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.
|