Bring a Trailer Charity Auction for VIP Experience of Jimmie Johnson’s ‘Return to the Blue Blaster’

Bring a Trailer is currently holding a no-reserve charity auction for a VIP experience at the 2025 Seattle Seafair unlimited hydroplane races. This year’s event will feature Jimmie Johnson driving the historic Blue Blaster hydroplane on Lake Washington.

History of the Blue Blaster

Driven by Bill Muncey in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the Atlas Van Lines Blue Blaster won 24 races, including three Gold Cups and two national championships. After Muncy passed away in 1981, the boat was cosmetically restored and donated to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. It was later moved to the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, where it was fully restored.

The hydroplane produces around 2,500 horsepower with its supercharged 1,650ci Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 that was originally built for Spitfire fighter planes in WWII. The engine installation was recently completed by the team at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum.

When Johnson was four years old, he attended the Mission Bay hydroplane race in San Diego with his father, Gary. The Blue Blaster broke down during the race, and there is a photo of Johnson sitting on the rear deck of the hydroplane. The Muncey family and Chip Hanauer invited Johnson to drive the Blue Blaster on behalf of the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) after Johnson’s induction into the MSHFA in 2024.

The VIP Experience at the 2025 Seattle Seafair

The winning bidder and a guest will receive two of only 40 VIP invitations to a private reception with MSHFA inductees Johnson (Class of 2024) and Hanauer (Class of 1995). Hall of Famer Fran Muncey (Class of 2021), Supercross legend Ricky Johnson (Class of 2012), Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum Executive Director David Williams, and MSHFA President George Levy are also expected to attend.

The winning bidder and one guest will also receive a VIP viewing experience of Johnson driving the Blue Blaster, including the opportunity to watch Johnson’s orientation runs in the famous hydroplane.

The VIP experience is offered on behalf of the MSHFA and is made possible with the help of the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent. The winning bid will be donated to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.