Miss Madison News

Charley Wiggins selected to drive the U-6 Miss Madison

Madison, IN – An unlimited light driver and member of the American Powerboat Racing Hall of Champions has been selected as driver of the U-6 Miss Madison, world’s only community-owned unlimited hydroplane racing boat. Charley Wiggins, Birmingham, Alabama, was a unanimous choice of the Board of Directors of Miss Madison, Incorporated to become the 16^th driver of the Miss Madison. The volunteer Board operates the craft on behalf of the 13,000 citizen-owners. Wiggins replaces Todd Yarling, Hanover, Indiana, who drove the unlimited hydroplane last year.

Wiggins is no stranger to Madison. He drove his unlimited light, Earl’s Performance Products, last year on the Ohio River during the Indiana Governor’s Cup Regatta weekend. He took the checkered flag five times in 1999, including at the Automotive Gold Cup in Detroit.

Wiggins has been racing boats since age fourteen and has competed in several classes of competition. He will continue to race the unlimited light as well as chauffeur the Hoosier-based Miss Madison, the oldest racing team on the prestigious unlimited circuit. The community of Madison has fielded an unlimited hydroplane since industrialist Samuel DuPont gave Madison its first hydro in 1961.

Wiggins has dominated racing in the smaller boats. In 1-liter modified action he won national championships in 1991 and 1992, was national high point champion in 1990, 1991 and 1992, and in 1991 and 1993 established one mile competition speed records. He was also eastern champion from 1989 through 1994 and western champion in 1989. He set an unofficial one and one-fourth mile speed record in 1992.

Wiggins won the Northern American Championship and was eastern champion in 2.5 liter stock racing in 1991. He was Grand National Series Champion in 1993 and 1994. He boasts eight wins in a grand national hull and seven in unlimited lights.

"We are excited that Charley Wiggins has agreed to drive the Miss Madison," stated Bob Hughes, President of Miss Madison, Incorporated. "Charley is a proven winner and brings a tremendous amount of success to our organization. He is a fierce competitor who is highly respected in all classes of boat racing." Hughes added, "Charley is not only a tremendous driver but is also personable and articulate. He will be a great ambassador for the City of Madison and for the sport. We look forward to having Charley and his wife, Amie, representing our community."

Wiggins is a sales and marketing representative for Wiggins Supply Company, Birmingham. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction and in addition to racing, enjoys golf, water sports, and hunting. His first racing appearance before hometown fans will be in the July 1^st and 2^nd Belterra Indiana Governor’s Cup at Madison.