Nothing says Seattle summer like hydroplanes at Seafair. The Albert Lee Cup races kick off Friday and run through Sunday, from roughly 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. Hydro fans can catch the action at Genessee Park on the shore of Lake Washington (for more detailed information about Seafair, visit the event website).
If you want to venture off-island and enjoy the view from Genessee Park, you can avoid parking and traffic chaos by taking the bus. Shuttle service to the Albert Lee Cup races will be provided Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Sound Transit Link light rail’s Othello Station (Martin Luther King Jr. Way and South Othello Street) to Stan Sayres Pit near Genesee Park on Lake Washington. This is the only Metro-operated hydro shuttle this year.
The shuttles are free, running from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Saturday and Sunday shuttle runs are more frequent during peak times than Friday, but the start and finish time remains the same. There are also regular bus routes within walking distance of the race viewing area. Use the online Trip Planner, or call Metro’s Customer Information Office at 206-553-3000 for assistance.
If you are enjoying the festivities from aboard a boat, don't forget there will be , especially for boaters under the influence.
We've listed the full schedule of Albert Lee Cup hydro races below and remember that the . For a look at what it takes to be a hydroplane driver, .
2012 Hydroplane Racing Schedule
Friday
- 8:30am: GATES OPEN
- 11:10am: Vintage Hydroplane Practice Session 1
- 2:40pm: Vintage Hydroplane Practice Session 2
- 2:45pm: Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying Session
- 2:50pm: H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying Session
- 6pm: GATES CLOSE
Saturday
- 8:50 a.m. - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
- 10:20 a.m. - Vintage Hydroplanes
- 2:55 p.m. - Vintage Hydroplanes
- 3:10 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 1A
- 3:30 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 1B presented by Air National Guard
- 4:05 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 1C
- 4:20 p.m. - Vintage Hydroplanes
- 5:40 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
Sunday
- 8:50 a.m. - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
- 9:55 a.m. - Opening Ceremonies
- 10:25 a.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 2A presented by 76
- 10:40 a.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 2B presented by Graham Trucking
- 10:55 a.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 2C
- 12:10 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 3A presented by Tulalip Resort & Casino
- 12:30 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Heat 3B presented by Western Washington Hyundai Dealers
- 2:55 p.m. - H1 Unlimited Provisional Heat
- 4:10 p.m. - Vintage Hydroplanes
- 4:45 p.m. - Albert Lee Cup H1 Unlimited Final
- 5:15 p.m. - Awards Ceremony
