Bardahl agrees to sponsor ERCU Gold Cup in 2026

BALLARD, Wash. – News came last evening that Bardahl, a historic and famous lubricant company and prominent presence in unlimited hydroplane racing, will be the presenting sponsor of the 2026 ERCU Gold Cup.

The race will be known this year as the Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup.

Bardahl Oil Company was founded in 1939 by Ole Bardahl, a Norwegian immigrant to the United States. Ole arrived in Seattle in 1922 as a 20 year old with $29 in his pocket. He became a millionaire by age 39 as a general contractor in Seattle, building homes. After that, he founded the Bardahl Oil Company in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The company is still owned and managed by the Bardahl family.

The Bardahl product line included over 250 products, including engine oils, motor oil and fuel additives, and specialty lubricants

Bardahl has been involved in racing, using events as proving grounds for its products, as well as for the new technologies produced by the company’s research and development arm. Types included Unlimited Hydroplanes, offshore powerboats, unlimited air racing, IndyCars, CART Racing, NASCAR, motorcycle and snowmobile racing.
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Many thanks to Mark Manchester for his leadership and help with making this possible. The Bardahl ERCU Gold Cup will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 on the Bill Mowatt Memorial Race Course at Woodland Creek Park in Lacey.