Who is Dylan Runne? Seems to be the question as The HomeStreet Unlimited Hydroplane Team named Runne, the 28 year old Rumson, New Jersey native as the driver of the U-1 for the 2023 season. Runne, born into boat racing, comes from a strong lineage of Stock Outboard Racers on both sides. The last name Runne is widely known for winning. Dylans father Rich had an impressive career tallying 8 Stock National Championships before retiring and focusing on supporting Dylan’s career when Dylan turned 9.
Dylan’s racing career first got its kickstart in a youth kart series, a few bent axles and lots of tires later it was soon decided water is where he belonged. He first hit the water in the 2003 And hasn’t looked back. Achieving his first National win in 2008, winning both the JSH and JSR title. He was also inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions for this accomplishment. Continuing his winning ways, Runne excelled in the larger outboard classes adding more titles in the AXR, ASR and 15SSH. Runne still makes an appearance in the outboard category now and then but you can bet you will see him on the water each year at the 87 mile race known as Top O michigan where he was the winner in the 15SSR class in 2020.
In 2017, Runne made the leap to the Inboard Category to pilot a 2.5 Henderson Hydroplane within the Hydroplane Racing League. It didn’t take long for Runne to get the hang of things and drove to a 2.5 Championship in 2017. Only to back it up with a 2500 championship in 2018. In 2019, Runne took over the seat for the H350 Pleasure Seeker previously driven by Jimmy King and owned by Roger Mahan. Dylan continued on his winning streak and drove the Pleasure Seeker to a championship. Being the first driver to win a championship in all three classes. Sidelined in the 2020 season, he was ready to take on the new challenges in the World- Renowned GP class. A lot of work behind the scenes was going on at the Pleasure Seeker shop, Runne returned to the water in 2021 and 2022 and continued in his winning ways. Notably winning the final at Guntersville and San Diego in 2022 running with the Pro-Lite series.
As another driver who has grown up racing boats, we all know that the dream is to one day race an Unlimited Hydroplane. The movie Madison was permanently stuck in the DVD player and to be working with the Madison and HomeStreet team is truly an honor. Having the privilege of racing against Dylan for the last 16 years, I can attest that he was a great choice to join the ranks amongst some of the most notable names in hydroplane racing history. Wishing the team and Dylan nothing but success, we know he has what it takes to put that boat out front. Be safe my friend.
JWIII