Hydroplane Racing Tapestries

Before its 1992 dissolution, do-it-yourself retailer Pay 'N Pak Stores, Inc. sold a wide variety of products, from electrical and plumbing supplies to automotive accessories and sporting goods, and operated as many as 107 stores in 15 states in the western United States. At one time, Pay 'N Pak was a leading retailer in the industry and fielded a race-winning unlimited hydroplane named Pride of Pay 'N Pack that more than held its own against boats with big-name, national sponsors, including winning several championships.

Founded in 1962 by Stan Thurman, Pay 'n Pak was a home improvement chain based out of Kent, Washington that grew to 112 stores throughout the west in just three decades time. In 1969, Pay 'n Pak began their long history as a sponsor of an unlimited hydroplane racing team that would last through the early '80s. Playing off their racing sponsorship, Pay 'n Pak began offering many branded automotive and marine products in their stores, simply calling them 'Pay 'n Pack Racing Performance Rated.' From spark plugs and sealants and to motor oils and gas cans, the 'Performance Rated' line was a hit with consumers, even outlasting their sponsorship deals.

Powerboat Racing at Oulton Broad - Hydroplane - Wayne Turner

Bardahl oils vintage sign

Seafair is a summer festival in Seattle, Washington, that encompasses a wide variety of small neighborhood events leading up to several major citywide celebrations. While many small block parties and local parades occur under the auspices of Seafair, most Seattle residents associate Seafair with the Torchlight Parade (and accompanying Torchlight Run), Seafair Cup hydroplane races, and the Blue Angels. Seafair has been an annual event in Seattle since 1950, but its roots can be traced to the 1911 Seattle Golden Potlatch Celebrations.

Powerboat Racing at Oulton Broad - OSY400 - Sean Woods

Powerboat Racing at Oulton Broad - Hydroplanes - Wayne Turner

Peace, Love & Thunderboats - Pacific Northwest Style in Retro Pop Electric Green Colorway. Cascadia Loves Hydroplanes! Show your Hydro Love!

Photographic collage of the 1958 Alter Egos Unlimited Hydroplane racing boat.

One of the events of the year, , , back in the day!