GrinandBarrett

Tunnel-Boat Racing Loses a Family Member Buddy Babbitt Dies at Age 34 RICHMOND, TEXAS (June 13) -- A long-time member of the tunnel-boat racing family, Buddy Babbitt, passed away at his home in Houston, Texas, on Friday morning, June 13, 2003. Buddy, 34 years old, was the son of former boat racer Bud Babbitt and operated two businesses in racing. His company called Helmet Graphics provided custom helmet painting for drivers in boat racing as well as other forms of competition, including Indy cars. He also was a web site designer and operated the web site for the Champ Boat Series. Buddy was born with spinal cancer that required numerous operations throughout his childhood and adolescence. In a number of surgeries, Buddy’s ribs were used to replace the cancerous bones in his spine. The complications of these operations left Buddy with lung disease that became more severe with time and forced him to carry oxygen for breathing support. In addition to his outstanding artistic abilities, Buddy was known for his deep knowledge of the history of tunnel-boat racing and its drivers. At the last race he attended, the Champ Boat Series event at New Roads, La., last weekend, Buddy was called upon to fill in as an expert analyst to assist Art Eckman in announcing the race. Buddy is survived by his father, his mother, Joanne, and a sister, Beth. An update will be issued when funeral arrangements are known.

outer42

MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY

Magicfloat

Our prayers are with Buddy and his family. Life is sometimes too short.

kyle55

I'm pretty new around here but I'm an offshore boater and buddys cousin. Buddy was an incredible ambassador for the sport of tunnel boat racing. He passionately lent his talents of art and knowledge to the sport. His artistic influence could be seen on the heads of drivers anywhere from the boats to sprint cars to big time stock cars. Those of you that tunnel boat race please remember what buddy did for your sport and the passion he held in his heart for it. I want to thank the racing world for the support given to buddy over the years, he acheived great satisfaction from his lifes work. I know it'll be along time before I can strap my lid on with out thinking about him, and thats just the way I want it.




check out some of his work at www.helmetgraphics.com



Thanks, Kyle Anderson

candyman35

hp500efi

SHARKEY-IMAGES

I was just talking about him at Skaterfest. I met him out in the Bay City, Michigan Formula 1 race. Great guy...I am so sorry to hear of this...
God Bless him and his family......

Audiofn

Dean Ferry

Our prayers go out to his family.
Dean

CigDaze

Very sorry for the loss. My condolences.