Strong Racing has announced a new primary title sponsorship for both its unlimited hydroplanes ahead of the 2026 H1 Unlimited season, with the team’s two boats taking on new names and race numbers rooted in the history of the sport.
Stephen Hayden, of Ellensburg, Washington, and his Tahoe Unlimited Museum have finalised an agreement to sponsor both boats. The partnership goes beyond branding: each hull will adopt the name, number, and paint scheme of a restored vintage hydroplane from Hayden’s collection.
New names, new numbers
The former U-8, driven by J. Michael Kelly, will race as “Maverick” carrying the number U-00. The former U-9, piloted by Corey Peabody, becomes “Tahoe Miss” under the number U-3. Both paint schemes are throwbacks to earlier eras of the Gold Cup, matching the restored counterparts owned by Hayden.
U-00 Maverick
Formerly the U-8. Paint scheme based on the restored U-00 Maverick.
U-3 Tahoe Miss
Formerly the U-9. Paint scheme based on the restored Harrah’s Tahoe Miss.
The restored hulls are both owned by Hayden, whose Tahoe Unlimited Museum preserves significant boats from the unlimited hydroplane era. The 2026 Strong Racing boats will sport the same period paint themes as their vintage counterparts.
Darrell Strong
I think it’s cool that we’ll be bringing renewed attention to these Gold Cup winning boats in such a way and I thank Stephen for coming aboard with Strong Racing. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season! – Darrell Strong, Strong Racing
Strong Racing runs two proven drivers in Kelly and Peabody. The Tahoe Unlimited Museum sponsorship covers both hulls for the full 2026 season.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
