Renowned hydroplane driver Bill Muncey’s final ride, the Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster,” is nearing the end of its restoration at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent.
Museum volunteers began restoring
Atlas (launched in 1977) in January 2010. Barring any snags, you can see the restored hydro run exhibitions at the July 26-28 Lamb Weston Columbia Cup and the Aug. 2-4 Albert Lee Cup at Seafair.
Check out the Atlas restoration page on the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum website.
Muncey perished aboard the Blue Blaster in October 1981 when it flipped while leading the final heat of a race in Acapulco, Mexico. Muncey had broken his prescription goggles earlier and was racing without them, speeding toward a setting sun that further hindered his ability to “read” the water.
Atlas launched into a 175-mph blowover flip and landed on Muncey, killing him. Until 2011, the former Mercer Island resident had been the sport’s all-time winningest driver with 62 race victories.
