Scott Lake Community hosts epic ERCU Diamond Cup event

ERCU 2024 Diamond Cup is not just now in the books but was one for the (record) books. The big story of the day (besides some incredible racing, of course) was the gracious hospitality ERCU received from the host community. Scott Lake residents, families and guests all came out to the park in droves to enjoy the fine weather, barbeque, snacks and some amazing deck to deck battles.

“I don’t think we’ve seen a crowd like this since the Kingdome,” said RC boat racing veteran Jerry Dunlap who raced in special events held in man-made ponds at Seattle’s Kingdome in the 1980s.

Enough cannot be said about the Scott Lake community’s enthusiasm for ERCU Diamond Cup yesterday. Thank you to Dennis Caines and everyone with Scott Lake who all came together to make this race day such a fantastic experience.

ERCU Diamond Cup Champions were crowned in each of ERCU’s six divisions. The tenth scale modern division saw Mike Hughes take heat one and two in typical Mike Hughes poise and style. Paxton Reunanen brought everything he had and topped the Winston in heat three setting up a strong four-boat winner take all final field. The 1/10 modern final heat was a screamer with Paxton’s Graham really hauling the mail. Five laps with the Winston and Goodman at bay and in tow. Congratulations to Paxton for besting Mike’s Winston Eagle which is a herculean accomplishment on most days.

The 1/10 scale classic got off to a slow start with just one boat (1984 Executone) finishing heat 1A. The other boats got their act together and treated the crowds to some lively action in both heats 2 and 3. Ultimately though, it was Paxton Reunanen and his 1985 Miss Rock running away from the field and besting Paul Dunlap who was driving Rick Evans’ 1972 Notre Dame to win the final. 

The 1/10 vintage saw Paxton Reunanen chance at the hat trick, (three classes/divisions entered and three classes won.) Mother nature and Paul Dunlap had other plans though and he persevered through a windy attrition bound five laps to emerge the victor atop the podium.

In the 1/7 modern class, Craig Mullen piloted the Sjostrom’s 1974 Miss U.S. to wins in the first and second Heats. Mike McIntosh’ brand new 2023 Beacon Plumbing got everything right with the Beacon’s first ever heat victory in heat three. The final however featured David Heilbrunn and his 2023 Goodman Real Estate who hit the start with a full head of steam and then held on to the lead (by a whisker) throughout the five laps. Craig Mullen in Denise Sjostrom’s 1974 Miss U.S. fought off an early race spinout and nearly caught and passed the Goodman in the final turn, but it wasn’t meant to be. Goodman emerged victorious with its second modern 1/7 title in the first two races of this young season. Miss U.S. with Craig Mullen at the wheel was crowned the 1/7 classic division champion on the day as the top finisher in the final heat within the classic class.

That left just the 1/7 vintage class to be decided. Seven 1/7 vintage entries started the day and the top five were lined up to shoot it out in the winner takes all final heat. This final heat didn’t disappoint either and when the final roostertail drop settled on the pond, it was Mike McIntosh and his 1983 Island Security with the final heat victory and a perfect 1,600 points day. On this day, Mike McIntosh was the only owner who put together a perfect 1,600-point day. Congratulations Mike on this stellar day.

Next up for ERCU is the Governor’s Cup which will be run at Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park in Ellensburg on May 4. This will be ERCU’s first race-ever in eastern Washington and invite all ERCU members and especially members from each of the other Eastern Washington clubs to join us for fellowship and competition in Ellensburg in two weeks, on May 4, 2024.

David Heilbrunn, ERCU Race Coordinator