In fall of 2021, Nelson Holmberg set out to do something that hadn't been done in Vancouver, Washington for 43 years. He led an effort to bring hydroplanes to Vancouver, and here is the story:

THE GOALS

• Create a one-day unlimited hydroplane exhibition on the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA to test the market for an official race in future years.
• Raise awareness of unlimited hydroplane racing in a non-traditional market.
• Draw unlimited hydroplane racing fans from around the region to Vancouver.

THE PLAN

• Partner with H1 Unlimited for logistics and participating race teams.
• Partner with Visit Vancouver Washington for local tourism perspective, event promotion, and engagement.
• Partner with City of Vancouver for parks & recreation access, Fire and Police engagement, neighborhood outreach, impact analysis and event promotion.
• Partner with a total of 27 federal, state and local agencies for permits.
• Coordinate with barge lines for closure of the river in the race course area.
• Coordinate with River Safety Committee, local marinas and yacht clubs.
• Locate, site and equip pit area for four hydroplane teams.
• Sell sponsorships and promote to local media.
• Coordinate parking in the area.
• Coordinate volunteers for course boats and marshals.
• Communicate with restaurants on the waterfront with views of the race course.

THE RESULT

• Boats were in town on Thursday morning for a public display and meet & greet opportunity with drivers, owners and teams, prior to moving to the pits for set up and preparation.
• On Friday, May 22, 2022, the H1 Unlimited Vancouver Exhibition, presented by May Awning & Patio was held.
• Four boats ran, one boat at a time, in a controlled testing environment.
• Six sponsors covered the cost of putting on the event.
• Vancouver Police Department estimated 6,300 people in attendance on the Washington side.
• Vancouver was deemed desirable by H1 Unlimited, but logistical challenges -- including close proximity to Portland International Airport, restrictions to recreational boaters and an insufficient pit area -- were too much to overcome and Vancouver was not able to become a new race site.
  
• Despite the challenges, the event was deemed a massive success, because of the turnout on a Friday in May, the number of visitors to Vancouver, and sponsors paying the costs of the event.
• Economic impact of the event was estimated at $1.2 million.

H1 Unlimited livestreamer Brad Luce (left) interviews Nelson Holmberg.

All four boats conducted a meet & greet with fans in downtown Vancouver.

Participating boats in the pits prepare for testing

Testing on the water thrilled fans, and drew media attention.