Catch the Hydro Action; Here's the Schedule

Nothing says Seattle summer like hydroplanes at Seafair. The Albert Lee Cup races kick off Friday and run through Sunday. Hydro fans can catch the action at Genesse Park on the shore of Lake Washington.

To avoid parking and traffic chaos, take the bus to the lake. 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. 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.

Those who prefer to take their chances driving can take I-5 to the Columbia Way S exit. Remain in the right lane and follow Columbia Way S. The road will veer off to the right becoming S. Alaska St. Turn left on Rainier Avenue S. and then turn right on S. Genesee St.

We've listed the full line up of Albert Lee Cup hydro races below. For more on what it takes to be a hydroplane driver, check out  on Patch.

2011 Hydroplane Racing Schedule

Friday, Aug. 5
8:30am   GATES OPEN
8:30am   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Testing 
9:50am   Unlimited Hydroplane Testing Session A
12:30pm Unlimited Light Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
1pm   Unlimited Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
2:35pm   Vintage Hydroplane Practice Session 1
2:45pm   Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying Session
5:25pm   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Qualifying 1
6pm    GATES CLOSE

Saturday, Aug. 6
8:30am    GATES OPEN
8:30am    Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Testing
9:30am    Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
11:05am   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 1A presented by Graham Trucking
11:20am   Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 1B presented by Graham Trucking
11:30am   Vintage Hydroplanes
12:30pm   Unlimited Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
1pm     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Driver Autograph Session
2:50pm     VintageHydroplanes
3:05pm     Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 1A Racing presented by AT&T and LG Mobile
3:25pm     Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 1B Racing presented by Western Washington Hyundai Dealers
4:45pm     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 2A presented by Sicklesteel Crane
5pm     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Racing 2B presented by Graham Trucking
5:15pm     Vintage Hydroplanes
6pm     GATES CLOSE

Sunday, Aug. 7
7:30am    GATES OPEN
8:30am    Unlimited Hydroplane Testing Session C
9:20am    Unlimited Light Hydroplane Testing Session 3
10am   Opening Ceremonies / National Anthem
10:25am   Vintage Hydroplanes
10:40am   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 2A Racing presented by 76
11am   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 2B Racing presented by 76
Noon   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 3A Racing presented by Tulalip Resort Casino
12:20pm   Unlimited Hydroplanes Heat 3B Racing presented by Western Washington Hyundai Dealers
12:35pm   Vintage Hydroplanes
3pm     Unlimited Hydroplane Provisional Heat Racing
4:20pm     Unlimited Lights Hydroplane Final Racing presented by Graham Trucking
4:40pm     Unlimited Hydroplane Final Racing presented by Albert Lee Appliance
5:15pm     Albert Lee Cup Awards Presentation
6pm     GATES CLOSE