Duke's Owner Donates $40,000 To Save Hydro Races

The owner of Duke's Chowder House restaurants said he will donate $40,000 to bridge a funding gap that put this year's Seafair hydroplane races in jeopardy, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Restaurant owner Duke Moscrip made the announcement at Duke's Lake Union Chowder House Wednesday.

Moscrip said the $40,000 will make up the difference between what Seafair was offering and what the boat owners said they needed.

Retired hydro champion Chip Hanauer said Moscrip called him Tuesday night.

"I was really discouraged only to pick up the phone and hear an old friend say, 'I want this to all to go away," Hanuaer said.

"All this" was a financial dispute between hydro owners and Seafair. Due to the recession and the loss of a prime sponsor, Seafair asked the drivers to accept $40,000 less than previous years to race their boats this summer.

The owners voted down that proposal and were due to take a final vote Thursday.

Moscrip told Hanauer he was prepared to offer the money, no strings attached, so the races he grew up with can continue.

"It's been a fun event. It's fun to go to the log boom, it's great to see the race, it's part of Seattle," Moscrip said.

Seafair President Beth Knox praised Moscrip as a knight in shining armor.

"The ability to come in an assure that unlimited hydroplane racing is going to be at Seafair this summer just means the world to me," Knox said.

The hydroplane races have been part of the Seafair tradition for 60 years.

Moscrip owns six Duke's restaurants in the Puget Sound area.

He said he hopes to recoup his pledge through contests and promotions at his restaurants, but said that Seafair will get that $40,000 no matter what.

Previous Stories: April 20, 2010: Seafair Won't Sweeten Offer To Hydro Owners April 20, 2010: Pay Dispute Threatens Hydroplane Races