30 Years Ago Today............

Thirty years ago today, October 18, 1981 in Acapulco, Mexico, the legendary careers of Bill Muncey and his Blue Blaster Atlas Van Lines came to an end. It was an awful day not only for friends and family of Bill Muncey, but for the other drivers and crews involved in the final-heat crash. Muncey was leading after a brilliant start when the Atlas blew over on the first lap. It was one of the lowest points for the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane racing.

So much of the direction the sport took, over the next decade, hinged back to that day. Innovations such as improved driver safety and faster and stronger boat designs were the legacy of October 18, 1981.

As we are now on the final phase of restoring this historic boat, everyone here at the museum will sadly always remember that day. But we’ll also happily remember the 24 other days where Bill Muncey and the Blue Blaster DID cross the finish line while leading the final heat.

-Don Mock