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Carvana Supports Jimmie Johnson’s Childhood Dream at Seattle’s Seafair Festival

via Business Wire

Seven-time NASCAR Champion to Pilot Legendary “Blue Blaster” Hydroplane in Special Exhibition on Aug. 1

Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, is proud to support seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson as he takes on a new kind of ride: piloting the historic Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster” hydroplane in a special exhibition at Seattle’s Seafair Festival on Aug. 1.

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Four-year-old Jimmie Johnson sits aboard the Blue Blaster with Bill Muncey after the boat broke down during a 1979 hydroplane race in San Diego.

Four-year-old Jimmie Johnson sits aboard the Blue Blaster with Bill Muncey after the boat broke down during a 1979 hydroplane race in San Diego.

Johnson’s upcoming exhibition is more than four decades in the making. In 1979, 4-year-old Jimmie was celebrating his birthday at the hydroplane races in San Diego with his dad when his favorite boat, the Blue Blaster, broke down near the shore. The boat’s driver, hydroplane racing legend Bill Muncey, welcomed fans toward the vessel, and Johnson’s father carried him into the water to sit on its deck. A photo from that day, rediscovered years later, captured the moment without anyone realizing its future significance. Now, 46 years later, Johnson will return to that same boat, but this time in the driver’s seat.

With coaching from 11-time APBA Gold Cup champion Chip Hanauer and support from the Muncey family, Johnson will pilot the fully restored hydroplane across Lake Washington in a one-time exhibition that honors the boat’s legacy and a personal memory for Johnson. At nearly 30 feet long and 5,600 pounds, the Blue Blaster remains one of the most iconic boats in hydroplane racing history.

“We’re excited to support this one-of-a-kind exhibition that fulfills a boyhood dream for Jimmie and shares the joy, excitement, and nostalgia of seeing the Blue Blaster hydroplane in action with the Seattle community,” said Carvana Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer Ryan Keeton. “Our partnership has always been about taking on new challenges and showing up for a community of passionate fans, and this exhibition reflects the kind of spirit Carvana is excited to be part of.”

Carvana, which has proudly served Seattle car buyers and sellers since 2021, will be on site at Seafair to connect with fans and the broader community. Attendees who sign up for Carvana’s free Value Tracker tool will receive a branded seat cushion. The Carvana Value Tracker allows customers to monitor their car’s value over time, helping them make informed decisions about when to sell or trade in.

For behind-the-scenes content and highlights from the day, follow Carvana Racing on Instagram and X.

About Carvana

Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Since launching in 2013, Carvana has revolutionized automotive retail and delighted millions of customers with an offering that is fun, fast, and fair. With Carvana, customers can find a car, get financing, trade in, and complete a purchase entirely online with the convenience of delivery or local pickup as soon as the same day. Carvana’s unique offering is powered by its passionate team, differentiated national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology.

For more information, please visit www.carvana.com.

About LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, "The King", serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information, and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

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