San Diego), he secured his first Driver’s High Points Championship and repeated the feat in 2023 while also clinching the Team National Championship. With a career spanning 21 years, Kelly stands among the most seasoned and accomplished drivers on the circuit. When not racing, Kelly works as a lead carpenter in the Pacific Northwest. A graduate of Kent Meridian High School in Kent, WA, he lives in Bonney Lake, WA, with his wife Angela and their sons Brennen, Carson, and Asher.
Brandon Kennedy - U-6 Miss Madison, Miss Madison Racing
2025 marks Brandon Kennedy’s debut in the H1 Unlimited series, taking the wheel of the U-6 Miss Madison. A fourth-generation racer with over 20 years of experience, Kennedy has earned a reputation as one of the most accomplished inboard drivers in North America. He is a 10-time winner at Régates de Valleyfield, a Grand Prix Challenge Champion, and a multi-time HRL Grand Prix Series Champion. Kennedy holds three standing hydroplane records and is a two-time APBA Hall of Champions inductee. Brandon has captured championship wins in multiple classes, including 2.5 Stock, H350, and Grand Prix. He began racing at age 14 and won a Summer National Championship in just his third weekend on the water. With a proven track record of consistency, speed, and championship success, Kennedy now brings his experience and winning pedigree to the Unlimited ranks.
Corey Peabody - U-9 Beacon Plumbing, Strong Racing
Corey Peabody started racing outboard hydroplanes alongside teammate J. Michael Kelly in 1998. He became a qualified H1 Unlimited hydroplane driver in 2016, and since then has driven for three different teams. Peabody joined Strong Racing in 2021 and scored his first career Unlimited win at that season’s HAPO Columbia Cup, in the hometown of owners Darrell and Vanessa Strong. In a thrilling victory at the 2022 Guntersville Lake Hydrofest, he won the prestigious APBA Gold Cup. He was the only driver to post podium finishes in every race of the 2021 season, and won all but one heat he entered during the 2023 season. The 2024 season saw Peabody grab wins in Tri-Cities and the APBA Gold Cup in San Diego – his second Gold Cup victory. As part of a team reorganization in late 2022, Peabody also assumed the responsibilities of Team General Manager.
Jamie Nilsen - U-11 Flav-R-Pack, Unlimited Racing Group
Jamie Nilsen transitioned to Unlimited Hydroplane racing after a successful career in Inboard Hydroplanes, where he captured the 2013 5-Liter National Championship and multiple Grand Prix titles. He made his Unlimited debut in 2010 with Billy Schumacher’s U-37 “Miss Peters & May,” officially qualifying as an Unlimited driver in 2013 aboard the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing entry. In 2014, he earned his first Unlimited heat victory at the Madison Regatta. In 2025, Nilsen returns to the series driving the U-11 under the banner of Flav-R-Pac, bringing his experience, consistency, and calm command of the course to one of the sport’s most recognized teams.
Dave Villwock - U-27 Miss Apollo, BWR racing
Dave Villwock began his Unlimited Hydroplane racing career in 1992 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest champions in the history of the sport. Over an incredible career spanning more than three decades, Villwock has won 67 races, making him the winningest driver in the 119-year history of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. His achievements are unmatched: 10 National Championships (1996–2004, 2011), the most by any driver, including a record seven consecutive titles. 10 APBA Gold Cup victories (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), the most prestigious title in the sport. In recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments, Villwock was elected to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, where he will be officially inducted as part of the Class of 2026. Even today, Villwock remains a respected figure in the paddock, inspiring a new generation of racers with his unmatched record, technical mastery, and unwavering passion for hydroplane racing.
Andrew Tate - U-91 Goodman Real Estate, BWR Racing
Andrew Tate comes from a legendary boat racing family—his greatgrandfather, grandfather, parents, and younger brother have all raced competitively. He began his own racing career at age 11 in APBA Stock and Modified Outboard classes, earning multiple National Championships. In 2010, he transitioned to the Inboard category, continuing his winning ways in both the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and Hydroplane Racing League (HRL). In the HRL, Tate captured back-to-back Grand Prix Season Championships in 2022 and 2023, including consecutive wins in Valleyfield, Quebec. He also earned two victories in the H350 class in 2022 and was named the 2022 HRL Driver of the Year. Tate made his Unlimited Hydroplane debut in 2016 behind the wheel of the U-9 Delta/Realtrac for Mike and Lori Jones. That same year, he won the Seattle Seafair Cup and was named H1 Unlimited Rookie of the Year. He has since amassed 11 Unlimited race wins, including a prestigious APBA Gold Cup victory in 2018. An honor he shares with his father, Mark Tate, as the only father-son duo to have won the trophy. Tate is a 2-time H1 Unlimited National Champion (2018, 2024) and has been inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions 5-times total in 4 different years (2010, 2015, 2018, and twice in 2025).
Guntersville ignites the 2025 Grand Prix Challenge and Championship season
Guntersville, Alabama, once again sets the stage for high-speed excitement as it hosts the opening round of the 2025 Grand Prix Challenge. For the second consecutive year, this scenic Southern venue launches the premier series in Grand Prix hydroplane racing. Notably, this year’s event also marks Guntersville’s inaugural inclusion as a points-paying round in both the Grand Prix America (GPA) and Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) championships, uniting top-tier competitors from across North America.
The Grand Prix Challenge, a collaborative initiative between GPA and HRL, is a three-race series designed to spotlight the elite of Grand Prix hydroplane racing. The 2025 series unfolds across three iconic venues:
• Guntersville, Alabama – June 6–8
• Madison, Indiana – July 4–6
• Valleyfield, Quebec – July 11–13
Each stop presents unique challenges — from varying water conditions to passionate local fanbases — testing the skill and adaptability of every team. The series emphasizes consistency and performance, with cumulative points determining the Grand Prix challenge champion. Last season, that honor went to GP-35 TKO Racing, with Brandon Kennedy behind the wheel.
Guntersville’s inclusion in both the GPA and HRL championships signifies a collaborative effort to elevate the sport’s profile and competitiveness. This dual-sanctioned event brings together a diverse field of 12 Grand Prix teams, each aiming to make a strong start in their pursuit of championship glory.
As the thunderous roar of 1,500-horsepower engines fills the air, fans can anticipate thrilling deckto-deck battles, showcasing the pinnacle of hydroplane racing. The outcomes here will set the tone for the season, influencing standings in both the Grand Prix Challenge and the overarching GPA and HRL championships.
With its rich history and enthusiastic community support, Guntersville provides the perfect backdrop for this high-octane kickoff. As the boats line up and the green flag waves, the 2025 season officially begins, promising a summer filled with speed, strategy, and spectacular racing.
Owner: Roger Mahan
Homeport: Far Hills, NJ
Driver: Jimmy King and Dylan Runne
Sponsors: Jesel Custom Shop, Bert’s Transmissions & Mr. Race Oil
2025 Grand Prix America
Race Teams
Owners: Jerry and Greg Hopp
Homeport: Snohomish, WA
Driver: Greg Hopp
Sponsors: Old Trapper Beef Jerky, Stetner Electrical, Inc, Foodland Plus
Owner: Bryan Richards
Homeport: Snohomish, WA
Driver: Kevin Eacret
Sponsors: Richards Racing
Owner: Larry Linn
Homeport: Olympia, WA
Driver: Ed Preston
Owner/Driver: Jack Lupton
Homeport: Waverly North Island, New Zealand
Owner: Bryan Richards
Homeport: Snohomish, WA
Driver: Austin Eacret
Sponsors: Richards Racing
Owners: Ed and Andrea Thompson
Homeport: Street, Maryland
Driver: John Shaw
Sponsor: Koolkat Motorsports
Owner: Marco Therrien
Homeport: Quebec, Canada
Driver: Eric Langevin
Sponsor: Plomberie Sylco
Owner: Mike Grendell
Homeport: Boynton Beach, FL
Driver: Jeff Bernard
Sponsors: Reliable Diamond Tools
Owner/Driver: Ken Lupton
Homeport: Waverly North Island, New Zealand
Race Course:
Races are conducted as closed course (circle track style) marathons. The course is rectangular as opposed to an oval auto track, non-surveyed, with an average of four pins/turns. The total distance of one lap is approximately two-thirds of a mile.
Qualifying:
One lap, time trial races are run to determine the starting grid for the qualifying race. Line up positions for the match style races are determined by the fastest times calculated in the one lap time trial. The overall finish in the qualifying rounds sets up the positions for the Championship Finals.
The Start:
A modified LeMans (dead engine – driver in the boat) start from a dock or seawall is used. For Guntersville, the boats will start at the beach area. Race craft are held in position by crew members and when the dock referees determine that everyone is in the correct position, the chief referee fires the one-minute gun warning flare. Tension mounts as the announcer ticks off the seconds. The starter, usually in the primary rescue boat, raises the flag at 20 seconds to the count-down then drops it at their discretion, anytime between 19 and zero seconds.
The final Race:
Most final racing events start with a field of 10 to 20 extreme tunnel boats with racers representing different countries, mostly the US. The field races on a course of 4 pins or buoys and are generally ½ to ¾ mile in distance. Boats are lined up on a dock and are set going from a dead start, all at once. The total number of laps range between 20 and 30, and last for approximately 30 minutes, while offering a continuous and exciting racing experience. The first driver past the checkered flag after completing the set number of laps in the least amount of time without earning any penalties is the winner. The remainder of the field is judged on their positions on the racecourse, after the winning boat is declared. Official results are posted at the conclusion of technical inspection.
EMERGENCY: DIAL 911
First Aid Tents are Located in Zone 1 & zone 2 NOT ALLOWED INSIDE EVENT VENUE: NO DRONES, PETS, HOVERBOARDS, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLES, MOTORIZED VEHICLES, ALCOHOL, HARD SHELL/ROLLING COOLERS, TENTS, WEAPONS INCLUDING KNIVES OR GUNS.
ZONE 1 ZONE
First Aid / Lost and Found
Personal Tent Space
Handicap Entrance
Pit Tour Bus Pickup
Information Center
Viewing of Start/Finish Line
First Aid
TVA Aquarium
Classic motorcycle display
Merchandise for H1
ZONE 1
STOCK OUTBOARDS
Outboard racing is no stranger to Guntersville, Alabama. In 1961 and 1962, it was home to the Stock Outboard National Championship, which attracted drivers from all over the United States and Canada to compete for the coveted US title. While many things have changed since the early 60’s, the passion for racing inches above the water has been kept alive by members of the American Power Boat Association.
In recent years, Marathon racing has increased in popularity again. During the 1950’s to about 1970, Marathon races were held throughout the country and tested not only the drivers skill, but also put the equipment to the test. Some notable marathons from that time were the 250-mile race, in which drivers raced down the Hudson River from Albany to New York City. Some more grueling marathons included: the 100-mile race on the Saint Lawrence River in the 1000 Island Region of New York, and the 92-mile Winnebagoland Marathon held in Milwaukee. While these gut buster races are no longer held, drivers still travel the country looking for that thrill. The largest marathon held in the US today, is held every summer in Indian River, Michigan. Nearly 100 drivers across 5 classes travel 87 miles over two days, often in rough conditions through the inland waterways of Michigan.
Today, it is more common to find 20 minute marathons at local races held within Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey. Being able to bring this style of racing to the Guntersville Lake HydroFest means a lot to the sport, not only because it is a historic body of water, but it also features racing alongside the H1 and GPA. Over the weekend, stock outboards will race two, twenty-minute marathons. Drivers will be staged for a Leman start near the finish line, right in front of the spectators. When the flag drops, the race begins and fans will see 12 foot boats traveling at speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour, inches from the water and each other. What sets stock outboard racing apart from the larger boats, is the ability to make both right and left turns.
ASR Class
Drivers
and Home State
Maddie Pfalzer - 919-V Charlevoix, Mi
Dominick Trolian - 47-M Milan, Mi
Elliot Allen - 136-M Lake Odessa, Mi
Summer Dircksen - Waterloo, IN
25SSR Class
Drivers
and Home State
John Wlodarski III - 24-J Newton, NJ
Chris Ritz - 911-M Cadillac, Mi
James Klein - 91-M Davisburg, Mi
Larry Klein - 90-M Davisburg, Mi
Ryan Schwanger - 25-F St. Augustine,Fl
Conner Handy - 133-M Detroit, Mi
Hal LeDuc - 212-M White Lake, Mi
Marissa Affholter - 51-M Bad Axe, Mi
Mike Affholter - 51-M Bad Axe, Mi
Will Affholter - 77-M Bad Axe, Mi
CSR Class
Drivers
and Home State
Chase Fairbairn - 44-M Harbor Springs, Mi
Chris Harley - 22-J Wellesley Island, NY
Eric Wienczak - 83-M Highland, Mi
Garin Janicki - 201-M Harbor Springs, Mi
Jamison Janicki - 202-M Harbor Springs, Mi
John Janicki - 20-M Harbor Springs, Mi
Jacob Smith - 145-M Harbor Springs, Mi
Mac Pfalzer - 999-V Charlevoix, Mi
Mark Weber - 55-M Detroit,Mi
Mike Akerstrom - 8-B Westford, Ma
Mike Parrott - 696-M Hudsonville, Mi
Nick Hooten - 48-F Winter Haven,Fl
Paul Teike - 85-M Levering, Mi
Thomas Schlarb - 78-F Grand Rapids, Mi
Tim Appel - 294- J Warrington, PA
Experience the beauty of Marshall County with the New Trails Guide
More than 70 miles of trails wind through three state parks in Marshall County, Alabama, providing the perfect way to step into the woods this summer. From water trails that follow the lake to steeper climbs that overlook mountains and valleys, these paths give way to some of the best views around Lake Guntersville.
For those looking to get out on the water, there are several paddle trails that offer scenic views and remain tucked along the shoreline or in coves where the water stays more shallow and less congested. Lake Guntersville State Park offers kayaks for rent if you don’t have your own boat.
Marshall County Tourism and Sports has developed a hiking and paddling guide that will be available for free at the mobile visitor center, located near gate 2. The mobile visitor center has other visitor information as well including the Alabama Visitor’s Guide and brochures featuring great restaurants and attractions in and around the lake.
This year celebrates “Year of Alabama Trails,” and the new hiking and paddling guide is the perfect way to stretch your legs and experience a little more of Marshall County while you are here for the races. Each of the county’s four cities have paved trails. Some highlight murals and local art, others showcase the natural beauty of the lake and still others have stops along the way for younger children to play and have fun. For even more information, visit our website at explorelakeguntersville.com.
Building Tomorrow Together
Quality service is the main ingredient in everything we do.
At Bu alo Rock, every day we strive to provide quality service to our customers. It’s a reputation we’ve built for more than a century, and a source of pride to us. We are equally proud of the communities we serve, and we stay dedicated to making them better places to live and work. The positive impact that we have in the places we do business will always be one of the most important services we o er.
www.explorelakeguntersville.com
