Owner/Driver: Jim Whyte

Hometown: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Yearly Boat Points Finishes

2024: 11407 points, 5th of 27 boats

2023: 9110 points, 6th of 21 boats

2022: 12402 points, 2nd of 23 boats

2021: 8352 points, 3rd of 21 boats

2020: Not held due to COVID-19

2019: 9488 points, 3rd of 13 boats

2018: 6707 points, 5th of 12 boats

Unlimited Hydroplane Info

U-1

Hull #7701

The Blue Blaster came to life in 1977, with Bill Muncey at the wheel. One of the most famous boats in hydroplane history, the boat immediately was quick, capturing championships in two seasons. The boat flipped in Acapulco, Mexico in 1981, killing legendary driver Bill Muncey. However, the boat has been restored to its glory in honor of Muncey by the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum.

In 1977, the boat debuted and ran in all 9 races. Muncey piloted the boat to victories in 6 races including the opener at Miami and the Gold Cup in the Tri-Cities, but was bested by the Miss Budweiser for the national high points. In 1978, the team won 6 of 7 races and took the championship. 1979 would result in another championship, with another 7 victories in 9 races. In 1980 the team would be surpassed by the Miss Budweiser, but they finished 2nd in the season points standings with 4 wins in 10 races. 1981 would be tragic, as the team finished 3rd in points with a single win at Evansville, however Bill Muncey was killed in the final event at Acapulco, Mexico, in a crash.