T2x: Thanks for the mention. Offshore is basically the only form of motorsports that, cares little about it`s history, other than John Crouse who wrote the book: Searace. In his book he took the time to research the sport and was able to put statistics together which is basically all we have from the past, and his book was more about the drivers and their stats opposed to the throttlemen who made the drivers winners, and established the stats. Unfortunatly his book only covered the sport to a certain era, which for the new guys few remember back then unless they had family or friends involved, and they went to the races when they were to young to understand. At one point in time when we were racing the HFC circuit with Micky Markoff someone was going to do baseball type cards with everyones stats. but again never happened. I guess to sum up this message re: best throttlemen, first anyone who has ever had the guts to throttle any kind of boat in rough seas, deserves an honor, and especially anyone who has won just one race, there is no other feeling like it, the mental and physical part is like nothing else. second everyone only focuses on the more present days, and very few take into consideration throttlemen from other countries who were and are greats, and from the start of offshore racing. I can think of so many from the past who were bad to the bone. ie: to mention a few, Davey Wilson, Jack Stuteville, Barry Cordingly, Knocky House, Don Aronow, Harold Smitty Smith, Bill Sirois, Wayne Vickers, Bud Larow, the list goes on, and I don`t even mention the throttlemen from other countries. I believe if you judge the best it should be on stats, not emotions, however until some of the guys take the time to sit down and go over there past, it`s emotion as to who is best, and there is nothing wrong with that, we all have our favorites, as someone compared Offshore to Golf, or any other sport, there is only one Tiger Woods, and his stats indicate he is the worlds # 1 player, stats also indicate the era etc. as do all other sports. My vote for the #1 is Johnnie T. he is our Tiger Woods. #2 Steve Curtis from the Cougar family that really started the offshore cats, great setup guy and not afraid of anything or any type of sea.. Both of these guys have the stats to support those positions and both ran and won in the old school days, JT ran the four motor super boats, as well as he is the star of today, and is one of the greatest representatives of the sport we could ever have. His name should be there with Dick Bertram, Sam Grifith, Odell Lewis, Carl Kiekhaefer,and Betty Cook etc. not only should is. Please why can`t we record offshore history like every other motorsport in existance. What makes us so different.Thanks for reading, its just my opinion.

Let's not forget old golden arm Tony Caligure! of ocean outboard fame !

I will try to resist saying "You young whippersnappers"....When my gang started, there were no sterndrives, stainless props, etc. The engines were weak, the boats short, and they jumped a lot more. There was no trimming, trimtabs, etc. We looked for "co-drivers" with a size 3 hat, and size 20 neck. No bolsters. Races 8 to 24 hours long. With bronze props, 1 jump would ruin the props if you didn't throttle properly. I say Sam Griffith then Bobby Moore, then JT (It would be Steve C. if he wasn't so fricking ballsy)

AJ...cause Marks always drivin his boat with the latest Richard speedo wear.:party-smiley-004::D

My list includes , Jim Dyke, Kirk Dunteman, Steve Curtis, Art Lily, Bobby Moore, me. Racing Offshore for 2 years in a 24 Skater has to be worth a honorable mention!

Does Reggie make it on anyones list? I'm sure he's not a favorite by is he worth mentioning?

I would Add to this list of Gunners!!!

- Bob Teague -
- Mike Stancombe -
- Lee Murray -

T2X

I'm glad you enjoyed that!!!

I have 2 rebuttals, those Buzzi boats required much throttleing in the rough water, more than people realize. It was much more demanding to run a diesel in rough water than a gas boat - I know first hand. Everyone thinks because it's a diesel and it has a govenor just push it up and leave it, you have the tapes watch Buzzi or Stefano run the boat very closely - allot of work.

Second, you over estimate his boats, they weren't that fast, powerful yes but not fast. I ran them, the US gas boats were always faster. His boats bigger - yes, heavier - yes.

We'll debate the mechanics of it on another thread, you know I enjoy that!

Joe Gere

ps T2X did you work out of Zuback's (Henry Luhrs old factory) down in Morgan years ago for awhile, leased the shop or something?

I cant believe it took up to T2x post to mention Bobby Moore

There are a lot of names getting mentioned here. A lot of very good ones.

To be on the Best Of All Times List? A few good races or years isn't enough.

One should only qualify for this list after say 50 wins, multiple World and National Championships, numerous Speed records in many boats cats and Vs over 10 years or more.

A lot has been said about a lot of qualified people here. Obviously I would vote for JT. I have been with him through some very challenging times while in the boat but it doesn't stop there with him. He won't hesitate to climb under the hatches with a wrench and get dirty yet be very polished and poised when it comes time to make an appearance for the sponsor. Extremely trustworthy and quite the gentleman. These comments are NOT to take away from anyone else mentioned in this post. It's just to state my personal opinion.