Over the years we have always had a black shop cat with us at all times for good luck.

This was the first one in 1975.

We have one with us now that is 17 years old and still going strong.She loves to roll around in fibeglass.

JO

And this is Ely.She is 17 years old now and a bit light headed but she loves fiberglass.She walks around the entire factory for a fresh patch of raw glass to roll around in.

You gotta love them Pantera eyes!!!

JO

Even though it is not a Pantera I thought you would like to see another old race boat from the 70s.This boat was a Bertram 38 owned by a good friend of ours Rocky Aoki owner of Benihana.This hull was also very fast in its time but got a bad wrap for being a tough boat to handle due to its bottom design.

Rocky Aoki sponsored me while I was racing an NHRA Pro -Stock Camaro in 1987-1989 season.I saw him last year at the Manufactures challenge boat race in Pt. Pleasant beach, N.J.

JO

This is a pic. of the Camaro Pro Stocker I ran with NHRA and IHRA with Benihana and Kirin beer sponsorship.I was and still am the Youngest Pro Stock driver to get licensed with them at 16 years of age.

This pic .was taken at the U.S. Nationals at INDY in 1989.I was pulling the chute after a 7.39 second run at 187 MPH.

JO

This pic was taken leaving the line at 8200 RPM.

JO

This pic.was taken at Key West in 1979.We did custom air brush work on the sides of this 28 race boat.

JO

This pic is of a 1978 24 called *****cat.

JO

This pic .was also taken in 1978 of a 24 race boat called EL Dandy.

This boat is still here in Miami and running great.

JO

This is a top view shot of the 24 that set the record.Check out the powerheads.


JO

Man how have I been missing this thread!!! What a great trip back into the history of your boats Thanks

Jon