HRL Celebrates Excellence During Its 2025 Annual Gala

The Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) proudly highlighted the outstanding achievements of the 2025 season during its Annual Gala, recognizing the drivers, teams, and volunteers who contributed to the growth and visibility of the circuit over the past year.

This evening of recognition included the presentation of annual honors and the crowning of champions in each class, including the Novice categories, reflecting both emerging talent and the high level of competition that define the HRL.

Special Mentions – HRL Gala 2025

Rookie of the Year – Novice Category
Raphaël Daoust – Driver, N-9 The Dog Racing
This award recognizes the perseverance, steady progression, and passion of a new athlete who stood out in his first season in the Novice category.

Rookie of the Year 2025
Francis Sauvé – Co-driver, S-817 Formax Racing
Awarded to the top new driver across all categories, this trophy recognizes consistency, commitment, and performance throughout the season.

Most Improved Driver
Martin Rochon – Driver, H-773 RTX
This award honors a driver who demonstrated the greatest improvement compared to the previous season.

HRL Personality of the Year 2025
Daniel Allaire – HRL Rescue Team Manager
This distinction highlights exceptional commitment to boating safety, team development, and the promotion of hydroplane racing.

Crew Member of the Year
John Nebelecky – Crew member, S-50, F-50, F-500, H-500 and GP50
Selected by vote of HRL members, this award recognizes versatility, professionalism, and exemplary contribution.

Team of the Year
H-52 Legacy 1
This recognition rewards a team distinguished by cohesion, professionalism, and consistent on-water performance.

Best Debut in a Higher Class
Marc Lalonde – Driver, H-751 Lalo Racing
This trophy is awarded to a driver who successfully transitioned to a higher class.

HRL Ambassador Trophy
Jonathan Abbott – HRL and H1 Chief Referee
This exceptional award recognizes outstanding contribution to the promotion of the sport and HRL values.

Driver of the Year 2025
Paul Barber – Driver, H-52 Legacy 1
Awarded to the athlete with the highest average points of the season.

Class Champions – 2025 Season

Novice Class

• N-66 Thunderboat – Mederyk Guillet : 407 points
• N-80 Wild Thing – Zach Parent : 391 points
• N-244 Miss Virgo – Sydney Manessis : 363 points

2.5 liters Class

• 1st – S-35 TMSpecial – Kyle et Austin Hayes : 547 points
• 2nd – S-50 Centless 15 – Ayden Sovie : 434 points
• 3rd – S-817 Formax Racing – Francis Sauvé et Renaud Simard : 339 points

Formula 2500 (F2500) Class

• 1st – F-92 Tenacity – John Shaw and Chris Panaris : 562 points
• 2nd – F-500 Centless 16 – Eddie Kanfoush : 514 points
• 3rd – F-2 Novo Racing – Jacob Haineault : 451 points

Jersey Speed Skiff (JSS) Class

• 1st – JSS 45 In the Red – Samantha and Jerry Ewancio : 385 points
• 2nd – JSS 10 Jumpin’ Yiminy – Jimmie Stewart and Peg Ewancio : 382 points
• 3rd – JSS 113 Another One – Louis-Alexandre Beaudoin and Éveline Côté De L’Isle : 273 points

Hydro 350 Class

• 1st position – H-52 Legacy 1 – Paul Barber : 517 points
• 2nd – H-306 Dognasty – Tommy Shannon : 488 points
• 3rd – H-773 RTX – Martin Rochon : 478 points

Pro Hydro Class

• 1st – V-109 Formax – Dominic Maisonneuve : 230 points
• 2nd – V-77 Charette Racing – Guillaume Charette : 143 points
• 3rd – V-311 Pure Canadian – Chris Galbraith : 71 points

Grand Prix Class

• 1st – GP-577 Lucas Oil – Ken Lupton : 493 points
• 2nd – GP-757 Canada Boy – Kent Henderson : 415 points
• 3rd – GP-212 Sylco – Éric Langevin : 352 points

Through this Gala, HRL reaffirms its commitment to recognizing sporting excellence, emerging talent, teamwork, and the human dedication that underpin the strength and credibility of the circuit. The league now looks ahead enthusiastically to the 2026 season, driven by a passionate and ever-growing community.