Thank you Richie....Very happy holidays to you and your family also.

I am leaving Today for Florida....please keep me posted on the funeral, wake etc for Joey, as I would like to attend if possible. Unless, it will all be in New Jersey?

Charlie: I am told that it will most likly be held in Jersey, Jerry Jacoby will know better, he had become very close to Joey at the end. As soon as I hear anything I`ll let you know. Seems the Don Aronow thing is very hot now days, Jacoby is working with some people to do a movie, they have interviewed many so far, and actually set-up an office in Miami to field the preliminary work, said they will have an anouncement early January. As far as your stuff with Michael. I think the stories behind each boat co he formed and sold and the stories behind the scenes is what is interesting. I think also just a brief about his youth is all that`s needed. Good luck, If I can be of help let me know. Coffee table book. Also does anyone know where Missy is or Pattie Lazzacca. Somehow I thought I heard Missy had Passed away?????????? 7XCHAMP

Mr Powers,

I want to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing with us the wealth of info about real offshore racing and the stories that surround the glory days of offshore and the effort it took to become a champion.
Back when I was a teenager in the 70's, I was not interested in sports that involved sticks, balls and bats. My life has been consumed by sports that burn fuel! You guys were my hero's back then and I am grateful that you take the time to share your experiences.

Thanks so much,

Kurt (ps. I'm a friend of your cousin, Jay Scott)

Kurt: Thank you for compliment. I am enjoying the fact that young people like yourself and the other forum crew members, are enjoying my reality show. I took my 15 yr. old daughter to a recent Poker Run, and they had an auction where I donated some memorabilia, when they were talking about me, and telling people about being a legend etc. My daughter looked at me and said Daddy I am so proud of you. She was my good luck charm when I won 1992, 1993 world championships and 1994 setting two official Kilo records with Tom Gentry. She and my wife are also the reason I retired after the accident with Tom Gentry. I actually took one complete inhale of water, then things got real mellow and pleasant, then I thought I can`t leave them like this ( wife and Daughter ) and last gasp I believe God AKA Carl Kiekhaefer handed me the regulaor and let me live. Three near deaths. It was time. I have a lot of stories from my days as a test driver at Lake X 1967 to my career finish 1994. Thanks again and it is my pleasure to share. Happy Holidays
7XCHAMP Richie P.S. My daughter is pre-professional Ballerina ( My champion )

Richie,
What a sharp memory and drama stories, keep it up after Cristmas celebrating with your family !!

Reg Joern

Richie has always had the character and good sense to never say anything negative about his various employers. I don't share that quality....

When I was at Cougar in the early 80's, Richie was racing for Tom Gentry. Richie and Bobby Beich took their boats to Australia for the UIM Worlds. About three days before the first race, Richie called me and said "Have you heard from Tom?" Nope. Next day, same thing, next day same thing. He never did show. Richie and Bob packed up and came home, and took the boats to their shop. About a year or more later, I saw Richie in the complex where his shop was. He said "I think were are fired. I said "How can you tell?" "No check this month!". I think they might have coasted for a couple of years .

Patty lives and works in Davie.

It was an honor to meet you Mr. Powers last week. Gents like you, Brownie, Charlie and ext i can say that have lived the life i wish i can be living right now. Wake up in AM wearing shorts,tee and top siders and working in factories with our favorite type of boats and travel around the world with the best of the best to challenge mother nature
once again it was an honor to meet you and i hope you can continue to share with us young bucks stories of how REAL offshore racing was

Mike

Richie it´s great to hear your stories. You´re going to have to write that book(!). Happy Holidays to you, Alison and Samantha. I look forward to the day when I can buy you a beer and hear you tell some more offshore tales in person!!

The beautiful Martini boat in JPS colours.