Oh Boy! Oberto Racing Team

Driver: Steve David

Owner: Citizens - City of Madison, IN

 

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Team Profile

 

 

2006 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison Team

2003 Team at the APBA Gold Cup in Detroit

Driver - Steve David
Driver Homeport - Lighthouse, Florida

Beginning his racing career at the ripe age of 14 years old, Steve David just likes to go fast. With 25 years of racing under his belt, David has more than 500 victories to his credit as well as seventeen world records in limited race boats. His most memorable win by far would be the 2001 Madison Regatta. David had returned to unlimited hydroplane racing after a one year hiatus to drive the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto. During only his second race he piloted the U-6 to the checkered flag. “Winning in Madison was the highlight of my racing career, regardless of the World Championships, records, Hall of Champions,” Steve David said flashing his famous smile on the podium, “Nothing topped that win!”

The Miss Madison team was established in 1961 when industrialist Sam DuPont donated his unlimited hydroplane “Nitrogen” to the people of Madison Indiana. The U-6 has been campaigning on the unlimited circuit ever since – the longest running continuous team at 45 years. The U-6 remains the only community-owned team in the world.

Owners - Citizens/City of Madison, Indiana
Owners’ Representative - Robert D. Hughes

The city of Madison, IN. became an owner of a hydroplane in 1961 when industrialist, Samuel DuPont donated his hydroplane named “Nitrogen” to the city of Madison. When that boat was destroyed in a racing accident a year later, DuPont sold his second boat to the city for $5,000. Madison, IN has been in the hydroplane racing business ever since. The world's only community owned hydroplane is administered by a board of directors appointed by the city’s mayor. Miss Madison is the oldest name in the sport, having competed in 41 consecutive seasons, more than even Bernie Little’s Miss Budweiser. The current boat, which has three victories (1993, 2001, 2005), was built in 1988 and is the 6th Madison, IN. hydroplane. Madison, Indiana…”the most beautiful small town in the Midwest.” Surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, Madison is known for its historic architecture as well as its long tradition as a thriving commercial and industrial center. Visit Madison…located on the Ohio River a short drive from Cincinnati, Louisville or Indianapolis. Madison offers a perfect getaway spot for a weekend, a lifetime…or their boat race held every July.

Team Manager/Crew Chief - Charlie Grooms
Over two decades with the team, Charlie Grooms started washing parts when his uncle, Jon Peddie was named the team’s driver back in 1977. Over the years he graduated through the ranks to become team manager. As a volunteer, Grooms' oversees all aspects of the team including: boat set-up, race spotter, sponsorships, logistics, budgeting, personnel and other administrative duties. Grooms, a resident of Madison is married with four children.


Crew Chief - Mike Hanson

Crew Members - Larry Hanson, Cindy Shirley, John Leschinski, Richard Dunn, Pat Furnish, Bob Hudson, Matt Sontag, Jimmy Gilbert, Trevor Hanson

Webmaster - Kim Eldridge

 

In memory
Charlie McCluggage, 1931 - 2003

 

 
The team and friends celebrate following the 2001 victory in Madison, Indiana!

Oh Boy! Oberto-Beef Jerky (www.oberto.com) - Title Sponsor
Oberto Sausage Company is the country’s largest manufacturer of natural style beef and turkey jerky. Based south of Seattle in Kent, WA., Oberto produces jerky available in stores throughout the country.