Jacob Haineault takes over from his father Richard at the helm of the H2 A passion passed down from father to son

After 18 seasons at the controls of the H2 Novo Racing in the Hydro 350 class, Richard Haineault is officially steppingaway from competition. A new chapter begins for the Haineault family as his 23-year-old son Jacob proudly takes the wheel for the 2026 season.

For Richard, this transition represents much more than a simple change of driver,it’s a natural continuation, filled with pride and passion. “Seeing Jacob take over is a dream come true.This sport has always been part of our lives, and the most important thing to me is that he enjoys every moment,” said an emotional Richard Haineault.

Already recognized for his strong performances in the F2500 class, where he finished third overall in the 2025 championship, Jacob Haineault is preparing to take the next step in his career. The young driver admits to feeling both excitementand nervousness as he joins the competitive Hydro 350 field. “ Of course, it’s a bit stressful,but there’s no pressure. My goal is to learn,gain experience, and get comfortable in the boat,” he explained, aware that this will be a year of growth.

For the 2026 season, the Novo Racing team has left nothing to chance. The H2 has been completely rebuilt, featuring new propellers and a freshly prepared engineto ensure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the future. Everyone around the team shares the same philosophy: take things step by step, focus on development, and above all, keep the joy of racing as a family.

Finally, the F-2 boat, owned by the Haineault family and driven by Jacob in recent seasons, is nowup for sale. Jacob and Richard hope to find a passionate buyer ready to continue the story of this remarkable boat and take it even further.