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.
• Communicate with restaurants on the waterfront with views of the race course.

THE RESULT

• On Friday, May 22, 2022, the H1 Unlimited Vancouver Exhibition, presented by May Awning & Patio was held.
• Four boats tested, one boat at a time.
• Six sponsors covered the cost of putting on the event.
• Vancouver Police Department estimated 3,600 people in attendance on the Washington side.
• Vancouver was deemed desirable by H1 Unlimited, but logistical challenges -- including proximity to Portland International Airport, recreational boaters and insufficient pits -- 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.