Haggin Retires
10-21-2010, 09:08 PM
#81
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The most competitive racing I have ever witnessed were the world championships held in St. Pete in 2000.
The "class attendance" was unbelievable.
I remember (approximately)
15 - 18 F-1
20 - 22 F-2 boats (including the one Stinson put upsidedown LOL!)
17-18 Supercats
Absolutely amazing racing to watch
The "class attendance" was unbelievable.
I remember (approximately)
15 - 18 F-1
20 - 22 F-2 boats (including the one Stinson put upsidedown LOL!)
17-18 Supercats
Absolutely amazing racing to watch
10-21-2010, 10:59 PM
#83
Gold Member
Gold Member
Good Point......
This is about Haggin and what he has done for the sport!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me be a part of your team and I hope that things go well for you in the future my friend. BIG SMILE
GEICO will stay in the sport next year although at this time it is unclear what the pans for the boat are. Thanks to everyone for their support and see you in 2011!!!!
This is about Haggin and what he has done for the sport!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me be a part of your team and I hope that things go well for you in the future my friend. BIG SMILE
GEICO will stay in the sport next year although at this time it is unclear what the pans for the boat are. Thanks to everyone for their support and see you in 2011!!!!
10-22-2010, 07:09 AM
#84
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Good Luck John............ We wish you the best.
You have joined a long list of colorful, famous, (and infamous) benefactors who have carried the sport of Offshore Racing on their shoulders at times, starting with the sport's greatest contributer, Carl Kiekhaefer, and passing on to Bill Wishnick, Rocky Aoki, Al Copeland, various Augie Busch's, Tom Gentry, Joe Mach, Bill Gifford, and even a number of drug kingpins and La Cosa Nostra for a time.
One clear question is emerging. In the absence of one or more generous deep pocketed individual(s), can the sport survive on its own two feet?
The next couple of years should be both interesting for the "givers" and distressing for the "takers".
God Speed Mr. Haggin, and may "The Horse" be with you.....
T2x
You have joined a long list of colorful, famous, (and infamous) benefactors who have carried the sport of Offshore Racing on their shoulders at times, starting with the sport's greatest contributer, Carl Kiekhaefer, and passing on to Bill Wishnick, Rocky Aoki, Al Copeland, various Augie Busch's, Tom Gentry, Joe Mach, Bill Gifford, and even a number of drug kingpins and La Cosa Nostra for a time.
One clear question is emerging. In the absence of one or more generous deep pocketed individual(s), can the sport survive on its own two feet?
The next couple of years should be both interesting for the "givers" and distressing for the "takers".
God Speed Mr. Haggin, and may "The Horse" be with you.....
T2x
Last edited by T2x; 10-22-2010 at 07:44 AM.
10-22-2010, 07:47 AM
#85
Charter Member
Sorry for the hijack. John, thanks for all you have done for the sport all these years. Your generosity and patience seems to know no bounds. Good luck on the next part of your journey, don't forget to stop by a race once in a while 
BIG SMILE!
BIG SMILE!
10-22-2010, 07:52 AM
#86
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Best of luck John. Thanks for all you've done for the sport!!
===============================
On another note:
I couldn't agree more. That was the most incredible race I can remember.
I took these from the Pier. Look at all those boats vying for the lead into turn #1.
===============================
On another note:
The most competitive racing I have ever witnessed were the world championships held in St. Pete in 2000.
The "class attendance" was unbelievable.
I remember (approximately)
15 - 18 F-1
20 - 22 F-2 boats (including the one Stinson put upsidedown LOL!)
17-18 Supercats
Absolutely amazing racing to watch
The "class attendance" was unbelievable.
I remember (approximately)
15 - 18 F-1
20 - 22 F-2 boats (including the one Stinson put upsidedown LOL!)
17-18 Supercats
Absolutely amazing racing to watch
I took these from the Pier. Look at all those boats vying for the lead into turn #1.
10-22-2010, 01:17 PM
#88
Correspondent
CorrespondentThread Starter
Good Luck John............ We wish you the best.
You have joined a long list of colorful, famous, (and infamous) benefactors who have carried the sport of Offshore Racing on their shoulders at times, starting with the sport's greatest contributer, Carl Kiekhaefer, and passing on to Bill Wishnick, Rocky Aoki, Al Copeland, various Augie Busch's, Tom Gentry, Joe Mach, Bill Gifford, and even a number of drug kingpins and La Cosa Nostra for a time.
One clear question is emerging. In the absence of one or more generous deep pocketed individual(s), can the sport survive on its own two feet?
The next couple of years should be both interesting for the "givers" and distressing for the "takers".
God Speed Mr. Haggin, and may "The Horse" be with you.....
T2x
You have joined a long list of colorful, famous, (and infamous) benefactors who have carried the sport of Offshore Racing on their shoulders at times, starting with the sport's greatest contributer, Carl Kiekhaefer, and passing on to Bill Wishnick, Rocky Aoki, Al Copeland, various Augie Busch's, Tom Gentry, Joe Mach, Bill Gifford, and even a number of drug kingpins and La Cosa Nostra for a time.
One clear question is emerging. In the absence of one or more generous deep pocketed individual(s), can the sport survive on its own two feet?
The next couple of years should be both interesting for the "givers" and distressing for the "takers".
God Speed Mr. Haggin, and may "The Horse" be with you.....
T2x
Did the sport scare off, burn out or simply bore the hell out of another extremely deep and generous pocket?
Slightly off topic but worth clarifying: It's been suggested that horse racing/race horse breeding is a "new" pursuit for Haggin. Not the case.
Last, while there will always be critics willing to tell you how you should have spent your money, you did right—more than right—by this sport, Mr. Haggin. You gave far more than you took, and from where I sit you tried to make it better. Onto greener equine pastures.
10-22-2010, 02:44 PM
#89
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I would be tempted to say that John Haggin was THE most generous person the sport has ever seen. Between supporting his own team and for several years countless others in one way or another. Definately a unique kind of guy.
Thanks for the memories and the laughs John!
