Bernie Little facts for kids
Bernie Little was a legendary figure in the world of Hydroplane racing. He was known as the most successful owner in the history of this exciting sport. His team, Miss Budweiser, achieved incredible success, winning many races and championships.
Contents
The King of Hydroplane Racing
Bernie Little was born around 1926 in McComb, Ohio, USA. He became famous for owning the Miss Budweiser hydroplane racing team. This team was incredibly successful, winning 134 out of 354 races they entered. They won the high points championship 22 times over 40 years of competition. They also won the prestigious Gold Cup 14 times.
His first big win came in 1966 on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. This race was for the Columbia Cup. The winning driver, Bill Brow, piloted the Miss Budweiser to victory. They reached a winning speed of over 98 miles per hour!
Building a Winning Team
Bernie Little's success wasn't just about fast boats. It was also about having a fantastic team. He hired some of the best people in the sport. These included boat designer Ron Jones and aeronautical engineer D.J. Nolan, Sr.
He also had some of the most famous drivers in hydroplane racing. These skilled drivers helped the Miss Budweiser team win many races. Some of the well-known drivers were Chip Hanauer, Jim Kropfeld, and Dave Villwock.
Safety First in Racing
Hydroplane racing is very fast and exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Bernie Little's team played a big part in making the sport safer. After a serious accident in 1982, they worked to improve driver safety.
During a race qualification in Kennewick, Washington, driver Dean Chenoweth was involved in a crash. To prevent future tragedies, Little's team helped create an enclosed driver's cockpit. This new design helped protect drivers much better.
Honoring a Racing Legend
Bernie Little's amazing contributions to hydroplane racing have been recognized. He was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. In 1994, he was also welcomed into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Several drivers who raced for Bernie Little's team are also in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. These include Dean Chenoweth, Chip Hanauer, and Tom D'Eath. This shows how many talented people were part of the Miss Budweiser legacy.
