Carvana Supports Jimmie Johnson’s Childhood Dream at Seattle’s Seafair Festival
Seven-time NASCAR Champion to Pilot Legendary “Blue Blaster” Hydroplane in Special Exhibition on August 1
SEATTLE (July 23, 2025) – 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.
Johnson’s upcoming exhibition is more than four decades in the making. In 1979, four-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-only 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 Ryan Keeton, Carvana Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer. “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 is proud to have 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.
