Hydroplane racer seriously injured in Oak Harbor event

A racer was seriously injured during the hydroplane races in Oak Harbor Saturday, according to race director Lenny Baker.

Derek Bollinger of Lake Stevens is in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, a hospital spokesperson said Monday.

Bollinger, who races a Formula 150 class hydroplane, was headed into a turn and did a barrel roll in the second heat, which was at about 5 p.m. His boat was hit by another boat, which drove over the top of his vessel, according to Baker.

The boats were going 85 to 90 mph at the time.

Baker said the rescue team did an exemplary job. The members of the team got to Bollinger immediately and brought him to safety.

A Navy helicopter was on standby as part of the rescue plan for the race. Bollinger was flown from the Seaplane base to Harborview.

Bollinger is a well-known and experienced hydroplane racer and a booster of the event in Oak Harbor. The Oak Harbor race hosts the national championship for Formula 150 class hydroplanes.