Jim McHargue first became interested in unlimited hydroplanes in 1958 when he saw the races in Chelan Washington and has been a fan ever since. In 1967, he started driving trucks and has worked for all kinds of trucking companies over the years and driven all kinds of vehicles. One day he saw the Smokin' Joe's unlimited hydroplane stopped at a truck scale and knew he'd found the perfect line of work for him blending his truck driving skills with his enthusiasm for unlimiteds. Jim Married Linda in 1999 and they've been a team ever since.

Jim started working on the U-4 project right from the beginning working with Mark in Wenatchee, freezing through the winter and wearing snowmobile boots in the shop to keep warm. Once the project moved to Chelan, Jim continued his work at the shop.

Note: If you're going to take Linda's picture, be ready to run!