Jimmie Johnson Blue Blaster tribute took center stage on Friday, August 1, as the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion honored hydroplane racing icon Bill Muncey at Lake Washington during Seattle’s yearly Seafair festivities. Nearly 46 years since his first encounter with the iconic Blue Blaster, Johnson returned to the water, thrilling fans as he approached speeds of 100 miles per hour in the legendary boat.
Returning to a Childhood Dream at Seafair
Back in 1978, Jimmie Johnson, then only four years old, was lifted onto the side of the Atlas Van Lines Blue Blaster hydroplane in the San Diego Bay. Fast forward to today, Johnson, now 49, piloted the restored vessel to honor Bill Muncey, widely regarded as one of racing’s greatest figures. The demonstration was part of Seafair weekend in Seattle, bringing both nostalgia and excitement as Johnson navigated the powerful hydroplane through Lake Washington’s waters.
During his tribute run, Johnson nearly reached the 100-mph mark in the iconic boat, originally mastered by Muncey in the 1970s and 1980s. Enthusiastic fans filled the shores and grandstands, eager to witness Johnson’s return to the water and his connection to a piece of motorsports history.
Johnson Shares His Emotional Experience
Reflecting on the day’s events, Jimmie Johnson described the emotional resonance of piloting the Blue Blaster after so many years away from his childhood connection to the sport.
“Climbing into the Blue Blaster was such a full circle moment,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
He went on to explain the unique thrill and challenge of handling such a legendary boat, noting the stark differences between racing on land and water.
“The speed in the water was so much greater than it is on land. In a car the faster you go the (downforce) just plants the car to the pavement, in the boat, the faster I went the more I thought it was going to fly away. It was absolutely wild.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
A Tribute to Bill Muncey and the Muncey Family
Bill Muncey, who tragically lost his life in the Blue Blaster in 1981, remains a revered figure in hydroplane racing. On this special occasion, Johnson expressed gratitude for the support he received, particularly from Muncey’s family, including his wife Fran and son Edward. Their presence at Lake Washington underscored the emotional significance of the tribute.
“I’m so thankful to the Muncey family and Carvana for their support,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
Johnson also recognized the crucial roles played by many within the hydroplane racing community and his own family.
“Even my Dad (Gary Johnson) made the trip to Seattle to see this thing go full circle. Chip Hanauer, David Williams and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum here in Washington, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Seafair, were all so great to work with, so I’m just thankful to all who made this dream a reality for me.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
The Restored Blue Blaster and Historic Connections
The Atlas Van Lines Blue Blaster, famous for its success decades ago, was thoroughly restored after sitting idle for 30 years. The vessel, weighing 5,600 pounds and powered by a 2,500-horsepower Merlin engine once used in British Spitfire fighter planes during World War II, replicated the raw power and racing spirit that made Muncey a legend. The restoration was a labor of love, allowing modern fans and racing veterans to witness a revival of the sport’s storied past.
Among those watching was Chip Hanauer, Johnson’s crew chief for the day and one of the most accomplished Unlimited Hydroplane racers in the world. Hanauer, with a record 11 APBA Gold Cup wins and fame from driving the Miss Budweiser, shared a history with both Muncey and the Blue Blaster. He guided Johnson through his tribute run, lending decades of experience to the event.
Fans Celebrate and Racing Legends Reunite
The excitement on and off the water was palpable. Spectators at Seafair’s Carvana grandstand and along the shoreline witnessed Johnson handle the hydroplane with a composure and skill that reflected his championship pedigree. The scene evoked memories of Richard Petty pacing Darlington Raceway in a throwback tribute car, as Johnson himself extended his time on the water by running an extra lap that drew a black flag from officials—a nod to motorsport’s storied traditions.
Legacy, Memories, and What’s Next
Jimmie Johnson’s Blue Blaster tribute served not only as a personal milestone but also revitalized the legacy of Bill Muncey, reminding both new and longtime fans of the daring spirit that defines hydroplane racing. The powerful collaboration among racers—including Hanauer, David Williams, and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum—as well as the support from organizations like Carvana and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, highlighted the deep ties within the sport’s community.
The exhibition run and behind-the-scenes footage will soon be available on Johnson’s YouTube channel and through H1 Unlimited’s race coverage, allowing the celebration and tribute to reach audiences worldwide. Johnson’s return to the Blue Blaster marks a touching chapter in his storied racing career, blending motorsports history with heartfelt appreciation and renewed excitement for the future of hydroplane racing.
