This gallery features the spectacle of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. A sport that has evolved over the years with many safety improvements but I'll never forget the sight and sound of those early " Thunderboats " with their World War 2 V-12 airplane engines and open cockpits flying down the front stretch of the Miami Marine stadium blasting a hundred yard long rooster tail behind them. When we lived in Coral Gables my Dad would take me every time they raced and he had me hooked. After we moved to the west coast I kept coming back for more.

These pictures are from the 1980s when races were held every year at the now dormant Miami Marine Stadium. It was built in 1963 on land donated for the purpose of water sports.It was the host for many world class powerboat events but lost it's way from lack of leadership from the city of Miami. It's a shame because this was truly a great venue and it's hard to argue a better view in motorsports. What's better than watching these boats race on the edge of Biscayne bay with the Miami skyline as the backdrop. Drivers like Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, Dean Chenoweth and Steve Reynolds along with owners like Bernie Little and his legendary " Miss Budwiser " made this sport what it is and I hope this gallery gives you an idea as to just how exciting it was.