Hydroplane Racing League
395, rue Victoria J6T 1B7 Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC, Canada

This week, HRL presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, Inc. wishes Dominic Demers (January 14), Philippe Billette (January 15) and Dave Greenlaw (January 16) a happy birthday.

Ken Lupton: A New Zealand champion dreaming of success in the HRL By Denis Bourbonnais The Lupton name is closely linked to hydroplane racing in the Grand Prix class in New Zealand. The patriarch, Warwick Lupton, paved the way for his sons Ken and Jack who became references in the Hydro Thunder series....Continue reading

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Fans, drivers, crew members: have a very happy holiday season! Take this time to rest, we need you in top shape for the season ahead!

Grant Hearn: genetically constituted for speed By Denis Bourbonnais Carrying the family tradition as a 3rd generation driver, Grant Hearn has the genes to have a thirst for speed. His grandfather, Steve Hearn, was a pioneer of hydroplane racing in the 1930s, building and driving his own boats. He passed the torch to his son Richard Hearn, who relayed it to his son Grant, a racer since the age of 9....Continue reading

Twenty Thirteen marked the 75th edition of the historic Régates de Valleyfield. Glorious weather greeted the racers and fans on that special day. The 1.5 Litre class was filled with excitement. At the exit of the first turn, Tremblay, Shaw and Richards were deck to deck. Tremblay and Shaw had pulled away from the pack, when disaster struck for Tremblay! The CT-11 stopped on the backstretch. Grendell had a very fast machine, and never gave up. Using his inside lane advantage, ...little by little he caught up to Shaw and overtook him to claim first place. Behind him, John Shaw finished second and Leanna Richards third. Double champion at the last Valleyfield regatta; Donald Leduc wanted to go for a third victory in the waters of Baie St-François. He took matters into his own hands in the 2.5 Litre final with a perfect start. Leduc gave his opponents no chance and he dominated right to the finish. Yan Lecompte and Sylvain Maheu completed the all Valleyfield podium sweep. So many twists and turns in the Hydro 350 final. Brandon Kennedy got off to a great start and claimed an undisputed victory. The nail-biting action was behind him. The surprising Yannick Léger was on Kennedy's heels when, for a rare time, mechanics let him down. Sylvain Dorais followed and Mathieu Daoust fought hard until he made a hook. This left the way open for Dorais who finished second. Daoust managed to get back on track quickly and collected third place. What a special final in the Grand Prix class. Three guests from the Grand Prix West class had managed to carve out a place in the final. But our HRL pilots were ready to face them. What a start! At the exit of the first corner, the fans were jubilant. Kennedy, Marcoux and Haworth were three wide on the backstretch. Very fast, Marcoux broke away from his two competitors, but Kennedy left him no room for maneuver. Mechanical failure on the third lap ended Marcoux’s chances. Kennedy capitalized upon his collapse and captured his second victory of the day. Patrick Haworth finished second and Cal Phipps third. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races of the Valleyfield 2013 event.

With the finals having been canceled in St-Félicien, the next finals for the 2013 season were in North Tonawanda, New York. In the 1.5 Litre class, Michael Tremblay was at the wheel of the Steeler replacing Leanna Richards. Tremblay broke away at the start and his victory was never in doubt. The recent winner at Valleyfield, Mike Grendell Jr. settled for second place. Michael Tremblay's brother, Samuel, took third spot on the podium. There was a top notch field for the 2.5 Li...tre final. Sylvain Maheu looked like he was heading for an easy win when fans noticed he was slowing down. This was confirmed when Donald Leduc passed him to claim the victory. A tough fight was shaping up among Dominic Maisonneuve, Steve Armstrong, Bobby King and Yan Lecompte. Behind Leduc, Maisonneuve finished second and King third. The Hydro 350 final had to be stopped after Sylvain Dorais made a violent hook, heavily damaging his boat. At the second start, Norman Ensbury got off well and left his competition behind for a convincing victory. The race for third position became for second spot when Samuel Pagé-Morin also made a violent hook in the last corner. Brandon Kennedy took the opportunity to climb to second place, followed by Derec Smith who completed the podium. Lots of confusion in the Grand Prix final. The fans were wild with anticipation to finally see the two business partners Marc Théorêt and Ghislain Marcoux side-by-side. But, both the 101 and the 444 jumped the start. Thus, another penalty to Marcoux meant a disqualification for him. In addition to these two, Brandon Kennedy and Bert Henderson were also early at the start line. When all the penalties were assessed; it was Patrick Haworth who was declared the winner. He was followed by Joe Sovie and Marc Théorêt who despite everything climbed onto the podium. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races of the North Tonawanda 2013 event.

Yannick Léger is pursuing his dreams By Denis Bourbonnais The passion for hydroplane racing is too strong: Yannick Léger postponed his hiatus twice and retirement is no longer part of his career plan for the near future....Continue reading

This morning, instead of introducing one of our drivers, here are some more photos highlighting Mike Endres's contribution to the sport and especially to the Steeler GP-777. team. Photo credit: Marc-André Rhéaume

From the whole HRL family happy new year 2021

2021 CALENDAR The 2021 campaign, which runs from May to September, consists of eight events in Canada and the United States! We would like to stress that the holding of the events will be conditional to the sanitary guidelines provided by the health and government officials of the region where the event takes place.... That being said, we can't wait to get back on the road! See you next year!

This week, HRL presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, Inc. whishes a happy birthday to Karl St-Vincent (November 19th) and Michael Tremblay (November 22th)

Andrew Tate: instantly popular in the HRL by Denis Bourbonnais Undoubtedly a superstar in the Hydroplane Racing League, Andrew Tate is living a fairy tale with the fans since his very first outing on the Canadian racecourses of the HRL....Continue reading

Find out who will be the new faces, new boats and who will be back in the Grand Prix class on the HRL circuit in 2021. https://bit.ly/3eAFxO0

Le 3e et dernier Top 10 des photos de Pierre Langevin pour la classe Unlimited Light: ce vendredi, l'année 2002 et les débuts de Patrick Haworth en UL. The 3rd and last Top 10 of Unlimited Lights pictures taken by Pierre Langevin at the Valleyfield Regatta. Patrick Haworth drove not one but two UL boats.

For the penultimate event of 2012, the HRL traveled to Webster, Massachusetts. The big question; would Michael Tremblay finally manage to end Leanna Richards' winning streak in the 1.5 litre class? From the start, it was apparent that this was Tremblay's goal. Unlike the other finals this season, he was able to contain Richards and secure the victory. Behind Richards, Daniel Émond climbed to the third step of the podium. Having a good start is one of the keys to winning races.... That's exactly what Doug Rapp did in the 2.5 Litre final. He took off from the start and never glanced back. Chasing him, Mike Monahan in the Rewinder was fighting hard with Marco Poirier. It turned out Poirier jumped the gun, relegating him to 7th position. Behind Rapp and Monahan, Donald Leduc took third place. A major twist at the five minute gun before the Hydro 350 final. Norman Ensbury was unable to leave the pits. This development opened the door for Marc Lecompte. With a victory today, he would take the lead in the points championship. Well, that's exactly what Lecompte did. He gave his rivals no chance and won the victory handily. Behind him, Brandon Kennedy and Sylvain Dorais put up a good fight, but settled for second and third respectively. Tom Pakradooni was looking like the King of Webster. Winner there in 2011, Pak was aiming to repeat in 2012. That's exactly what he did in this Grand Prix final. Starting off like an arrow, Pakradooni left everyone in his wake. Behind him, Marty Wolfe tried to catch up, but the 88 was too fast. Fresh from his victory a few minutes earlier in the Hydro 350 class, Marc Lecompte edged out Ken Brodie at the finish line to take third place. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races of the Webster 2012 event.

This week, HRL presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, Inc. wishes Connor Handy (November 10) Ken Lupton (November 10), Mason McClure (November 12) and Gary Chalfant (November 14) a happy birthday.

We have learned with sadness of the passing of Mike Endres, a pioneer in hydroplane racing. We want to extend our condolences to his wife Terry, daughters Jill and Katie, and his son Al, as well as to our community, who is affected by Mike's departure. Thank you for all you have accomplished for our sport, as a promoter, leader, team leader, motorist and driver.... To read the Denis Bourbonnais' tribute: https://hrlhydroplane.com/en/mike-endres

This week for the quarantine questionnaire, Amanda Brodie is Steve Armstrong's guest.

We are proud to announce that a team has been added to the 2.5-litre class for the 2021 season, the S-50 Miss Behaved. The boat will be driven by the only woman on the circuit this season, the American Amanda Brodie, 21 years of age. The 4th generation driver rounds up the 2.5-litre class, which will be composed of nine teams as in 2019. Learn more here : www.hrlhydroplane.com/en/amanda-brodie-hrl

St-Félicien was the scene of the sixth HRL event of the 2012 season. In the 1.5 Litre class, Leanna Richards was looking for another race victory. From the start, Michael Tremblay was game to make this a contest. But too quick, Richards broke away on the second lap and won her third final in a row. Tremblay took second place, ahead of Leah Hoosick who rounded out the podium. The next final was 2.5 Litres. It was a good start as the eight drivers set off toward the first corne...r. Sylvain Maheu and Kent Henderson emerged first and second and were ready to rumble. Maheu, taking advantage of the inner lane, gradually increased his lead over Henderson to achieve a commanding victory. As for Henderson, he had to contend with Jesse Robertson, whose efforts were in vain because he had jumped the gun. Henderson finished second. Yan Lecompte took advantage of the CS-79 penalty to reach the podium. One’s misfortune can lead to the happiness of others. This old saying describes the Hydro 350 final to a T. From the first lap, just as before, Norman Ensbury and Marc Lecompte were side-by-side fighting hard for the top position. Behind them, Mathieu Daoust waited for the slightest error on the part of the leaders. It paid off because Ensbury and Lecompte were both too early at the start. This paved the way for Daoust’s very first career victory. Behind him, Marco Poirier and Martin Rochon were also rewarded and climbed onto the podium. In Grand Prix, Bert Henderson wanted to continue his winning ways. True to form, he had a good start. But a surprise awaited at the exit of the first corner! Norm Shannon was the new leader. What a race it was between Shannon and Henderson for several laps until bad luck struck the GP-104. A mechanical breakdown saw his hopes for victory go up in smoke. Henderson was handed the victory on a silver plate. Behind him, Ken Brodie Jr and Patrick Haworth completed the podium. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races for the St-Félicien 2012 event.

This week, HRL presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, Inc. wishes Kevin Smith (November 4) and Martin Rochon (November 8) a happy birthday.

Alex Tremblay: one of the hungry up-and-comers in the HRL by Denis Bourbonnais Alex Tremblay is an integral part of the future of the Hydroplane Racing League and embodies youth amongst the brotherhood of drivers....Continue reading

Un Top 10 de photos signées Pierre Langevin de la classe Unlimited Light aux Régates de Valleyfield en 2003. A Top 10 of pictures taken by Pierre Langevin of the Unlimited Light class in 2003 at the Valleyfield Regatta.

The Jersey Speed Skiff, Hydro 350, Formula 2500 and 2.5 litres classes will see many new faces, and some familiar ones, appear on the Hydroplane Racing League circuit for the next season. Following the 2020 calendar that was forced to be cancelled because of the pandemic, we can bet that the newcomers and veterans alike are eager to jump aboard their craft next year. Here is a look at the main changes to come: https://hrlhydroplane.com/en/changes-hrl-2021

Who would be able to repeat at the Régates de Valleyfield in 2012? That’s what the fans were anxious to know on a beautiful sunny Sunday on the shores of Baie St-François. If Leanna Richards had easily won the final on Friday; John Shaw was aiming to stop her from repeating on this double-header weekend. Taking advantage of the inside lane, Shaw gave the young Richards a run for her money throughout the race. But again, so fast with a newer boat, Richards held off Shaw's char...ges and secured her second convincing victory. Behind her and Shaw, Michael Tremblay rounded out the podium. Donald Leduc, grandson of the legendary Jules Leboeuf, could also achieve a double at the Régates de Valleyfield. Finding himself far behind in fourth place, his chances seemed slim. Then the news came; the first three jumped the gun, putting Leduc in the lead. Alongside him, Rob Stevenson was keen to win his first victory at Valleyfield. With exemplary driving, Leduc preserved his lead and achieved his second victory of the weekend. Rob Stevenson and Mathieu Lemelin took the other two podium steps. After the two classes of double-header wins; fans were chomping at the bit waiting to see if Norman Ensbury could pull it off as well. From the start, Ensbury answered the question in a convincing manner. Just like Friday, he took a commanding lead. Like Friday as well, Marc Lecompte set off in pursuit of Ensbury. Unfortunately, he learned moments later that he was too early at the start. This opened the door for Marco Poirier who finished second to the great delight of his family and friends. Claude Bergeron, with a brand new boat, gained the third step of the podium on his first 2012 race weekend. Bert Henderson also had the chance to achieve the double and make it a sweep. But Patrick Haworth had his eyes on the win as well, hoping to capture his first Valleyfield Grand Prix Championship. It was a good start for everyone. Haworth led the pack at the entrance to the first turn. But in a twist of fate, he missed the buoy and was obliged to take the corner a second time. This erased all Haworth’s chances of winning. Bert Henderson then found himself in the lead with Marty Wolfe at his side. Wolfe also was out to win his first victory at Valleyfield. Henderson was having none of it and gradually pulled away making it a perfect double victory weekend in every class. Wolfe settled for second and Norm Shannon had a solid third place. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races of the Valleyfield 2012 event.

If you were planning to invite one of our HRL drivers for dinner, see what you shouldn't serve them.

Jean Théorêt: a brilliant career that will be hard to match By Denis Bourbonnais Jean Théorêt holds his place amongst the stars of the motorboating sport with his career marked by exceptional feats in the highest levels of motorized hydroplanes, the Grand Prix and Unlimited classes....Continue reading

Un autre Top 10 de photos prises par Pierre Langevin dans la Ligue de Régates d'Hydroplanes: cette semaine, des bateaux en sens contraire. This week for HRL Top 10 pictures by Pierre Langevin: boats going the wrong way.

In 2012, organizers of the Régates de Valleyfield held a special racing event on the first day of the most prestigious event of the season. Late Friday afternoon, following qualifying, fans had the opportunity to watch the finals. Leah Hoosick and Michael Tremblay both had a good start in the 1.5 Litre class. But Leanna Richards hadn’t said her piece yet. With a faster machine than her two opponents, Richards caught up on the first lap and passed Hoosick on the second turn; e...ffectively deciding the final result. Behind her, Hoosick and Shaw put up a good fight and finished second and third. The 2.5 Litre final gave spectators a lot of bang for their buck. Donald Leduc and Marco Poirier launched forward leaving their opponents in their wakes. Side-by-side for a few laps, the race was decided when Poirier lost control in turn two. This paved the way for Donald Leduc’s win. Behind them, Rob Stevenson took the third position. Two names summed up the Hydro 350 final: Norman Ensbury and Marc Lecompte. From the start of the race, the two pilots dropped the pack to fight for top spot. Taking advantage of the inner lane, Ensbury managed to keep Lecompte at bay to secure the victory. Behind Ensbury and Lecompte, Brandon Kennedy driving Bill Vielhauer's H-8, was the best of the rest and claimed third place. The last race of the day was awaited with much anticipation. The Grand Prix final did not disappoint. The fans were on the edge of their seats watching three boats deck-to-deck emerging from the first turn. It is clear that Marcoux, Pakradooni and Henderson each wanted to be first into the second corner. But in reality, Pakradooni was not in the race because he and Marc Théorêt had gone ahead at the start. A little later, it was a heart breaker for Marcoux with mechanical failure. Henderson was left alone at the front and his victory on Baie St-François was never seriously challenged. Americans Ken Brodie Jr. and Marty Wolfe completed the podium. Visit our Youtube channel. You will find hundreds of videos to watch, including all the races of the Valleyfield Friday Challenge 2012.

Louis-Alexandre Beaudoin assures the future of the Jersey Speed Skiff class in Quebec by Denis Bourbonnais Driver and co-owner of a Vintage boat, racer in the Hydroplane Racing League and now builder: Louis-Alexandre Beaudoin represents the future of the Jersey Speed Skiff class in Quebec....Continue reading