ERCU Unveils its 2026 End of Season Award Contenders
The boats are drying out, the batteries are in storage mode, and the 2026 racing season is officially in the books. That means it’s time for one of the most intriguing days on the ERCU calendar: the moment we hand out some hardware and celebrate some of the people who made this season one to remember.
The nominations are in, and the competition is as tight as a three-boat run into the first turn. Mark your calendars now: the winners will be revealed at the annual End of Season Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 7, at The Ram in Puyallup. The luncheon runs from noon-2 p.m., so come hungry and bring your best cheering voice.
A Special Guest With Serious Roostertail Credentials
This year’s celebration features a guest who knows a thing or two about life on the water. Dustin Echols, former driver of Bucket List Racing and current H1 Unlimited live stream analyst, will be joining us.
Whether you want to hear what it’s like behind the wheel of a full-size unlimited or get his take on the sport from the broadcast booth, this is your chance to talk boats with someone who’s lived it from both sides.
Meet the 2026 Nominees:
ERCU Rookie of the Year
Our newest drivers jumped in with both feet this season, and four of them made enough waves to earn a nod:
- Wayne Beeson
- Riley Christy
- Marc Connelly
- Ron Manchester
Sportsmanship Award
Racing is about winning, but this award recognizes those who make the pits a better place to be. Eight nominees made the cut:
- Jerry Dunlap
- Paul Dunlap
- John Havens, Jr.
- David Heilbrunn
- Nelson Holmberg
- Mike McIntosh
- Brian Perkins
- Paxton Reunanen
Most Improved Driver
These six drivers found extra speed, sharper lines and plenty of confidence in 2026:
- Wayne Beeson
- Dennis Caines
- Marc Connelly
- Jim Hagan
- John Havens, Jr.
- Scott Whitestine
Contest Director of the Year
None of our races happen without someone willing to take charge, keep the schedule moving and make the tough calls. This year’s nominees, and the events they ran:
- Dennis Caines – Diamond Cup
- Paul Dunlap – Champion Spark Plug Regatta
- David Heilbrunn – Seafair Trophy Race
- Mike McIntosh & Bob Van den Akker – Bernie Little Memorial
- Tom Markos & Nelson Holmberg – Atomic Cup
- David Newton – Roger Newton Memorial
Sponsor of the Year
A huge thank-you to the supporters who help keep ERCU on the water with their generous financial support to the club. Your nominees:
- Chuck Murray
- Pirtek
- Skidfin Solutions
Contribution Award
This award honors those who give their time, talent and energy to the club, often behind the scenes and without being asked:
- Dennis Caines
- Jerry Dunlap
- Paul Dunlap
- Mark Gran
- David Heilbrunn
- Nelson Holmberg
- Mike McIntosh
- Jim & Patty McKeon
- Chuck Murray
ERCU Hall of Fame
The club’s highest honor. These four nominees have left a lasting mark on ERCU both in their contributions to the club, and their performances on the water.
- Dennis Caines
- Jim Latimer
- Mark Manchester
- Paxton Reunanen
Busy Seasons, Big Ballots
A few names kept popping up as we read through this year’s list. Dennis Caines leads the way with four nominations: Most Improved Driver, Contest Director of the Year, the Contribution Award and the Hall of Fame. That’s quite a season.
Paul Dunlap, David Heilbrunn, Nelson Holmberg and Mike McIntosh each earned three nods, and rookies Wayne Beeson and Marc Connelly are pulling double duty in both the Rookie of the Year and Most Improved categories.
Will anyone sweep their categories? You’ll have to be at The Ram to find out.
See You on Nov. 7!
Congratulations to every nominee, and thank you to everyone who raced, worked, sponsored, volunteered and cheered this season. Join us Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. at The Ram in Puyallup for good food, great company, a visit from Dustin Echols, and the big reveal of the 2026 ERCU award winners.